Cancel

Open app

Search

Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook

4.1 (85 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Photos

More like Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook

Recommended Reviews - Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

On the wall
Brian M.

Love coming here. All the beaches are great. Worth the money. The people are nice. It's sad to see a few mess it up but majority keep the place very clean. I will be back because the bike riding was great

Jessica L.

Beautiful views and the old Ft Hancock is a great place to walk around and learn a little history. Very cool old buildings and a lighthouse. Relax walk and explore on the beaches. Distant views of Manhattan. You will see lots of deer and foxes at dusk as well. Locals were fishing off the beaches.

Cannon
Hank C.

One note: this is a take your trash home with you park, so remember a trash bag. With the parking fee in summer ($15, credit cards accepted), you get access to the beaches (A-E,H,I parking lots and more), a nude beach in Gunnison, the lighthouse, lots of restoration projects (a lot of buildings damaged/waiting restoration), places you can rent, a wedding chapel by the sea, cannons and historic fort walls and magazines to wander around, a fishing beach and a view of NYC from part of the beach. Life guards at some of the beach areas. Food trucks and beach rentals at some of the parking areas (D for one). Bike and kayak rentals available, too. Off-season no charge, in-season they don't charge per head, so that's nice. Watch the areas where you can / can't take pets.

Mel M.

SANDY HOOK: Brie had the pleasure of attending a "doodle romp" on a gorgeous day in September and met so may cute, fluffy, and bouncy doggies! The view from North End beach (next to parking lot J) had wide open beaches and fantastic views of the NYC skyline! Such a sweet idea to meet new people and dogs! Sandy Hook is larger than we expected - 6 miles long, so to get to the northern-end beaches, prepare to drive for a while. Even from the parking lot to the beach, it's a bit of a walk through a lot of deep sand! There is a walking trail that meanders through the natural surroundings, old buildings, and even the lighthouse! Here are the official dog rules for the beaches: Pets ARE permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet). Prohibited: Ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through September 15 (piping plover season)

Sandy Hook - Gunnison Beach
Dave W.

While I cannot deny the attraction of the numerous beaches at Sandy Hook I am really excited about the history of the area. Sorry for the extreme length. In no particular order: 1) Old Nike-Hercules Missile site currently being refurbished which will include the launching area as well as the IFC (Integrated Fire Control) area. 2) Battery Gunnison (yes, it is right at the entrance of the nude beach). This battery has the only 2 remaining guns (6 inch) and is being restored. Be sure to check it out on some weekends when people are there to explain the guns and plotting room. (I am amazed and saddened that we scrapped all of the guns during either WW I or WW II. We may have needed the metal but we could have left something for history) 3) Battery Potter - no guns left but this battery, built in the late 1890's, it is awesome. Walls over 30 feet thick, using guns raised by a very inefficient steam system. Only battery of it's type built at SH since the newer systems were much better. 4) Nine Gun Battery - cannot tour the site due to extreme danger from age but it is impressive from the parking lot. 5) Test Battery - immediately in front of Battery Potter and well worth going down to see where they test fired innumerable guns from north to south. Range became unusable when the range of the newer weapons was longer than the Hook. 6) Sandy Hook lighthouse - oldest lighthouse in the US. Great view all around. 7) Old Mortar Batteries near the lighthouse - gives you an idea of a different type of artillery (high angle indirect fire). 8) Ft Hancock - walking the grounds is enjoyable and the old buildings (Officer's Row, Officer's Club, etc.) give a glimpse of the past. Too bad the "powers that be" cannot get their heads together to preserve the buildings before they crumble into rubble. Bruce Springsteen filmed a video in the O Club and it is now sealed up and falling apart. 9) Small monument for a group of English seamen killed here. 10) Almost forgot the Lifesaving Station - worth a look. 11) Not on the Hook, but too close to miss - Twin Light Lighthouse. They have a 9 1/2 foot Fresnel lens which was once installed in the south light. You can go to the top of the north light. While there be sure to try Off The Hook, a restaurant at the base of the hill.

Julio G.

Great family fun! I love this beach/bay. Sandy hook has about 3 main beaches and a bay where you can bring your dogs and they can swim. There's many different sections of this beach, as well as a LGBT friendly NUDE beach (Gunnison). Overall this is a great view of the jersey shore with a view of nyc skyline in the distance. There are bathrooms available and free showers. During off season the beach is free but during peak season there is a small fee. Parking can get crowded on busy days or weekends, some people park across the bridge and walk over (I've done it, it's not that bad!) also don't forget to take your garbage! Don't liter at this place!enjoy your visit! I know I did! *please vote below if you enjoyed the review *

Site B10 - recommended site
Rusty R.

