The Ultimate Guide to Sandy Hook, NJ: Dan Zarrow’s Top 12 Things to See and Do

Throughout the summer, I have the honor and pleasure of introducing you to some of my favorite destinations across the great Garden State. This special series is brought to you by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

This month, I am featuring the natural beauty, rich history, and diverse fun located at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore.

Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service of the federal government. Easily accessible via Route 36, Sandy Hook is also part of Middletown Township in Monmouth County.

The narrow Sandy Hook peninsula is technically a "barrier spit." Literally a hook made of sand, it is a narrow strip of beach and marshland that is constantly changing due to sand deposits and ocean currents.

You know, for being a stretch of sand only six miles long, Sandy Hook offers a remarkable variety of recreation opportunities. Even if sand, sun, and surf aren't your thing, there are plenty of other outdoor and indoor adventures to be found.  And many of them are free — the park no longer charges an entrance fee, only for parking at beach lots.

Beach

Of course, one of the most popular spots anywhere along the Jersey Shore is the sand, the surf, and the sun of the beach! Beach badges are not required on any of Sandy Hook's five bathing beaches. You only pay $20 a day (or $100 a year) for parking, which is a great deal for large families or groups.  The beaches are wide, bathroom facilities are available, and lifeguards are on-duty daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Gunnison Beach

No discussion of Sandy Hook would be complete without mention of the infamous Gunnison Beach — New Jersey's only "clothing optional" beach. Because it is on federal land, nude sunbathing is totally legal here. But fair warning: It is a long walk from the designated parking lot. And certain decorum and appropriate behavior is expected. Plus, umm, don't forget the sunscreen.

Lighthouse

First lit in 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States. It is a National Historic Landmark.  And it still serves as a real navigational aid for ships entering the New York Harbor, with the bright white light visible for 19 miles on a clear night. Tours of both the lighthouse tower and the keepers quarters are available — check with the National Park Service, as schedules vary based on season, day of the week, etc.

Stunning Views

There are several places along the northern end of Sandy Hook to get a stellar view of the ocean, bay, and the New York City skyline. The lighthouse is top of the list, of course. There are also scenic overlooks at the observation decks near North Beach and Battery Peck. (Check the official Sandy Hook map for exact locations.)

Pieces of History

Dating back to the Civil War era, the Sandy Hook peninsula was originally a coastal artillery base, strategically located to protect the entrance to New York Harbor. The Sandy Hook Proving Ground was developed to test coastal defense weaponry. Fort Hancock was a U.S. Army base until it was decommissioned in 1974. (Sandy Hook is still home to an active U.S. Coast Guard station.) Numerous gun batteries and Nike missile sites remain intact, and some are open for exploration. But be careful — many historic structures are literally falling apart, and are closed to the public.

Wildlife Watching

When you look at an overhead map of Sandy Hook, it is striking that most of the narrow strip of land consists of natural habitat. Hundreds of animal species call Sandy Hook home.  It is a popular destination for birdwatchers. You may spot the threatened piping plover, which often nests along the beaches.  Osprey, white-tailed deer, horseshoe crabs, and even harbor seals are around too.

Fishing

There are a ton of places to cast a line or toss a net, in search of recreation and/or dinner. Just make sure you check on regulations and permitting requirements.

Camping

Yes, you can spend up to two weeks at a time roughing it in the Gateway National Recreation Area. 17 tent-only campsites are available on the bayside of the peninsula.  You can make reservations and pay required fees online.

Walking, Running, Hiking, Biking

While there are plenty of rustic, natural areas along Sandy Hook, you'll find great facilities for exercise and fresh air too. The Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path practically runs from top to bottom of the peninsula, passing several points of interest along the way. It is smooth, well-marked, and perfect for walkers, runners, and bikers alike.. 

Boating

Hand-launched, privately-owned watercraft — canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards — are available across from Beach C and Horseshoe Cove, both on the bay side. Rentals are available.

The Pursuit of Science

Sandy Hook is home to prestigious organizations such as the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, the American Littoral Society, the James L. Howard Marine Sciences Library, and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST, part of Monmouth County's magnet school system). Some offer tours, lectures, and workshops on coastal biology and ecosystems, history, science, etc. It is a great field trip for schools and scouting groups too.

Take a Tour

As part of the National Park Service, park rangers at Sandy Hook's Gateway National Recreation Area offer a wide variety of tours and interpretive programs throughout the year. On the calendar this summer: tours and open houses, yoga on the beach, fishing lessons, bird walks, stargazing nights, paddleboarding adventures, and a "junior ranger" program called "Splishy, Splashy, Squishy."

Ready to explore Sandy Hook, NJ for yourself? Plan your trip today at VisitNJ.org and discover all of the must-see attractions and exciting adventures waiting for you!