Stone Harbor is one of New Jersey’s best kept secrets. The barrier island is in South Jersey between Atlantic City and Cape May.
Stone Harbor is part of the 7 Mile Island, sharing the island with Avalon. The town is on the quieter south end of the island, mostly residential with one main street for shopping. There are a few restaurants and bars also on 96th Street.
Stone Harbor is one of the wealthiest towns in New Jersey, which makes it a safe haven for high-profile people such as movie stars such as Tom Cruise, musicians such as Taylor Swift, news anchors and talk show hosts such as Oprah Winfrey, soap opera stars, and businessmen such as the CEO of Utz Potato Chips. In fact, Taylor Swift grew up coming to Stone Harbor every summer and started her singing career in a local Stone Harbor coffee shop.
Restaurants
The Reeds at Shelter Haven Resort is a new restaurant on the bay in the center of Stone Harbor. The outside deck bar at this upscale boutique hotel faces gorgeous sunsets every evening. There are docking slips for customers who prefer to arrive by boat, and valet parking for cars. Prices are high, but you’re paying for the view and atmosphere.
Fred’s Tavern is a casual, low-key tavern with pub fare and a full bar. Attached to the bar is a liquor store. It’s open year round and offers outdoor dining in the summer.
Stone Harbor Bar & Grill is a casual pub with sandwiches, finger food, and seafood dishes. It’s in Stone Harbor Square with front and side windows that open to all of 96th Street’s action.
The Watering Hull is Stone Harbor’s newest bar and restaurant, located above Stone Harbor Bar & Grill and above Stone Harbor Square. They offer a mostly seafood menu and full bar with live music and dj. Windows open fully to enjoy an open-air environment and watch the action of the shore town.
The Windrift Hotel is a high-end beachfront hotel. The bar and restaurant area are popular with locals and vacationers and offers a piano lounge, outside tiki bar, beach cocktail bar, and pizzeria. Tuesday night is famous and popular among locals as wing night, which starts and ends early with wing and Miller Lite specials.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is the number one breakfast restaurant in Stone Harbor. It’s open from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Uncle Bill’s serves breakfast and lunch. There is usually a wait, so get there early; Taylor Swift mentioned in an interview that she loved going to breakfast at Uncle Bill’s as a child and it has been a popular tourist destination ever since!
Where to Stay
Shelter Haven is a new upscale boutique hotel located directly on the bay on the main street in Stone Harbor. Rooms have balconies, fireplaces, wet bars, full kitchens, and one suite comes with a chef’s kitchen and personal chef. Boat slips are available for guests who arrive by boat.
The Windrift Hotel is a high-end beachfront hotel with ocean views, multiple bedroom suites, a heated pool and hot tub, and on-site restaurants and bars.
Other hotels of less popularity but lower prices include the Lark Motel, Sun ‘n Sand Motel, Dune’s Motel, and Harbor Inn Motel. Hotels in nearby Avalon include the Concord Suites, Golden Inn Resort Hotel, Beachcomber Resort, and Desert Sand Resort.
Another option to stay in Stone Harbor is airbnb, where homeowners can rent their multi-million dollar homes out to visitors. Airbnb is safe and becoming more popular in America (it is already very popular in Europe). For $30 off your first booking, visit this link: $30 Off First Booking.
