Lynnsey O.

Such a beautiful recreation center, beach, bay, park. I came here on Saturday with some friends. Very price friendly- it was $20 for the car - NOT Per person!! $20 is great !!! You get access to the entire park, beach, Bay Area. I was swimming at the Bay Area. It was such a nice atmosphere there were dogs everywhere. The dogs were even going in the water. This park is very very clean. I didn't see any trash on the beach area. But, the bay water was pretty brown - so next time I'd like to try the beach area!!! There are restrooms and showers. There is a Mr softee ice cream truck (although I got 2 ice cream cones and it was $21 which is absurd). Tons of parking in multiple parking lots. Can't wait to come back!!! There is also kayaking and paddle board rentals. But you need reservations in advance. I was a little upset that I wasn't able to do it.

Jonathan R.

I used to visit Sandy Hook quite often before I moved to NJ. It was always a great day, fill up the car with a bunch of friends and pay a parking fee to enjoy the day. Sandy hook is clean and has incredible views of Manhattan, Brooklyn etc. Today I live in Sea Bright which is the next town over and I go to explore the military buildings, take walks, enjoy the wildlife. There is a restaurant there operating year round. I don't sunbathe there as I have a beach across the street from my home but I do try and take advantage of the programs Sandy Hook has to offer...

Jose P.

Sandy Hook Beach is so conveniently located along the Jersey Shore. After paying the $20/carload fee, you'll drive into a beach that is very well maintained, has lifeguards, not all lots have lifeguards, and has restrooms. At the entrance, the Ranger informed us, that lots C & D not only have lifeguards, but they also have the larger restrooms, including showers. The actual beach had plenty of space for all visitors to have ample room between each other and there are miles of beach to walk upon. If you're going to step away from your area, you better ensure all of your food, and trash, are safely covered. The seagulls have Master's Degrees in getting into anything you leave behind, as we noticed with many visitor sites.

Shane N.

This is a great beach Me my family and friends come here a lot during the summers The water is usually clean sometimes it's not The beach has lifeguards for the safety And it's a nice place to get a Tan it has good landmarks too Really recommend this beach Just a heads up It's probably not the best idea to come during the weekend Since it's packed

Amanda C.

Super clean beach close to North Jersey. Easy to get to by car although it seems like there is a ferry option from NYC as well. We parked in parking lot E which had food trucks, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Facilities were very clean and there was a little plastic walkway that leads to the beach from the bathroom area. There were certain spots with lifeguards on duty. Otherwise non guarded areas were off limits for swimming. Beach was pretty clean, there bits and pieces of trash in the sand and plenty of red lantern flies. Despite arriving a little past noon there was still plenty of beach to find a perfect spot on, on a Saturday in August. Would return to check out the trails and the first in the park as well.

Mike J.

I only come for the bike trail. I love to come here and ride. Some areas of the trail is covered in shade while most is open to rhe sunlight. So you get the beat of both worlds. Then take in account the amazing scenery you get while riding and the pictures you can take. All makes for a fabulous If you park at Fort Hancock parking is free. If you going to the beach it will cost you $20. But you will see many out grilling in Handcock and sitting out by the water. But it is a ways from the beach area. This beach is very nice at sunset. The view. The breeze. A chair and you by the water. Hmmmm good

Anton K.

After Labor Day until Memorial Dat admission to Sandy Hook Gateway National Rec. Area is free. During the season after Memorial Day the cost is $20 per vehicle load. I only visit Sandy Hook after Labor Day, not because of the cost but for the solitude and fishing The oldest continuously operated lighthouse in the USA (1764) is still open on weekends for tours starting at 1:30 pm. The decommissioned fort (Fort Hancock) can be explored as well as 1,665 acres of barrier beach and 7 miles of ocean, bay and salt marshes. The clothing optional Gunnison Beach is still accessible as is the North Beach Observation Deck with fantastic views and photo opts of NYC. You can bring your own food and beverages but no alcohol. Trash cans are few and far between.. Guardian Park has picnic tables, a shelter and grilling facilities. Hiking trails start at Spermaceti Cove and Area M near Nine Gun Battery. There is a seven mile long multi-use pathway for walking, bicyclists and in-line skating which is not hampered by auto traffic. They still conduct environmental and nature learning experiences at spermaceti and Cove Beach on subjects like osprey, egret, song birds, horseshoe crabs and the salt marsh ecosystem. Fishing beaches have been opened up since swimming is restricted by the cold water. You still require a fishing license which can be purchased online. Some sections of the beaches are closed to protect bird nesting but that takes place mostly in the Spring. Kite flying, wind surfing especially on the bay side is popular but you need a wet suit to feel comfortable. Check out the WWII army base bunkers and mortar positions, as well as, cannons, missiles and other armaments scattered around the peninsula. Sandy Hook is the northern most beach in New Jersey with access off the parkway at exit 117. There are plenty of restaurants in Atlantic Highlands like Bahr's Seafood House.

