STONE HARBOR BOASTS SOME OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE REAL ESTATE in southern New Jersey and is known as well for its exclusive shopping district.

Located along 96th Street, an eclectic mix of shops carries everything from surfing gear to designer sportswear, from holiday decorations at the Paisley Christmas Shoppe to fine linens at Trendz and Trendz Home.There are also plenty of great places to eat in town.

Stone Harbor is home to the Wetlands Institute and Museum and the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. The Wetlands Institute is located on the causeway coming into town and includes more than 6,000 acres of natural wetlands. The institute sponsors a variety of bird-watching events and other nature-related activities throughout the year. Also featured are exhibits and an aquarium depicting local marshland life.

The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, registered as a National Landmark by the National Park Service, is the only municipally owned heronry in the United States. Thousands of herons have nested in the 21-acre sanctuary since it was founded in 1947. Visit the sanctuary observatory at 114th Street and Third Avenue and you might catch sight of a few of them, including the American Egret; the Snowy Egret; the Louisiana Heron; the Green Heron; the Yellow Crowned and Black Crowned Night Egrets; the Cattle Egret and the Glossy Ibis.

AVALON’S CLAIM THAT IT IS “COOLER BY A MILE” may stem from the fact that it extends one mile further into the ocean than neighboring resorts, but it could just as well refer to the laid back attitude a vacationer can easily achieve here. Sun, sea and sand are plentiful, but gone is the frenetic, action-packed atmosphere of many shore communities.

Avalon’s high dunes have been carefully preserved over the years and are home to natural foliage and plant life that has long since disappeared from more developed shore towns. To protect the dunes (and allow easier access to the beach), walkways have been erected at street ends. The town is also home to many beautiful parks and playgrounds—a point of civic pride among Avalon residents since the landscaping is maintained by private citizens.

If you’re looking for a relaxing pastime during your stay, fishing is highly recommended. Surf fishing is allowed, as is fishing from the piers and jetties throughout town.The Avalon Sport Fishing Center, between 15th and 16th streets and the bay, is home port for charter boats.

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