Stone Harbor is a quaint New Jersey beachside town in the middle of the Jersey Cape area. Stone Harbor’s unofficial motto is “The Seashore at its Best,” and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re collecting shells as the sun sets, swimming on the gentle waves or sunbathing on the clean, white sand, you’re sure to fall in love with this family-friendly vacation spot. Common attractions in the area include jet skiing, fishing, sailing, volleyball, tennis and virtually any other beachfront activity you can imagine. With so many delightful towns in the Jersey Cape area, choosing vacation rentals can be difficult. Stone Harbor vacation rentals that will bring you closer to the beach and your family. Here are 12 of our favorite areas to rent a vacation rental near Stone Harbor.
1. Wildwood
Known as one of the Jersey Cape’s premier family-friendly vacation destination, you’re going to have a blast in Wildwood. The area is famous for its sugar-white sand, gently rolling waves, and incredible boardwalk. The historic boardwalk is more than a mile and a half long, and it boasts four different amusement parks, two movie theaters, hundreds of food stands, restaurants, and shops, and so much more. At night, the boardwalk lights up with neon lights, live music, and carnival games. Wildwood is also a great place for a whale-watching or deep-sea fishing adventure.
2. Avalon
Because Avalon juts a mile further into the Atlantic than its surrounding communities, the unofficial slogan is “Cooler by a Mile.” When you rent a vacation rental in this awesome vacation town, you’ll see just how cool it can be! During the summer, water sports are the name of the game. You’ll see many vibrant sailboats, yachts, and motorboats gliding across the sea, and there are plenty of rental and charter options available. Avalon is home to a wide range of exceptional restaurants and shops, and the public parks and playgrounds are meticulously maintained.
3. Ocean City
Ocean City has a lot to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quaint cabin or a luxury beachfront suite, there’s no shortage of vacation rentals in Ocean City. It’s also a quick drive from Atlantic City’s vibrant nightlife scene. The Ocean City Music Pier is home to the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, and it’s a wonderful place to enjoy an outdoor concert by the water. There are two different amusement parks on Ocean City’s vibrant boardwalk, and there are rides for kids and adults alike. While the beach is the main attraction is Ocean City, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues in the area.
Find the perfect Stone Harbor vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Cape May
Known for its stunningly clean beaches as well as its gorgeous Victorian architecture and superbly restored historical landmarks and buildings, Cape May is truly a slice of paradise. This enchanted city has a cozy, romantic feel that you’re sure to love. Be sure to check the calendar at the Cape May Convention Center — it’s an oceanfront entertainment venue that hosts a wide range of family-friendly performances. Some popular activities in Cape May include kite flying, whale watching, fishing, and sailing, but you’re only limited by your imagination.
5. Sea Isle City
There’s something for everybody at Sea Isle City. While the area boasts plenty of modern amenities, it still retains an old-fashioned community feel. Get some exercise strolling, jogging, or biking down the scenic Promenade, and be sure to check out the various restaurants, shops, arcades, and other attractions. If you feel like going on a deep-sea fishing adventure, there are plenty of boats waiting to be chartered. The area also has plenty of private boat rentals if you’d prefer to captain your own vessel. Sea Isle City has some of New Jersey’s highest rated beaches, and with five miles of coastline, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic sunset stroll by the gently crashing waves.
5. Upper Township
If you’re looking for a vacation rental in a more rural area, Upper Township is a great starting point. The majority of this peaceful area is still natural, and there’s plenty of scenic beauty waiting to be discovered. Upper Township is conveniently located right between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, so boating is a popular pastime. The area’s lush forests offer superb hiking, and the Great Cedar Swamp is a great place to view and photograph a variety of butterfly and bird species.
7. West Cape May
West Cape May is another rural, residential area that gives you convenient access to the busier beach towns. It’s a laid-back village with a variety of charming boutique shops, restaurants, and farms. Many of the buildings have that classic Victorian look that really makes the town so special. Check the local calendar, and you should be able to find a farmer’s market where you can procure local ingredients for a mouthwatering homemade dinner. Just be sure to rent a vacation rental with a big kitchen!
8. Dennis Township
Dennis Township is the smallest out of the Jersey Cape’s four townships. It gives you a sleepy small-town atmosphere, while still letting you quickly drive to the bigger resort cities. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors, as hiking, bird watching, fishing, camping, and cycling are all popular activities. Explore the scenic Belleplain State Forest — it’s the largest woodlands in the Jersey Cape. Other scenic natural areas right near your vacation rental include the Leaming’s Run Botanical Gardens and the Beaver Swamp Fish and Wildlife Management Area.
9. West Wildwood
Gorgeous and serene, West Wildwood is a friendly community by the bay. It’s a great place for boating, water skiing, and sailing, as there are many inland waterways between the Wildwood Canal and Grassy Sound with deep water that’s still close to the shore. Fishing and crabbing are also popular activities, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch dinner! Of course, West Wildwood is just a stone’s throw away from Wildwood, so it’s perfect if you want something nearby but a little more secluded. If you’re looking for something nearby to do with the whole family, check out Wildwood Mini Golf or the Seaport Aquarium.
10. Lower Township
Located right at the bottom of the Jersey Cape, Lower Township is a great choice if you’re looking for waterfront vacation rentals. There are quite a few multi-story vacation homes overlooking the Delaware Bay shoreline, giving you a stunning view of the sunset. Besides the obvious beach activities, there’s plenty to do. Hike the trails at Cape May Point State Park, or see birds and wildlife in their natural habitats at the Higbee Wildlife Area. Lower Township has a plenty of tennis courts, golf courses, bike paths, and boat rentals readily available.
11. Wildwood Crest
Nestled right between Wildwood and Cape May is lovely Wildwood Crest. The family-friendly 3-mile beach is well-maintained and visually breathtaking. When the evening draws near, be sure to head to the aptly named Sunset Lake, where you can enjoy the view at one of the East Coast’s most popular sunset-watching spots. Check the Crest Pier schedule, and you may be able to catch an outdoor concert, dance, craft show, or other performance or event.
12. Middle Township
Middle Township offers historical architecture blended with modern amenities. Many of the buildings — especially in the Historic District — are over 100 years old, giving a wonderful antiquity to the area. Middle Township’s central location makes it a great starting point for day trips, and there are plenty of delightful shops and restaurants to explore nearby. The Cape May County Park and Zoo is just a quick drive away from your vacation rental, and it’s the perfect place to bring the kids to see exotic wildlife. Middle Township is also known for its stupendous freshwater fishing.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Stone Harbor vacation rentals on Tripping.com.