Gateway National Recreation Area - Things to Do-Sandy Hook (U.S. National Park Service)

Photo by Bob McDonough

History House located on Officers' Row and is open weekends 1:00-5:00pm

For Holiday Happenings at History House, click here.

For daily activities at Sandy Hook, tune your car radio to 680 am.

Beach Recreation

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Swim only at guarded beaches.

Fishing

Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. An annual pass for nighttime fishing can be purchased at the Ranger Station or Visitor Center.

Biking

For a great way to see Sandy Hook, the 5-mile long Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) starts at the park entrance and ends in Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. The path is currently being expanded to loop around Fort Hancock.

View a map of the Multi-Use Pathway (MUP)

Hiking

Trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season some areas are closed.

Birding

Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. The NJ Audubon Society's Sandy Hook Bird Observatory has the latest birding information.

Boating

Non-motorized car top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited.

Picnics

Enjoy a blanket picnics on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.

History

Take a stroll around Fort Hancock, a National Historic Landmark. Visit the Fort Hancock Museum, Battery Potter, Battery Gunnison and History House, a restored home on Officer' Row. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Keepers' Quarters and Barn tell the story of the lonely life of a sentinel of the sea. Most sites are open weekends with extended summer hours.

Concession Services. HS Concessions provides food, drinks and beach supplies at Beach Area B, C, D, E, Gunnison and North Beach. The Sea Gull's Nest Restaurant is at Beach Area D. Concessions are open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, with limited services in spring and fall. Phone 732-872-0025.

Public Programs

Check the seasonal program guide at the top of the page to see what opportunities there are for Ranger-led and partner-led programs. From history to birding, Sandy Hook has variety of offerings.