This review is of the campground only - Camp Gateway. This is a small (20 space) campground at Sandy Hook National Recreation Area in NJ. The campground is for tent camping only. No vehicles. You must reserve way ahead of time (or grab a last-minute opening) in order to secure a space. The facility has clean restrooms with toilets and sinks, a sometimes-manned ranger station, and an area of spigots with potable water. No campsite electricity. No showers (but for outdoor showers at the beaches). This campgroud is not "ON" the beach. It is in a mostly wooded area. You can walk to the sound, but the nearest oceanfront beach is about a mile away. Rangers were incredibly nice and helpful (as is generally the case with NPS rangers). Parking is VERY limited. It's first come first served and there is basically not enough to go around. You may have to unload and park a little down the road at another lot. You will get an overnight parking permit from the rangers upon check-in. Because your car cannot go to the campsite, you may want to bring a hand-truck, trolley, wheelbarrow, or even skateboard to help you transport your stuff to the campsite. You can buy wood for just under $10/bundle from the rangers. You cannot bring in outside wood (fear of bringing in invasive pests). There is no ice available in the park so get some beforehand. The sites vary in terms of shade. Some have a shade shelter, and it would sure be nice if the reservation website identified this! But, it doesn't. Seems unfair that this is not disclosed. We had 2 sites - B5 and B10. B 10 is nice and big, includes a shade shelter, and had ample room for 2 tents. B5 was a joke. It barely fit 1 tent. This worked ok for us since we had the 2 side-by-side spots we just flowed it all together, but if you had ONLY site B5 you would probably be displeased. Frankly I think B5 has no business being a site. If you are reserving both sites this will be ok, though. There are tons of raccoons here (typical for camping!) and they are not shy about STEALING YOUR GOODS! LOL! Bungee your coolers shut. Other food goes into your trunk when you are not there/asleep. BUT even if you are there, they might come right in front of you and STEAL YOUR PITA CHIPS! (I want those pita chips back!) They are very talkative at night and though not scary you should be aware that they're around!

Sunsets are awesome over the bay !
Paul M.

Great sea shore area so close to NYC. Beaches and general park are open until 10pm but restrooms close at 6pm. The lighthouse is the oldest still in operation lighthouse in the USA ... Pretty cool & fun to climb up but note it closes at 4:30pm. Lots of old military stuff to visit & photograph, pretty cool. The thing I hate about this place are the people who visit and prefer to leave their garbage behind rather than carry it out and bring it home. Really??? Do these folks think the garbage fairy will pick it up? Great hiking just look out, there's TONS of poison ivy around this park!! Great biking trails... I'm bringing my bike next time.

panoramic view of Sandy Hook and its bay, as seen from Twin Lights. Foreground is Navesink, NJ.
Norm R.

My favorite Jersey beach - or should I say, beaches. I've spent many, many happy weekends and even weekdays here when I was a resident of New York and northern Jersey. Because it is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, in the summer you don't pay for beach badges, unlike in the other beaches of the Jersey Shore; but there is a vehicle entrance fee. Once inside the Hook, you're treated to your choice of several beaches, from regular family beach-picnic beaches to fishing beaches to even a clothing-optional beach! There are also non-beach picnic areas, abandoned military structures, woodlands and wetland nature preserve areas. And in several of the Atlantic side beaches, you are treated to a view of the New York City skyline and the Verrazano bridge on the northern horizon. This is also a bird-watcher's paradise, as many species of shore- and non-shore birds inhabit or migrate through the area. Being a nature lover, I enjoyed observing the distinctive shore flora which includes an indigenous species of prickly-pear cactus, abundantly-fruiting (in the fall) beach plums, and the most extensive holly forest in the northeast. Food and drink is limited to boardwalk-type fare in the food kiosks and the Seagull's Nest Restaurant, but you don't come to the beach for gourmet fare anyhow, unless you bring it yourself; and remember, no glass containers allowed at the beaches. And if fine dining is what you want, nearby Sea Bright, Navesink, and Highlands have many establishments for finer dining after your beach visit. I really love the place (can't you tell, from all the pictures I've posted?) and now that I've moved to the Southwest I miss Sandy Hook a lot ... and I know that when I visit New Jersey in the summer, a return to Sandy Hook will definitely be in my itinerary.

