Sandy Hook is a barrier spit island, which is approximately 7 miles long and one-half of a mile wide. It is separated from the mainland by the Shrewsbury River. On its western side, the peninsula encloses Sandy Hook Bay, which is an arm of Raritan Bay. The community of Highlands overlooks the southern part of the hook.

Sandy Hook is owned by the federal government. Most of it is managed by the National Park Service as the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. The eastern shoreline includes public beaches such as North Beach, Gunnison Beach, and South Beach. The southern part of the spit consists of public beaches, fishing areas, and a restaurant. Sandy Hook’s Gunnison Beach is one of the largest clothing-optional beaches on the East Coast, and is well kown for this reason. At the end of the peninsula is the now-defunct Fort Hancock.

Sandy Hook is a famous hub throughout history for ships before they went into the Upper New York Harbor. After the Civil War in 1919, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground was used by the U.S. Army until it was moved to Aberdeen, Maryland. It was later the site of a Nike missile defense installation. The Sandy Hook Nike station is one of a very few stations that are still intact. Almost all of the fort’s gun batteries are off limits to the public due to their hazardous conditions. The Battery Gunnison is currently being restored by volunteers and also has two M-1900 six-inch cannon installed. These weapons were put there in 1976. Visitors can take a guided tour and look at actual Nike missiles, t he firing platforms and rdar stations.

The historical Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located within the fort grounds, as is the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), a technology-centered high school. When you head north of Fort Hancock, there is an outpost of the United States Coast Guard. This area of Sandy Hook is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and it is off-limits to the general public.

While there is a parking fee in Sandy Hook during the summer, the park is open year-round. There are several nearby hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby in Atlantic Highlands and Long Branch.

Sandy Hook is a wonderful place to visit with your family. There are plenty of historical sights and all the splendor of the Jersey Shore.

In the early 9001s, a land development company envisioned Seaside Heights as a resort and promoted it to Philadelphia area residents as an ideal location to build summer homes. The company began running train excursions in 1909 to the beach so people could see the lots available, which sold for $100.00 apiece—for a 40-foot beachfront lot.

In 1913, Seaside Heights was incorporated as a borough formed from sections of Berkeley and Dover townships (Dover Township is now Toms River Township). On December 1, 1915, the first toll bridge was opened across Barnegat Bay, linking Seaside Heights with Toms River and the mainland. The bridge was built for just $153,477.90. At this time, there were two new hotels in Seaside Heights: the Sheridan Inn and the Sumner Hotel. The Seaside Heights Amusement Company then announced its plans to build a theater and carousel along with billiard, pool and shuffleboard rooms. Just before World War I, an amusement park opened between Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. The two communities were to share the benefits for the remainder of the 1900s.

Then came the world-famous Seaside Heights Boardwalk. The first three blocks of boardwalk took four years to build during 1917. In 1950, the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge, was built to replace the narrow wooden bridge. In 1955, a major boardwalk fire destroyed a substantial number of amusements including the original carousel that dated back to 1917. Everything was rebuilt. As a result of lengthening the boardwalk to the entire oceanfront, an array of new homes, hotels and motels were built. Summer residents, renters and vacationers followed. Today’s 17-block, mile-long boardwalk is enjoyed by the tens of thousands who visit each week in season.

While Seaside Heights has many family activities, the boardwalk here today is larger than in Point Pleasant Beach. It is also home to more of a young adult crowd because there are so many bars and clubs nearby. Coming with a family is fine, but you may want to check out Point Pleasant Beach, about 20 minutes north, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly time.

The town is now a mix of motels and hotels, as well as bars and restaurants. There are amusements on the boardwalk and Water Works is a large water park just off the boardwalk. The small town continues to be a stronghold as a summer resort town, with some amusements open year-round, which make it a top destination.

The top destination here is, of course, the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. Compared to the Seaside Heights boardwalk, this is more of a family-friendly destination. Although there aren’t as many rides, this quaint boardwalk offers a long stretch of boards to take a walk. You’ll notice the aquarium, which is a fun stop especially with children. If you head all the way north, there is a stretch of boards that run along houses and then lead up to the inlet. During the summer, one weeknight is transformed as an orchestra plays along the beach. The free shows—fireworks are weekly, too—are a great family activity.

For shoppers, a trip downtown is always exciting. There are plenty of distinctive boutiques and cafes that make window shopping and dining go hand in hand. Stop into Green Planet Coffee Co. for decadent desserts and delicious coffee and tea. The Beanery is a great place to enjoy a casual meal. Styles in Silver is a hub for all things in the realm of gorgeous jewelry. The downtown area is also home to several antique stores, which has given the municipality a stellar reputation in the antiques market.

The history of the town is rich, and dates back to September 2, 1609, when Henry Hudson and the crew of his ship, Half Moon, noticed Point Pleasant Beach on their way north to explore the Hudson River. Crewmember Robert Juet wrote in his journal, “This is a very good Land to fall with and a pleasant Land to see.” And 277 years later, The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach was established on June 2, 1886.

The first permanent boardwalk, which spanned Philadelphia and Central Avenues, came in 1915. It was eventually expanded to run the entire length of Point Pleasant Beach; but shortened to its present length by the hurricane of September 1938, which destroyed the southern portion of the boardwalk. It was slowly transformed from a place to stroll to an active amusement area. In the late 1920s, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson’s Pavilion. Ever since then, the boardwalk became the place to go for a night out and other special events. With delicious food and fun games, it continues to be a huge attraction and is one of the state’s premier boardwalks.