1 Day in Stone Harbor
Bird Sanctuary and 96th Street
Every stop below is a place in our Stone Harbor listings: Harbor Diner, Stone Harbor Beach, Wetlands Institute, Green Cuisine, Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, Springer's Ice Cream, 96th Street and Jay's on Third. Swap any of them for another from the town guide; the times are only a suggested order.
Morning
Breakfast: Harbor Diner
Classic diner serving breakfast all day. Local favorite for morning fuel before hitting the beach.
Tip: Order: Breakfast platters.
Stone Harbor Beach
Well-maintained family beaches with lifeguards. Less crowded than many shore towns with an upscale, relaxed atmosphere.
Tip: Best for swimming, relaxation, surfing.
Wetlands Institute
$10 admission. Educational center about barrier island ecology with aquariums, nature trails, observation tower, and hands-on programs for kids.
Afternoon
Lunch: Green Cuisine
Healthy options including smoothies, açaí bowls, and fresh juices. A light beach-day meal.
Tip: Order: Açaí bowl.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
NJ's only municipal bird sanctuary (FREE). Observe herons, egrets, and other wading birds nesting in their natural habitat. Best viewing May-August.
Treat: Springer's Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream at 3rd Ave and 94th St since the 1920s. Lines run long in summer, so go early or late.
Tip: Order: Any flavor—they're all excellent.
96th Street
Main commercial district with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and the Harbor Square Theatre for movies and performances.
Evening
Dinner: Jay's on Third
Casual spot for pizza, burgers, and bar food. Family-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tip: Order: Pizza.
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What we know it costs
- Day parking (tracked lots)
- $15/day
- Meters from
- $2.50/hr
- Beach badge
- $8/day
Food and activity costs vary too much by choice to estimate here. Beach badge prices
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Parking in Stone Harbor
96th Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (100 spaces, 2 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $2.50/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate.
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Stone Harbor Day Trip FAQ
How long is the drive to Stone Harbor from New York City?
About 2hr 40min without traffic, or 1hr 20min from Philadelphia.
Do I need a beach badge in Stone Harbor?
Stone Harbor beach badges cost $8 per day or $40 for the season; children under 11 are free.
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