Stone Harbor
An upscale community located in scenic Seven Mile Island. Stone Harbor has a charming downtown with eclectic shops and unique restaurants, with some operating on a year round basis. Some attractions in Stone Harbor include the Wetlands INstitute, Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and the Stone Harbor Point
Amenities
Education in Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor School District serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
As of 2023–24, it has 78 students and 9.7 teachers, with a student–teacher ratio of 8.1:1.
It was among the smallest districts in New Jersey, reflecting its close-knit community.
Shared School Agreement with Avalon:
Since 2011–12, grades K–4 from both Avalon and Stone Harbor attend Stone Harbor Elementary, while grades 5–8 attend Avalon Elementary.
The two districts operate cooperatively and can share teachers and resources despite being legally separate.
High School Education:
Students in grades 9–12 attend Middle Township High School in Cape May Court House through a sending/receiving relationship.
The school has 825 students, 66 teachers, and a 12.5:1 student–teacher ratio.
Other Educational Options:
Students may also attend Cape May County Technical High School, offering vocational and technical programs free to county residents.
Special needs students are served by the Cape May County Special Services School District in Cape May Court House.
Private & Parochial Schools:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden operates Bishop McHugh Regional School (K–8) in Ocean View, serving Avalon and Stone Harbor parishes.
Public Library:
The Cape May County Library system operates a Stone Harbor branch, providing educational and community resources.
Healthcare in Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor does not have its own hospital, but residents have convenient access to major medical facilities nearby.
Cape Regional Medical Center, located in Cape May Court House, is the nearest full-service hospital providing emergency care, surgery, and specialized medical services.
Additional healthcare needs are served by Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, local clinics, and urgent care centers throughout Cape May County.
Various primary care offices, dental clinics, and pharmacies also operate within a short drive from Stone Harbor, ensuring accessible healthcare for residents and visitors.
Transportation in Avalon
Roads and Highways
As of 2010, Stone Harbor had a total of 24.11 miles (38.80 km) of roadways, with 21.38 miles maintained by the borough and 2.73 miles by Cape May County.
No Interstate, U.S., or major state highways pass through Stone Harbor. The main routes include County Route 619, which runs along Ocean Drive, and County Route 657, which connects the island to the mainland and provides access to the Garden State Parkway and U.S. Route 9.
Public transportation
NJ Transit offers the 315 inter-city bus route that runs through the town three times a day and shuttles people to and from Philadelphia, and the 319 route to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan
Climate in Stone Harbor
Type: Humid subtropical climate (Cfa)
Seasons: Hot, moderately humid summers and cool winters with year-round precipitation
Temperature Range:
Summer highs can feel above 95°F (35°C) with heat and humidity
Winter lows can feel below 0°F (−17.8°C) due to wind chills
Cooling Effect: A daily afternoon sea breeze provides relief during summer months
Snowfall: Averages 12–18 inches per season (November–April), with February as the snowiest month
Plant Hardiness Zone: 7b, with an average annual extreme minimum temperature around 6°F (−14.4°C)
Stone Harbor Water Tower and 1924 Pumping Station: Built in 1924, this is the oldest municipal structure still in use in Stone Harbor. Standing 133 feet tall, the tower can be seen from nearly anywhere on the island. It holds 500,000 gallons of water drawn from wells tapping the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer.
The Wetlands Institute: A popular educational and environmental center dedicated to coastal ecology and conservation.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary: A protected habitat that attracts a variety of bird species, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Stone Harbor Museum: Showcasing the town’s local history, culture, and coastal heritage.
Villa Maria by the Sea: A historic convent established in 1937 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The beachfront area, known as Nun’s Beach, is a favorite local surfing spot.
Beaches: Stone Harbor’s oceanfront is consistently recognized for its beauty, including being ranked among New Jersey’s top beaches.
