Things to do

Nature lovers can get up close and personal with the local ecosystem and wildlife at the Wetlands Institute.  Open year round, the Wetlands Institute is a world famous nature based conservation and education facility.  In the winter months the Institute is open for self guided tours of all of its facilities, including aquariums, touch tanks, turtle stations, salt marsh trails and an observation tower.  In the summer, they offer complete guided tours, as well as back bay boat rides, kayaking, live animal shows, family entertainment and guided beach and dune tours.  Admission is $8 (ages 13 and up) and $6 (ages 3-12)

Stone Harbor is also the home of the 21 acre Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.  The Sanctuary, which is listed as a national landmark by the National Parks Service, is home to a wide variety of birds including thousands of herons.  Visitors can traverse several different trails that include a salt water marsh, an old growth maritime forest, fresh water ponds and meadows.  During the summer months, tours are led by Sanctuary docents.    

Boating and water sport activities abound in Stone Harbor.  Over Under Adventures offers sunset cruise, sightseeing and fishing excursions.  Their specialty Kids Stone Harbor Fishing Trips allow youth of all ages to learn what fishing and boating is all about.  The calm waters of the back bay make for a seasick free expedition with the family.    For more water fun, check out Island Watersports.  Visitors can rent wave runners and kayaks, or try water skiing and tubing.  Kids will love bouncing on their water trampoline, a 25 foot wide trampoline complete with a waterslide and aqua log.  They also offer a fun half-day water sports camp for kids.  Parents can take some time away while kids experience a half-day of water sports under the supervision of Island Water sport instructors.  

For a rainy day activity, stop in Island Studio.  Guests can paint pottery, make mosaics or take a glass fusion class at this creative art studio.  Mommy and me painting classes are also offered.  During the summer months, visitors can drop in during open studio time and choose a project.  Check the website for hours and more information.

Shopping

Take a stroll down 96th Street and see what makes Stone Harbor a shoppers paradise.  The quaint shopping district is home to a variety of boutiques and shops that offer seashore chic clothing, jewelry, gifts and home decor.  For casual clothing, swimwear and accessories, check out Global Pursuit.  This unique shop stocks great casual brands like Oakley, Uggs and Toms.  For designer fashions stop in Boutique at the Beach, which sells designer handbags, shoes and clothes.  Other great shops include Lighten Up, a great toy store, Stephanie's of Stone Harbor for fine gifts and jewelry and Hoys 5 & 10, which carries affordable toys, clothes and beach necessities.  

Dining

Start the day at Uncle Bill's Pancake House.  This popular destination serves breakfast all day with 15 different types of pancakes as well as waffles, French toast, omelets, farm fresh eggs and meats.  For lunch try Yvette's Cafe which serves gourmet sandwiches made from imported meats served on French bread.  Craving some seafood?  Back Bay Seafood is a take out only restaurant that offers numerous seafood entrees including shrimp scampi and crab imperial.  Make sure to try the restaurants signature item, Maryland-style crab cakes.  For a delicious dinner make a reservation at The Back Yard Restaurant, which offers fine American cuisine inside and out and has a picturesque garden atmosphere.  The menu includes seafood, steaks and chicken.  Don't forget to save room for dessert.  Stop in Springer's Homemade Ice Cream and choose from over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream, ices, gelato and sorbets. 

Upcoming Events

The Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival at the Wetlands Institute (May 16-18), Memorial Day Parade (May 26), Baby Parade (July 14), Stone Harbor Arts & Crafts Festival (August 2-3), Festival of Lights Boat Parade (August 9), Centennial Celebration Parade (September 6) and the Food, Wine and Beer Festival (September 20)

Nearby Stone Harbor

Take a drive up Seven Mile Beach and visit the neighboring town of Avalon for more shopping, water sports and great restaurants.  The Cape May Zoo, just across the bridge, is a great day trip for families.  The Zoo is home to more than 550 animals and is open year round.  For more family fun, Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterpark (Wildwood, NJ) is just a short ride away.