Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
South Beach sits at the northernmost edge of Sandy Hook, a six-mile-long barrier peninsula that juts into the mouth of New York Harbor. You park in paved lots amid scrubby beach plum and poison ivy, then walk fifty yards to a strand that feels wider than it is—shallow sandbars extend into the bay side, and the ocean spreads east. The view north is startling: the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge spans the Narrows, and beyond it, the spires of Wall Street shimmer in haze. The beach itself runs flat and firm near the tide line, scattered with coquina shells and the occasional horseshoe crab carapace. Lifeguards patrol in summer; off-season, you share the sand with surf casters and joggers. The water stays brisk even in August—mid-sixties most years—but it's swimmable, with a gradual drop-off that suits cautious waders and kids testing boogie boards. Behind the dunes, bike paths thread through maritime holly forests toward the 1764 Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working beacon in the country. You can tour it on weekends, climbing the iron spiral to a platform where the entire New York Bight unfolds. Bring quarters for the parking meters, pack out what you pack in, and time your visit with the outgoing tide—the sandbars reveal themselves, and you can walk a hundred feet into the bay without getting your knees wet.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of South Beach at Sandy Hook.
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South Beach at Sandy Hook is generally family-friendly with lifeguards on duty during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The beach features calmer waters compared to other Sandy Hook beaches due to its protected bay location. However, always check daily conditions at the ranger station, as currents and jellyfish can occasionally be present. Swimming is not recommended when lifeguards are off duty. The National Park Service posts warning flags indicating water conditions, so check these before entering the water with children.
Summer weekdays (June through August) offer the best beach weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F, though weekends get extremely crowded and parking fills up by mid-morning. Spring (May) and early fall (September) provide pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds but cooler water. The beach is open year-round for walking and beachcombing. Arrive before 10am during summer weekends to secure parking. Winter visits offer solitude and wildlife viewing, though swimming isn't advisable and facilities are limited.
South Beach is located within Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 117 and follow Route 36 east to Sandy Hook. There's a $20 parking fee (mid-March through December) or free entry with an America the Beautiful Pass. Multiple parking lots serve South Beach, but they fill quickly on summer weekends—arrive before 10am. No public transportation directly serves the beach, so driving is essential. The nearest major town is Highlands, New Jersey.
South Beach has restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities during peak season. The Sea Gulls' Nest pavilion offers limited snacks, drinks, and beach supplies when open. For full meals, head to nearby Highlands or Atlantic Highlands (5-10 minutes away) where you'll find seafood restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. No hotels exist within Sandy Hook itself; closest lodging options are in Highlands, Long Branch, or Red Bank. Bring your own food, umbrellas, and beach gear for convenience and savings.
Yes, Fort Hancock is located within Sandy Hook and makes an excellent addition to your beach day. This former military installation features historic buildings, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse (America's oldest operating lighthouse, built 1764), and the Fort Hancock Museum. Entry is free and you can explore the grounds year-round. The lighthouse offers tours seasonally. Many visitors combine beach time with exploring the fort's history and walking or biking the multi-use pathway that connects various historic sites throughout the peninsula.
