Stone Harbor Point
A serene waterfront park known for its bird sanctuary, abundant shells, and peaceful coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for bird migration.
Stone Harbor Point
Best Time
Prime time for bird migration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene waterfront park known for its bird sanctuary, abundant shells, and peaceful coastal walks.
"A wonderful place for a nice stroll with soft sand and gentle water, great for finding wildlife."
🚗 Easy Parking Access
Park at the end of 122nd Street for a large lot, making beach access simple with gear.
🐚 Shell Hunter's Delight
The beach is rich with shells, perfect for collectors. Look around bins for hidden gems!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bird Watching Haven
Witness migrating birds like Dunlin, Long-tailed Ducks, and Brant. A paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Shell Collecting
Discover a treasure trove of shells, including conch shells and Cape May Diamonds, on the soft sands.
Horseshoe Crab Encounters
Observe horseshoe crabs, especially during mating season. Learn how to safely interact with these ancient creatures.
Scenic Coastal Walks
Enjoy peaceful strolls along the beach and through grassy dunes, taking in the serene waterfront views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Wildlife & Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking Access
Park at the end of 122nd Street for a large lot, making beach access simple with gear.
🐚 Shell Hunter's Delight
The beach is rich with shells, perfect for collectors. Look around bins for hidden gems!
🦀 Respect Wildlife
Handle horseshoe crabs by the sides of their shells. Never by the tail, as their torso is delicate.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Beach Walks
Enjoy the soft sand and gentle water for a relaxing stroll. Great for nature lovers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking Access
Park at the end of 122nd Street for a large lot, making beach access simple with gear.
🐚 Shell Hunter's Delight
The beach is rich with shells, perfect for collectors. Look around bins for hidden gems!
🦀 Respect Wildlife
Handle horseshoe crabs by the sides of their shells. Never by the tail, as their torso is delicate.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Beach Walks
Enjoy the soft sand and gentle water for a relaxing stroll. Great for nature lovers.
🐦 Bird Conservation Area
Much of the point is protected for birds. Be mindful and avoid disturbing wildlife.
📸 Sunset Views
The point offers beautiful sunset photography opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Stone Harbor Point's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. It's praised for its excellent bird watching opportunities, plentiful shells for collectors, and gentle waters. Some note the importance of respecting the protected bird areas.
"Stone Harbor Beach is free parking on 122nd street. The beach was amazing , clean,and had lots of shells, I saw some girls looking for some shells so I told them to go around the bin and when we got there they both found conch shells unfortunately they still had the conch inside so they had to leave them but it was a good experience for them. I found one it was just a great beach !!"
Tina Bright
"The water is warm, even in earlier seasons. The sun warms up the shallow most parts and the water just cooks in the little basin.
Lovely place to find wildlife, my best friend and I go every year and rescue the sea life that has washed ashore.
This year we came a bit earlier in the season and interrupted mating season for the horseshoe crabs 🤭 that was quite the show.
We found a female horseshoe crab beached during a full moon, so tide wasn’t expected to reach her with the four days they have to survive without water. We dug her up and rescued her.
If you ever find a horseshoe crab on the beach in stone harbor and want to pick it up, the best way is to handle them by the sides of the shell. They are very friendly creatures and won’t pinch you.
They’ll squirm a bit, DO NOT handle horseshoe crabs by the tail. An unfortunate siting this year were many horseshoe crabs torn in half, their torso is very delicate and can separate from their head because of the weight of their shell.
Overall the point is a wonderful place for a nice stroll. The sand is soft and the water is gentle."
Lynn
"A not super manicured, very chill beach. Plenty of shells and Cape May Diamond type sea stones. Not super crowded, either, and there is a bird conservation area right down the beach that is very beautiful with lots of wildlife. I managed to catch a tide pool with some sea life there as well. A great day."
evel monica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient access is via the parking lot at the end of 122nd Street in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. This provides easy access to the beach and trails.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the end of 122nd Street, which is a popular starting point for exploring Stone Harbor Point.
Generally, driving on the beach is not permitted at Stone Harbor Point, as it is a protected conservation area. Stick to designated parking areas.
While the beach has soft sand, the main access points from the 122nd Street parking lot are generally manageable for strollers. Wheelchair accessibility may be challenging on the sand itself.
Stone Harbor Point is located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and is close to Avalon and North Wildwood.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Stone Harbor Point is a public park and beach area, so there are no admission tickets required to enter.
Parking at the 122nd Street lot is typically free, making it an accessible destination.
Stone Harbor Point is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific beach access may vary seasonally.
While specific pet policies can change, Stone Harbor Point is known as a bird conservation area, so dogs may be restricted or required to be on a leash, especially during nesting seasons. Check local signage.
Stone Harbor Point is generally considered a safe area for visitors, with easy access and a relaxed atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy bird watching, beachcombing for shells, scenic walks, photography, and observing wildlife like horseshoe crabs. +1
Absolutely! Stone Harbor Point is a renowned spot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons, with various species like Dunlin and Long-tailed Ducks. 
Besides birds, you can often spot horseshoe crabs, especially during mating season, and various sea life in tide pools.
Yes, the waters are generally warm and gentle, making it suitable for swimming, especially in the shallower areas.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are recommended for exploring the beach and trails. Bring layers as coastal weather can change.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire point offers scenic beauty, from the dunes and marshlands to the ocean views. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning.
Wildlife photography, especially of birds and horseshoe crabs, is very popular. Landscape and sunset photography also capture the essence of the location.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be respectful of wildlife and avoid disturbing protected areas. Drone usage may be restricted.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photography. Midday can be harsh but is good for spotting wildlife.
Drone usage is often restricted in protected wildlife areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone at Stone Harbor Point.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 Photographers will find endless inspiration, from dramatic sunrises and sunsets to the intricate details of wildlife and coastal landscapes. The protected status of the area ensures a relatively undisturbed environment, perfect for capturing authentic moments in nature. Remember to bring binoculars and a good camera to make the most of your visit. 🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
It’s an ideal spot for reflection, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness amidst a serene coastal setting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Wonders: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
+3Beyond the birds, the point is also famous for its horseshoe crab population. If you visit during their mating season, typically around the full moon in late spring and early summer, you might witness this ancient ritual. Visitors are encouraged to learn the proper way to handle these creatures – by the sides of their shells – to ensure their safety and well-being. It's a unique opportunity to connect with marine life in its natural environment.
Remember that much of Stone Harbor Point is a protected bird conservation area. This means respecting the natural environment is paramount. Stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing nesting sites, and pack out everything you pack in. This ensures the continued health of the ecosystem and the protection of its inhabitants for future generations.
Beachcombing and Coastal Treasures
When exploring the beach, especially after storms or high tides, keep an eye out for interesting marine life that may have washed ashore. The tide pools that form can also reveal small sea creatures, offering a glimpse into the local marine ecosystem. It’s a fantastic activity for all ages, encouraging observation and appreciation for the natural world.
While the beach is known for its natural beauty and finds, it's important to be mindful of the environment. Avoid taking live creatures from the water or disturbing the natural habitat. The joy of beachcombing here lies in the discovery and the peaceful experience of walking along the shore.
Social
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