Sandy Hook Bay: History Among the Highlands

By Gwen Moran

Since Henry Hudson first sailed his boat into Sandy Hook Bay in 1609, visitors have admired the beauty and majesty of the land around it. Boasting a coastline with some of New Jersey's finest beaches, visitors will find something for every taste, from historic sites such as Fort Hancock and the Twin Lights to sumptuous cuisine at some of the northern shore area's finest restaurants to shopping, hiking, fishing and more.

The shore towns along Sandy Hook Bay, including Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and part of Middletown, as well as Sandy Hook National Park, are rich in history and diverse in nature. As part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Bay is known for miles of pristine beaches, as well as salt marshes, marine forests and, on clear days, sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

History buffs will have much to savor as they tour the Twin Lights, the first seacoast light station to be electrically powered and which were known for emitting a beam of light that could be seen 70 miles at sea. In addition, historic Fort Hancock, once an active army base established in the late 19th century, is home to America's oldest lighthouse. Today, the Fort at Sandy Hook is being renovated to become a year-round center of education, research, recreation, cultural arts and hospitality. For those who prefer the great outdoors, the rolling hills near the Twin Lights are home to the 736-acre Hartshorne Woods Park, featuring cabin camping, cross country ski trails, fishing, and an 11-mile trail system for hiking, biking, and horse back riding. The area offers breathtaking foliage displays in autumn.

Whether surf, bay or river fishing, there is a great bounty to be found in and off of Sandy Hook Bay. Among the most popular catches are striped bass, fluke, bluefish and weak fish. If you prefer your fish caught for you, the municipalities of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Middletown offer a number of fine restaurants along the waterfront to suit any taste. Venture off the bay and a short ride up the Navesink River to find Red Bank, dubbed the "hippest town in New Jersey." Red Bank's eclectic mix of shops, galleries and restaurants will make a memorable day trip. A number of marinas along both the riverfront and in the bay are available to service the boating community and many of the waterfront restaurants offer boat access.

Of course, a visit Sandy Hook Bay isn't complete without stopping at renowned Sandy Hook National Park. Sandy Hook is a barrier beach peninsula located at the north end of the Jersey Shore. Hiking, fishing, birding and beach combing are popular year-round in the park's 1,600 acre expanse. For bird lovers, the Audubon Society hosts programs at the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory. An important site along the Atlantic Flyway, viewing the more than 300 species of birds identified in the park is best done during the spring and fall migrations. All beaches in both the south and northern parts of the Hook are protected and for the adventurous among us, there is a clothing optional section at South Gunnison beach. Sandy Hook and the bay are also popular areas for swimming, wind surfing, water skiing and other sports.

Whether you're looking for an opportunity to commune with nature or a chance to connect with your inner party animal, Sandy Hook Bay offers the resources to just that. With attractions and activities for every season, this is a great destination any time of the year. For more information on the area, visit www.visitnj.com.