Stone Harbor or Wildwood?...That is the question! (Ocean City, Cape May: real estate, rentals)

[W-B proud]

Hello, I'm from northeast Pa. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. I have been vacationing in Wildwood all my life (my parents have taken us there as kids, and now I take my own children... blah, blah, blah). Anyway, some guy I work with has told me Stone Harbor is way better, less crowded (but I kind of like the busier Wildwood vibe), and swears that I should ditch Wildwood this year, and opt for Stone Harbor instead. The thing is that I am a creature of habit, and I like Wildwood, and the boardwalk, Morey's Pier, and the 50's style neon motels ect., and it's all I know. I am curious however about Stone Harbor, and my buddy at work swears by it, and keeps trying to convince me to try it out. I only go down the shore once a year and I'm afraid if I try Stone Harbor, I may regret my decision. I also heard that you have to pay for a beach badge in Stone Harbor, and if you times that by four, it could be a little pricey I imagine. So, what are your thoughts? Which is better?-Stone Harbor, Wildwood, or is there somewhere else at the shore that trumps them both? Thank You!

[KewlGuy]

Originally Posted by W-B proud

Hello, I'm from northeast Pa. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. I have been vacationing in Wildwood all my life (my parents have taken us there as kids, and now I take my own children... blah, blah, blah). Anyway, some guy I work with has told me Stone Harbor is way better, less crowded (but I kind of like the busier Wildwood vibe), and swears that I should ditch Wildwood this year, and opt for Stone Harbor instead. The thing is that I am a creature of habit, and I like Wildwood, and the boardwalk, Morey's Pier, and the 50's style neon motels ect., and it's all I know. I am curious however about Stone Harbor, and my buddy at work swears by it, and keeps trying to convince me to try it out. I only go down the shore once a year and I'm afraid if I try Stone Harbor, I may regret my decision. I also heard that you have to pay for a beach badge in Stone Harbor, and if you times that by four, it could be a little pricey I imagine. So, what are your thoughts? Which is better?-Stone Harbor, Wildwood, or is there somewhere else at the shore that trumps them both? Thank You!

They are two completely different beach experiences. Stone Harbor is more laid back compared to Wildwood. A much more mature environment. If you enjoy the action at Wildwood I doubt you would enjoy Stone Harbor. Ocean City is similar to Wildwood except that it's a dry town so you would have to go outside the city limits for an adult beverage. Ocean City also has a great boardwalk which Stone Harbor does not. Personally at this point in our lives we much prefer Stone Harbor and Avalon but if we were still in our teens or twenties no doubt Wildwood is where we would be going. BTW, beach tags are $5.00 per day at Stone Harbor.

[Sassygirl18]

If you like the boardwalk and all the action and excitement at Wildwood, you probably won't like Stone Harbor. If I am not mistaken, Stone Harbor doesn't have a boardwalk.

I am a Wildwood person too, although recently I've decided Ocean City is nicer - except the rides are better at Wildwood.

When I want a total beach day - just relaxation and no boardwalk, I go to Island Beach State Park for the day.

[Adream]

Stone Harbor and Wildwood are indeed two very different places. Wildwood has the wide FREE beaches and the classic "Doo-Wop" Jersey Shore atmosphere, as you know from visiting there for years. LOTS to do in Wildwood.

Stone Harbor is sedate and low key, with a very nice central shopping area, lovely beaches (beach tags required) and some gorgeous real estate to dream about. The Point in Stone Harbor is one of my favorite beaches on the East Coast. Lovely, quiet and peaceful.

On the same island as Stone Harbor is Avalon. Beautiful town, very family friendly ~ Dune Drive is the main drag where there are lots of shops, breakfast spots and mini-golf. Great beachs, but tags are required there too.

You'll surely find rents or motel rates less expensive in Wildwood than in Stone Harbor or Avalon. Avalon/S.H. can get quite pricey. For a great place to stay, Google "The Windrift" on 80th Street. It's a beachfront hotel and restaurant with a fantastic pool, and was just remodeled. We're locals so we don't need a hotel room, but we do enjoy going to the Windrift for breakfast, dinner or just a drink in the lounge. The Golden Inn is right next door on the beach, and that was also recently remodeled ~ both are beautiful.

While Ocean City is the quintessential Jersey Shore town, it is a dry town, as mentioned, which may or may not be important to you. As far as I'm concerned the one thing you can't beat in Ocean City is Mack & Manco's pizza on the boardwalk. I'd walk 5 miles for that pizza!

A nice town for you to consider might be Sea Isle City. Fantastic beaches, nice restaurants, it's not as low-key as Stone Harbor but not as exciting as Wildwood ~ somewhere in the middle. Another family-friendly town.

No matter which town you choose, you are sure to have a great vacation. It's hard to beat the Jersey Shore in the summer time! Have fun!

[yankeemom]

The other thing to keep in mind is that Stone Harbor and Wildwood are not that far apart. Growing up, my family always rented in Stone Harbor and did day/evening trips i.e. one afternoon/night on the WW boardwalks, one day in scenic Cape May. Beach tags are required ( $6 daily, $12 weekly) but some motels/rentals provide them for your use during your stay. Personally I find WW beach actually tooooo wide, but to each their own!

[frankgn87]

stone harbor has no boardwalk, no rides, no wildwood fun. its a place to retire and sit on the porch. I think there are only a few hotels too. Nothing like wildwood. Forget it. you have found the best. stick with it

[clevedark]

Yes, Stone Harbor is a quiet upper crust beach resort while Wildwood is more flash and dash.

[Adream]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

stone harbor has no boardwalk, no rides, no wildwood fun. its a place to retire and sit on the porch. I think there are only a few hotels too. Nothing like wildwood. Forget it. you have found the best. stick with it

Hi Frankgn87! I used to live in Cinnaminson many years ago.

[gouldy71]

I agree with the other posters - if you like the 'action' of Wildwood, then Stone Harbor is not the place for you. Ocean City would be the next step down from Wildwood in terms of 'action' with the boardwalk and all. We actually love Stone Harbor and Avalon and go to WW and OC for our 'action' a couple of days during our stay... In SH/Avalon, you need beach tags but not for the kids - I think the cutoff may be 12 and under are free but don't quote me. My kids are under 10 and they are free.

[Gerania]

It's already been said, but the two places are completely different; if you like Wildwood then Stone Harbor isn't going to do it for you. It's beautiful, but got a totally different feeling and is quiet in comparison.

Nothing trumps family history and fond memories. When I was a kid, my parents took us, the kids, to LBI. It's one of my favorite places in the whole world. I've lived in a few different areas and been on some nice vacations but there'll always be a soft spot in my heart for that place...so many memories.

If you go to Wildwood every year, you should take a drive up there sometime and have a look around, satisfy your curiosity. I think that it's only five miles.