Just twenty minutes north of Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk lies one of South Jersey’s most peaceful hidden gems — the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. This 21-acre coastal preserve offers families a perfect escape from the beach crowds while staying close enough for an afternoon return to Wildwood’s free beaches.
What Makes Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Special
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary protects the largest heronry on the East Coast, where thousands of wading birds nest each spring and summer. From late March through August, you’ll spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, black-crowned night herons, and glossy ibis building nests in the sanctuary’s mature trees.
The sanctuary features a quarter-mile boardwalk that winds through the preserve without disturbing the wildlife. Educational signs along the path help families identify different species and understand their nesting behaviors. Unlike many wildlife areas, this sanctuary is completely free to visit and open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Local Tip: Visit in early morning (7-9 AM) for the best bird activity and fewer crowds. The birds are most active during feeding times, and you’ll have the boardwalk mostly to yourself.
Planning Your Visit from Wildwood
The sanctuary sits on 2nd Avenue in Stone Harbor, easily accessible via the Garden State Parkway. From any of Coastal Collection’s five locally-owned properties — whether you’re staying at the Beachside Resort or our cozy Sunrise Inn — it’s a straight shot north on the Parkway to Exit 10B.
Parking is available along 2nd Avenue, though spaces fill up during peak summer weekends. The sanctuary entrance is clearly marked with interpretive panels explaining the preserve’s history and importance to migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.
Perfect Half-Day Itinerary: Start with morning birding at the sanctuary (7-9 AM), grab breakfast at Stone Harbor’s downtown cafés, then return to Wildwood for afternoon beach time. You’ll be back in time to walk the boardwalk from your Coastal Collection hotel.
What to Bring and Expect
Pack light for this gentle adventure. Essential items include:
- ✓Binoculars (though birds are visible without them)
- ✓Camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes (the boardwalk can be slippery when wet)
- ✓Water bottle and sun protection
The boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for families with young children. Quiet voices are encouraged to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Making the Most of Your Stone Harbor Day Trip
After exploring the sanctuary, Stone Harbor’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping and waterfront dining. The town’s beaches are also beautiful, though you’ll appreciate returning to Wildwood’s free beaches where you don’t need beach tags.
The beauty of staying with Coastal Collection is the flexibility to explore beyond Wildwood while maintaining walking distance to the boardwalk when you return. Whether you choose our Paradise Inn for its family-friendly amenities or one of our private Airbnb rentals for extra space, you’re perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation.
Local Tip: Combine your bird sanctuary visit with Stone Harbor’s weekly farmers market (Saturdays in summer) for fresh local produce and artisan goods to enjoy back at your hotel.
Stay Steps from the Action.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.