Donna R.

I haven't been here in a few years and I decided to come to back to Sandy Hook because I wanted to go to a beach that wasn't too far down the shore like Lbi. Since it was right before Memorial Day there was no charge to get on the beach. In season the fees have increased to $20 a car load. If you decide to come often, it pays to get a season pass, because you'll save money. A season pass increased to $100. If your vehicle is oversized the fees are more. If the vehicle is over 20 feet then the fee is $50 for the day. A season pass would be $200. They collect fees from 7a-5p. There are beach parking discounts. these can be purchased at the gate entrance. America the Beautiful Access Pass and America the Beautiful Senior Passes holders receive a 50% discount.There are also discounts for people that are disabled. I took a ride to the very end where the Army barracks used to be years ago. I found out from some workers that they're redoing all of these homes and the surrounding areas. Eventually they are going to rent them out during the summer and fall months. It will take quite a few years to finish everything, it's like their own little community.There's Beautiful views of the water from this area. At the very end of Sandy Hook is a very private nude beach. There's quite a long walk to the beach from what I'm told. There are beaches along the way starting with the letter A and working your way up the alphabet. I went to Beach D. It has a short walk, and the beach was very clean and large. There are outside showers and foot sprinklers to remove the sand. They have bathrooms right there too. There is absolutely no smoking on the beach or vaping. You can bring coolers and food. This is a great place if you want to bicycle. There are so many areas to ride around and see.The bicycle paths are paved and wide. In the summer months this place gets very busy to the point where they'll stop letting people in. My suggestion is to come early. Once they reach the maximum people will be turned away. Sandy Hook is definitely a fun place to come and bring the family.

Damian D.

What's not to love, especially in the off season! No crowds, clean, well patrolled (in years past some visitors were prone to party), ample parking. Generally the rest rooms are kept clean, and the beaches are too.

Hank C.

Stopped at beach parking D (food trucks I wish I knew about before), but note that this is a park for taking home your own trash. Cons: The water for cleaning sand off should be a little stronger, and hte bathrooms were disgusting, and the blue mat on the sand needs to go out a little further (it's a long hot walk on that sand). Pros: Great beach, you have a place that rents umbrellas and sells water toys/boards, gentle waves, some rocks and crabs to pick up, and friendly life guards at the beach area D. Water was nice and cool on a day that it was almost 95. It does get busy though, so come early or late to get parking/spot and bring water and a trash bag.

Vince S.

How did I never visit this beach until recently? I guess you get used to the ones you remember from childhood or early adulthood and neglect discovering new ones. Such a shame because this spot is definitely worth repeated visits, and I will be back. My first impression was that there is much to see and enjoy here. Do you prefer to swim or sunbathe au natural ? No problem, area C is home to a clothing optional spot( high SPF recommended) Do you want warmer gentler water? The bayside has you covered, and you will even be able to find secluded spots. Do you like biking, running or walking? There are several paved paths that wind through the various areas. There is a $15 per car fee, but for some unknown reason it was waived on the Saturday I visited. ( yay, taxpayer subsidized beach trips) But considering other towns where parking is not usually free, this did seem excessive. Each parking area has showers and changing rooms, some appeared to have food vendors though the tamale truck was not in service in area E. The sand is on the coarser side, which I prefer( seems to clean off easier) but as others stated, you may see a bit more debris. There is a drop off where the sea meets the shore, so there's no need to go far out to be submerged. This seemed to keep people closer and lifeguards were not constantly directing folks to come in. With the ample length, it was easy to find spots to park your gear and not feel on top of your neighbors. I did not have enough time to explore the bayside and hope to try that on my next visit. There is not a parking area on that side, but there seems to be a few strategic places that allow quick access. Kayaks are available to rent on the bay too. Overall, a very proletariat park and one that has something for almost anyone. Who knows, maybe I'll chuck the speedos and saunter into area C next time...4.5 life's a beach Yelps