Sandy Hook Beach, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is located in New Jersey, USA. It lies between Highlands and Sandy Hook and is situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast. It is famous for its sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and recreational activities like swimming and birdwatching.
Sandy Hook Beach (Gateway NRA) Location Map,Highlands, New Jersey
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Top Attractions Inside Sandy Hook Beach (Gateway NRA)
- Sandy Hook Beaches – Miles of sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
- Fort Hancock – Historic coastal fort with museums and restored military structures.
- North Beach & Gunnison Beach – Popular spots for recreation; Gunnison Beach is a clothing-optional area.
- Bike & Walking Trails – Scenic paths along dunes, beaches, and historic sites.
- Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see shorebirds, deer, and other coastal wildlife.
- Fishing & Boating – Saltwater fishing, kayaking, and boating along the bay and oceanfront.
- Lighthouses – Iconic lighthouses offering photography and historical insights.
Sandy Hook Beach (Gateway NRA) Facts
| Official Name | Sandy Hook Beach – Gateway National Recreation Area |
| Location | Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA — Jersey Shore / Sandy Hook Peninsula |
| Latitude & Longitude | 40.4653° N, 73.9740° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 2,043 acres (≈8.3 km²) within Gateway National Recreation Area |
| Established / Opened | Designated part of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1972 |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Jersey Shore / Monmouth County / Coastal Atlantic region |
| Address | Sandy Hook, Gateway NRA, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA |
| Zip Code | 07732 |
| Area Code | 732 / 848 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Oceanfront recreation, sandy beaches, wildlife habitat, coastal trails, historic sites, birdwatching, swimming, sunbathing |
| Main Sections / Areas | North Beach, Gunnison Beach (clothing-optional section), South Beach, Fort Hancock historic area, hiking/biking trails, picnic areas, salt marshes |
| Famous Attractions | Historic Fort Hancock, lighthouse, sandy beaches, ocean swimming, birdwatching, coastal trails, seasonal events |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1–1.5 million visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – per vehicle for parking; free walking/biking access |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle day-use fee: $15; annual park pass: $40 |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle day-use passes, annual passes, guided tours, ranger-led programs, special events |
| Best Time to Visit | Late spring to early fall (May–September) for beach access and swimming; mornings for birdwatching and cooler temperatures; sunset for photography |
| Nearby Airport | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 40 miles (64 km); LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – 50 miles (80 km) |
| Transportation | Car via NJ Route 36 and local roads, bicycle access, ferry service from Manhattan seasonally, parking areas, walking trails, public bus connections limited |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandyhook.htm |
Distances from Sandy Hook Beach (Gateway NRA) to Nearby Landmarks
- Fort Hancock – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Sea Bright Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Highlands, NJ – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Twin Lights Historic Site – 8 km (5 mi)
- Long Branch Beach – 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Monmouth Beach – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Asbury Park Boardwalk – 24 km (14.9 mi)
- Belmar Beach – 32 km (19.9 mi)
- Staten Island (South Beach) – 26 km (16.2 mi)
- Liberty State Park – 34 km (21.1 mi)
- Lower Manhattan – 28 km (17.4 mi)
- Coney Island – 39 km (24.2 mi)
- Jersey Shore Premium Outlets – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Holmdel Park – 22 km (13.7 mi)
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