Avalon vs Stone Harbor: Seven Mile Island Neighbors Compared
Sharing Seven Mile Island, Avalon and Stone Harbor are often grouped together but each has its own personality. Avalon offers pristine beaches and a quieter atmosphere, while Stone Harbor brings a walkable downtown and the famous bird sanctuary.
Quick Comparison
Notes
- Beach Badges: Same price, different badges
- Downtown: Stone Harbor has a concentrated downtown
- Beach Crowds: Avalon beaches are typically less crowded
- Unique Attraction: Both have special features
- Dining Scene: Both have great restaurants
- Social Vibe: Different but both upscale
🏖️ Beaches
Both share beautiful Seven Mile Island beaches with the same $8 daily badge (but each town requires its own badge). Avalon's beaches, especially to the north, tend to be quieter with excellent dune preservation. Stone Harbor beaches near 96th Street are more social with a family-friendly bustle.
🎢 Activities & Attractions
Stone Harbor's unique attraction is the 21-acre Bird Sanctuary—a heronry where herons, egrets, and ibises nest. The walkable 96th Street downtown offers shopping and ice cream (Springer's!). Avalon is more about beach relaxation with the community center, kayaking, and fishing in the back bays.
Tours & Activities
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Tours & Activities
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🍽️ Dining
Stone Harbor's 96th Street concentrates dining options including The Whitebrier, Spiaggetta, and casual spots. Avalon has excellent restaurants like Café Loren and the Sea Grill but they're more spread out. Both towns have great BYOB options.
🏨 Accommodations
Both are primarily vacation rental destinations with beautiful beach houses. Options range from modest to multimillion-dollar oceanfront estates. Stone Harbor has The Reeds at Shelter Haven for those wanting a hotel. Expect premium prices in both towns—among the priciest at the shore.
🚗 Getting There
Both towns share the same Garden State Parkway access (Exits 10-13) and are about 2.5 hours from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. Street parking requires permits in summer. You can easily walk or bike between the towns.
The Verdict: Who Should Go Where?
Best for Families
Stone Harbor edges out with walkable downtown, bird sanctuary, and Springer's ice cream. Avalon is great too but requires more driving.
Best for Couples
Avalon offers a quieter, more romantic beach experience. Stone Harbor is good for couples who want dining within walking distance.
Best for Budget
Neither is budget-friendly—both are among the most expensive shore destinations. Costs are similar.
Best for Nightlife
Neither has significant nightlife. Both are quiet by 10 PM. Stone Harbor's 96th Street has a few casual bars.
Best for Foodies
Both have excellent dining. Stone Harbor wins for concentration and walkability; Avalon has standout individual restaurants.
🏆 Overall Verdict
Stone Harbor for walkability, the bird sanctuary, and Springer's ice cream. Avalon for quieter beaches and maximum relaxation.
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Explore Avalon
Beach badges, attractions, dining, and complete guide to Avalon.
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Beach badges, attractions, dining, and complete guide to Stone Harbor.
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