Sandy Hook

Originally discovered by the famous Sea Captain Henry Hudson in the early 1600’s, Sandy Hook remains a beautiful, 1,665-acre barrier peninsula within view of the Manhattan skyline.

The seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, and relaxing on the sand. Nature lovers will revel in the 300 – plus species of migratory birds, as well as the pristine holly forest.

There is no beach town or commercial community of Sandy Hook – it is actually a National Park that is also home to a military base and a lighthouse.

It is recommended that those who would like to spend some time in Sandy Hook stay in Highlands, which is located on the hill across the bay. Highlands is the highest point on the entire eastern seaboard, and during the height of Prohibition became a bootleggers paradise. A sleepy seaside town, Highlands lost many vacationers to glitzier towns such as Atlantic City during the second half of the 20th Century.

Highlands boasts an abundance of seafood restaurants, nightlife and outdoor activities. The main historic site in Highlands is the Twin Lighthouses, commissioned by the Federal Government in 1828 to aid the ships navigating the harbor. Twin Lights was the first twin lighthouse ever built, the first to use kerosene and the first to use electricity. Visitors may tour the maritime museum, as well as enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean, the bay, Sandy Hook and New York.

The Sandy Hook / Highlands area remain a favorite Jersey Shore getaway for Manhattanites due to the convenience of a forty-minute ferry ride from the Wall Street area. Come to Sandy Hook to spend the day enjoying the ocean and basking in the sun, top it off with a wonderful seafood dinner and cocktails in Highlands!