Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook is a narrow land spit on the Atlantic coast of New Jersey. It is owned by the Federal Government and most is managed by the National Park Service as one of three units comprising Gateway National Recreation Area.

Towns
  • Navesink Beach
  • Normandie
  • Sea Bright
  • Low Moor
  • Gallilee (New Jersey)

Understand

Geologically, Sandy Hook is a large sand spit or barrier spit, the extension of a barrier peninsula along the coast of New Jersey, separated from the mainland by the estuary of the Shrewsbury River. On its western side, the peninsula encloses Sandy Hook Bay, a triangular arm of Raritan Bay. The 1665 peninsula was discovered by Henry Hudson, and, historically, Sandy Hook has been a convenient anchorage for ships before proceeding into Upper New York Harbor.

Get in

Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Fees for motor vehicles are charged during the summer season. Season passes can be purchased, and discounts are offered for seniors.

By car

Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 117 then follow Route 36 east for 12 miles (19 km).

By plane

By ferry
  • Seastreak, ☏ +1-800-BOATRIDE (26287433). This is a very large and luxurious catamaran commuter ferry. Leaves from Pier 11 & East 34th Street in Manhattan directly to Sandy Hook, a 30-minute trip. Tickets are sold as you get on the ferry. $45 includes ferry and bus fares. On the ferry, there should be someone handing out maps of Sandy Hook. When you get there, after the 1-hour ride, you can walk to the beach or take a shuttle bus (yellow school bus). There are 3 main beaches, but the only nude beach is Gunnison. To walk to the beach, follow the other people heading out past the lighthouse. It takes about 15 minutes whether you walk or catch the shuttle.

Get around
  • The easiest way to get around Sandy Hook and surrounding areas is by car. There are not many public transportation systems in this area.
  • A bike path along much of the Hook encourages bike riding, in-line skating, and walking.

See
  • 🌍 Gunnison Beach. One of the largest nude beaches in America. Gunnison Beach in New Jersey is the easiest beach to get to by public transport from Manhattan. The ferry ride takes about an hour. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 🌍 Twin Lights Historic Site, Lighthouse Rd. Highlands, ☏ +1 732 872-1814, . The twin lights were built in 1828 as the primary seacoast light for NY harbor. Today, the towers have been transformed into a museum for the public to view. You can tour the towers, climb the North tower for a view of the Atlantic Ocean, or visit the exhibit gallery. 
  • 🌍 Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Located about 1½ statute miles (2.4 km) inland from the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. (updated Jan 2018)

Do

Sun bathing, ocean bathing, surfing, fishing, and other beach activities are popular in season. The bay side is a popular Windsurfing venue, along with some kite-surfing and kayaking. Bike riding is popular on the bike path, and roadways.

Buy

Don't bother traveling to sandy hook to shop, there is almost nothing for sale there. A few beach items such as sun screen are available in season.

Eat
  • 🌍 Bahr’s Landing, 2 Bay Avenue - Highlands, ☏ +1 732-872-1245. Bahr's Landing is a family-owned restaurant established in 1917. It has long been known for its great seafood, and views of Sandy Hook. 

Sleep

Stay safe

Only swim when a lifeguard is present. You must keep all children within a safe distance from you, and you should learn how to deal with rip tides. If you can't swim, do not go into the water. Keep an eye out for any large waves that wash further up the shore. Do not turn your back on the ocean!

Go next
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