Sandy Hook Bayside
Jimmy K.

Sandy Hook is great! Free from Labor Day- Memorial Day or all year if you bicycling. This is my go to beach as it is a much easier drive from central/north NJ. The jogging/cycling path is awesome and I use it throughout the year. Don't just pull into the first beach you see- explore the entire area as there is a lot to see.

Seastreak ferry
Sheba K.

I don't want to rate this place any lower inspire of some of the issues we faced - restaurants closed, restrooms not so clean. The place was doing good considering it was hit hard by Sandy. We took the Seastreak ferry from downtown on a Friday for 45$ pp round trip. Note: currently there's a coupon on the seastreak website for 30$ ticket. On weekends, NY waterway runs a ferry too. The ferries run at more frequent intervals on the weekend. The trip to Sandy Hook took 30 minutes. Once you disembark, you can take one of the buses to the beaches. North beach was just a 10-15 min walk, you don't really to stand in line for the bus to get to North beach. Right at the ferry landing point, there's also a kiosk/stand for renting bicycles. That sounds like a fun activity, will try that the next time. I asked the park ranger which beach had concession stands, beach chairs/umbrella rental and he suggested lot D. Too bad when we got there we found the restaurants to be still closed from the storm damage and no rentals. There were a couple of food trucks at the lot offering pizzas, hot dogs, burgers,smoothies, lemonade etc - so at least we didn't starve! The restrooms were open although not very clean. There were porta potties and showers as well. As for the beach itself - it was pretty clean. We did see a few debris here and there and cans/trash left by inconsiderate people. There are no trash cans at the beach - it was strictly carry in/carry out which I didn't mind as long as it keeps the place clean. We grabbed a spot near the water, laid down our beach towels and were all set to relax. The place started getting really crowded towards the afternoon. People were certainly well prepared than us and had brought tent, umbrellas and chairs. The water was a little cold - brrr. But we got used to it after a few chilly dips. The water wasn't crystal clear or a pretty blue shade but seemed quite clean. Quite a few kids had boogie boards with them and were enjoying the surf. The waves started getting a little rough towards the evening. There were a couple of life guards on the beach and they asked the people to get back when someone ventured too far. We took the ferry back at 4 pm (on weekends the last ferry back is 7 pm). We had a great time and would love to go back!

Monika D.

For some reason I always avoided Sandy Hook and preferred the likes of Asbury Park and Sea Bright on the rare occasion that I actually hit the beach. This year, I suddenly would rather do nothing else but spend time by the ocean. Asbury is always great but the cost of parking, the beach fee, and all those boardwalk temptations add up. Sea Bright is no more after Sandy (sniff sniff) so I've been exploring other options. I discovered Sandy Hook via some volleyball friends and have gone three times so far this season. There are very awesome and very ugly things about Sandy Hook. Let's break them down: Very Awesome: -The view of the NYC skyline -Extremely wide sand area that makes setting up a volleyball net super convenient and out of the way of other beach goers. -$15 per car for all day access to the Hook. No other fees. -Driving out further and exploring the old Fort Hancock and its ruins. -The drive out to North Beach towards the tip and the Observation Deck. If you haven't been, do check it out. It's especially beautiful at sunset. -Sandy Hook Bay, I haven't really explored it but am excited to hit that side of the island soon. The Ugly (based on three visits to South Beach, Lot D): - It's pretty dirty. Apparently not many people know what "Carry In, Carry Out" means. The sand is full of garbage, cigarette butts and tampons (I know, eww). -The restrooms are dark, damp and filthy. They have no air circulating through them and smell like they've been stewing in piss for months. -If your only mission is to play volleyball you won't mind the crowds of screaming children and their equally loud, smoking, drinking parents (man, I sound OLD!). But if you go there to sit and read and listen to the ocean, you'll hate it. You'll hate it a lot. You'll move a couple of times to avoid one crowd only to get stuck with someone worse setting up camp next to you. I'm still giving Sandy Hook 4 stars because it's close, it's cheap, it's great for beach volleyball, and the Bay area seems like THE place to hit if you want to surround yourself with water, the sounds of birds, and sand under your feet.

