Just off the coast of Highlands is the Garden State’s special island, Sandy Hook. The slice of paradise is a tremendous location for fishermen, beach-goers, and tourists alike. Not far from its shore are a number of restaurants and attractions to keep families busy throughout the summer season of vacations.
We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to spend a day in Sandy Hook. Here are our tips for enjoying a fun day-trip:
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The Best Events
Best for Everyone: Sandy Hook Beach Concerts
When: Wednesday, June 15 to August 17, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Lot E Beach, Sandy Hook
Description: Every Wednesday throughout the summer, the Sandy Hook Foundation hosts entertaining live concerts on the beach. Shows feature artists such as The Nerds, The Weeklings, Matt O’Ree Band, Tim McLoone & the Shirleys, Bob Bandiera Band, Sensational Soul Cruisers, The Carl Gentry Band, Rip Tide, and Jobonanno and the Godsons of Soul. Admission is free, and beach parking is free after 5:00 pm.
More Information: Visit sandyhookfoundation.com/?page_id=381 or call 732-291-7733.
Best for Families: Campfire on the Beach
When: Friday, June 24, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Lot E Beach, Sandy Hook
Description: Sandy Hook’s Campfire on the Beach is a fun event for both children and adults. It offers a nice, relaxing occasion on the beach. Participants are encouraged to bring beach blankets or chairs, plus snacks, bug spray, and marshmallows to fully enjoy the night with friends and family. Campfire on the Beach is a continuous event, taking place every other Friday throughout the summer.
More Information: Visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=75FFDA66-155D-451F-6790768507F0D735 or call 718-354-4606.
The Best Restaurants
Best for Lunch: Inlet Café
Address: 3 Cornwall Street, Highlands
Description: Sandy Hooky lacks its own restaurants, but luckily for visitors, Highlands has a ton of great places to eat and is only a short trek away. Inlet Café is waterfront dining at its finest. They offer a variety of fresh seafood and traditional American fare for lunch, such as fish sandwiches, burgers, salads, and the “Catch of the Day.”
More Information: Visit www.inletcafe.com or call 732-872-9764.
Best for Dinner: Fresh Bistro
Address: 144 Bay Avenue, Highlands
Description: Right off the coast of Sandy Hook is one of Highlands’ most popular seafood restaurants; Fresh Bistro utilizes local farms to support the local food community while also consistently presenting mouthwatering dishes. They offer an extensive menu encompassing a variety of dishes, from jumbo lump crab cakes with basil aioli and red pepper coulis as an appetizer to Black Angus NY Strip Steak with roasted Yukon potatoes for dinner, and Chocolate Crème Brulee for dessert.
More Information: Visit www.fresh-cuisine.com or call 732-708-0328.
The Best Tourist Attraction
Camp Gateway
Address: 26 Hudson Road, Highlands
Description: Camp Gateway is Sandy Hook’s Gateway National Recreation Area. There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park, including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. There are tons of activities to keep families busy all day long.
More Information: www.recreation.gov/camping/camp-gateway–sandy-hook/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=106833 or call (347) 630-1124.
The Best Beach Tips
Beach Tags: There are no entrance fees for the beaches of Sandy Hook.
Beach Parking: For most vehicles, beach parking is $15 per day or $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), the charge is $30 per day or $150 per season. Collection hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Changing Facilities: Restrooms are scattered throughout Sandy Hook.
More Information: Visit www.sandy-hook.com.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Tomwsulcer / WikiMedia
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Sandy-Hook.com / Website
Fresh Bistro / Website
Recreation.gov / Website
National Park Service / NPS.Org