Sandy Hook
One of the highlights of Monmouth County is a shell-strewn finger of land pointing north toward New York Harbor. This is Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. It’s just the first in a series of beautiful shore spots in Monmouth County. Each is unique in its combination of natural and man-made allures.
The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers miles of beaches and dune trails. Spectacular woodlands, excellent beaches, surf fishing, and hundreds of species of birds are all part of the experience.
Built at the request of New York merchants wanting to protect their ships entering the harbor, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse was lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764. This was the fifth lighthouse in the colonies and remains the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
Nowadays, Sandy Hook offers both ocean beaches with concession stands and changing facilities. ())Clothing is optional at secluded Gunnison Beach). There is a visitor center and trails for walking and biking. the bayside is perfect for wind surfing, kayaks, parasailing boating, jet skis and body surfing.
Take a leisurely (or invigorating) bike ride along to the trails or hop on one of their trolley buses after a day at the beach and head out to Fort Hancock on the Northern tip of Sandy Hook. Fort Hancock is home to the nation’s oldest continually operating lighthouse as well as buildings including historic gun batteries, a renovated chapel, homes for the enlisted men and officers, a YMCA building, and the former post movie house which is now used for music and live theater. These historic structures, while not open to the public, offer a dramatic foil to the beaches and surf available at Sandy Hook.
At the end of the day stop at the Sea Gull’s Nest for a bite to eat or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over the bay. http://www.seagullsnest.info/
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