The Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Seashore represents the most northern reach of the Jersey Shore. The six mile barrier beach sand spit extends into lower New York Bay, south of Manhattan. The southern end of Sandy Hook hosts a number of fishing and bathing beaches while the northern end is home to a range of historic military sites. Whether you are looking for swimming, history, nature or biking you can find it on Sandy Hook. And, the sunsets are pretty awesome too!
The beach at Sandy Hook, courtesy National Park Service
Most people access the Hook via car, although shuttle buses do connect the park to the Seastreak high speed NY-NJ ferry in the summer. Lifeguards oversee the main ocean swimming beaches from 10 am to 6 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Be advised that Gunnison Beach is widely known as a “clothing optional” beach, but is well marked so you can avoid it easily. Surf fishing is popular and permitted from any of the beaches after the life guards have left.
Surf Fishing at Sandy Hook, courtesy National Park Service
Beyond the surf, if your teen or tween is interested in military history, the Park contains the19th century Fort Hancock National Historic site and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, which was a major army weapons testing location from 1874-191. Check out the 30-foot thick walls of Battery Potter. This fortress was built to house a disappearing gun battery powered by a steam hydraulic lift system. It operated from 1893-1906 but was rapidly rendered obsolete by faster firing gun technology. Alas, the guns themselves are no longer there.
Many of the officer homes and other historic buildings at Fort Hancock remain in an unmaintained state, although a Museum and a restored home on Officer Row are open on weekends.
Battery Potter at Sandy Hook Fort Hancock, courtesy National Park Service
Sandy Hook is also the site of one of America’s oldest lighthouses. The lighthouse keepers quarters were restored and reopened in 2006. The non-profit New Jersey Lighthouse Society provides weekend tours. If you are really into lighthouses check out the Twin Lights overlooking Sandy Hook from the nearby cliffs of Highlands after you leave the Park.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse, courtesy National Park Service
A 5-mile long multi-use bike and walking path runs from the Park Entrance to Fort Hancock and is currently being extended to loop around the Fort. Bring your bikes or rollerblades if you want some exercise. More into watercraft? Non-motorized car top boats, including kayaks, windsurfers and kite-boards can be launched from ocean facing Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove on the bay side. There are no rentals available so bring your own gear. Hiking trails are also available beginning at the Visitor Center and extending the length of the Hook. Bird watchers favor Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond and the fields at Fort Hancock
Brings your bikes or rollerblades to Sandy Hook, courtesy National Park Service
The Park is very popular and parking lots generally fill by 10 or 11 am on summer weekends, although access to the historic areas remains open when the beach lots are full. There is no charge to use the beach but there is a $10 per car parking fee. If you are going for the beach we recommend a weekday visit to avoid the crowds. If you want to see the historic sites most of them have limited hours and may only be available on the weekends so check ahead by calling or visiting the Park web site. Food concessions and bath houses are available at the major beaches but lines can get long. The Sea Gull’s Nest at the D beach offers casual open air dining overlooking the water from noon until sunset. Of course, you can also bring a cooler and eat on the beach or take advantage of the picnic tables and grill areas.
Want to Learn More About Great Activities for Teens and Tweens at the Jersey Shore?
This is one in a series on Top 10 activities for family vacations with teens and tweens on the Jersey Shore. Click the link to see the full list or visit our Travel with Teens and Tweens Jersey Shore archives to see the posts in chronological order.
A great place to spend with your family, thanks for posting it