I love exploring the Jersey Shore, whether it's in the bustling summer months or the laidback off-season. I spend plenty of time each year in tourist hubs like Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Beach, and Cape May, of course, but more and more I'm being drawn to the best small towns on the Jersey Shore. Avalon is pretty well known, but its nearby neighbor to the south, Stone Harbor, is just as charming and full of delightful sights, attractions, and dining destinations. While the town is partially seasonal, it's a community of just under 800 people year-round, which means there's always a reason to visit, and every time I do, I'm filled with a little desire to just stick around long-term.
Stone Harbor is a true small-town gem in a less-visited area of the Jersey Shore, located on the beautiful Seven Mile Island. The laidback town of just under 800 actually used to be home to Taylor Swift and her family for several years, and today it brings throngs of visitors every summer to enjoy its beautiful scenery and great beach scene.
The beach here is beautiful, especially at dusk. It can get crowded in the summer, but never like the bigger guns, and it appeals to families and long-term visitors, rather than a party crowd. Seven Mile Beach is also a beloved spot for seashell hunting, and the town is known as a great launch point for surfing.
The town's charming downtown is the perfect place to explore after a day at the beach. The Stone Harbor Museum is always home to new and interesting exhibits, hosting a Taylor Swift exhibit recently. The dining scene is great too, with classics like Fred's Tavern sharing space with hotspots like Buckets Cantina. And if you're here during warmer months, make sure to stop in for a sweet treat at Springer's Homemade Ice Cream, one of the state's most unique ice cream parlors with a massive variety of flavors ranging from classic chocolate to herbal teaberry.
Have you visited Stone Harbor before? If you think this is the best small town on the Jersey Shore, tell a friend and plan a visit! If you have another town in mind, make sure to let us know via our nomination form! And if you're looking for a place to stay in town, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a gorgeous luxury resort right by the water with rave reviews.
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