Donna P.

Sandy Hook is so much more than just a beach. The history in this place is very interesting if you like to explore. Excellent place to take a ride or hike. From the historic look out bunkers, lighthouse, officers row housing, nature trails, nature center, fishing, Horseshoe Cove camping, playgrounds and yes the beaches. You can spend many hours here exploring as this is an all season place. During the summer many travel to relax on the beach and even come by ferry from NYC to the Jersey Shore, because there is nothing like the Jersey shore. During the winter take a hike on the snowy beach and try to find seals, owls, hawks or even a bald eagle. On the River side there are observation decks to relax, look at the boats and birdwatch. Fantastic exploration here and many don't even realize because they never go to the end of the hook to see it all. The US Coast Guard, Lighthouse, Officers Row and Mast (Marine Academy of Science and Technology) is at the very end. Most of the housing is no longer used but still some buildings have been maintained and used for MAST. Sandy Hook, New Jersey: For most vehicles, beach parking is $15 per day or $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), charge is $30 per day or $150 per season. Hours of collection are 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. Camping The site open September and October, includes picnic tables, fire pits and grills. One tent site complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act for wheelchair accessibility. The campground sites include picnic tables, fire pits, grills and restrooms. Park rangers with camping experience will assist visitors who may be new to camping, according to the release. Overnight campers may not bring pets or alcohol to any overnight campgrounds at Sandy Hook, and camping is limited to primitive tents not RVs. Campers must bring their own tents. Reservations online at www.recreation.gov. Visitors can also call (732) 872-5916 with questions about the campsite, but not to make reservations.

Gunnison Beach facing north towards NYC

See all

9 months ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 4
Love this 7
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 29
Thanks 0
Love this 26
Oh no 0
Photo of Anton K.
47
764
4786

4 years ago

Helpful 22
Thanks 2
Love this 25
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Mel M.
94
1013
1050

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

3 ticks decently sized on my beach blanket in 2022, scared to go back. It's shame because it's the closest beach to me.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

19 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Norm R.
546
943
4732

17 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of V J.
88
346
120

15 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

19 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great beach experience - this is a must-go spot during the summer. Great for beach, biking, hiking, etc

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lili K.
310
2572
302

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ern M.
17
228
1236

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah E.
17
55
32

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Hege M.
3
127
306

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of MandA R.
245
1140
4406

15 years ago

We love it here!! Great bike paths, beaches and historic places to explore.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Megan H.
22
19
22

12 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0
Photo of Liz S.
34
62
9

18 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Ben L.
1
11
6

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Pinky And The B.
823
1463
5796

16 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 3

Ask the Community - Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook

Review Highlights - Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook

Gunnison Beach is very secluded and has very strict rules regarding where visitors are permitted to be unclothed.

Mentioned in 9 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Eco Central Park Tours

Eco Central Park Tours

4.6(13 reviews)
21.9 miMidtown West

We seriously didn't plan on taking a tour on bikes. We were approached by a nice gentleman with a…read morehorse on his bike. After he proposed to us about what the tour is about and prices, we agreed to do it. Mainly cause I underestimated how huge Central Park is. We both never been to Central Park and wanted to see the most we could. My friend is a huge Sex and the City fan and got a guided tour of where the filming was. Our tour guide is so knowledgeable and outgoing. I loved learning from him. Once we were done, he was going to take us back to where he found us - in front of the restaurant. We talked to him in dropping us off at Fifth Avenue. He agreed only if we paid him a little extra. We didn't mind since that was our next destination. Overall, great experience. Didn't expect to do it and spend the $$ but loved it. 178/2019

Last minute decision to see Central Park in a quick hour. Well worth it! There was a 2 hr option to…read moredo the entire park, but it's February, it's cold, and figured most notable landmarks are on south end of the park. Kader was our driver/ rider, they have these hybrid bikes so your driver isn't gasping for air while giving you the tour. Blanket for the cold weather and the meeting stop was at Starbucks on 55th and 7th, Wife was happy. The Park was beautiful everything and more you'd imagine it would be from seeing the park on TV Shows, Movies, and pictures. Kader made the ride comfortable with his knowledge and personality, and being from Chicago, if I cane back I would request Kader again.

Photos
Eco Central Park Tours
Eco Central Park Tours
Eco Central Park Tours - She said YES

See all

She said YES

Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook - landmarks - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...