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Community Corner

Sandy Hook: It's a Little Chilly, But Don't Let That Stop You

There's more than sand and surf at historic area of Monmouth County.

If you’re looking to raise some eyebrows this weekend, tell your friends you’re hitting the Jersey Shore.

(No, not that Jersey Shore.)

While they raise objections over chilly conditions and cold Atlantic waters (and it does indeed still seem a little to brisk to brave the clothing-optional Gunnison Beach), you can remind them that Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway system of parks located in Monmouth County, is more than just sand and surf.

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For starters, historic Fort Hancock is found at the end of the peninsula. There are several rotating exhibits on view at the Sandy Hook Visitors Center, and the site is home to America’s oldest continuously operational lighthouse.

If the weather is warm, you can grab the bikes and hit the 7-and-1/2-mile bicycle trail, or bring the binoculars for a bit of coastline bird-watching. 

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Best of all, the park is free to visitors until peak beach season begins on Memorial Day (and ends on Labor Day). If the sun is out and you’re ready to mix your exercise with a bit of history, Sandy Hook is a head-turning change of pace for you and your family. That's why we've picked it for this installment of Day Tripper, a weekly look at destinations that are out of town, but in reach, and worth the drive. 

DAY TRIPPER DIGEST

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.

Why it’s Worth the Trip:  The Sandy Hook peninsula is a long strip of land, and offers miles of space for activities. There are unique sights such as old battlements and displays of weaponry once used by the U.S. Army, as well as long stretches of natural vegetation for viewing wildlife in the area. Sandy Hook offers several different options in one great location.

How to Get There from Here: Detailed driving directions.

You’ll Probably Get Hungry: Bring a picnic basket with you in the park, but if you’d rather have a meal out, drive into Sea Bright. There you’ll find Mad Hatter Pizza, Ichabod’s, and several bars and pubs. If you’re working on a stricter budget, grab something quick from 7-11 or Dunkin' Donuts. If you want a more elaborate meal, dine at McLoone’s Rum Runner.

While you’re in the Area: You can view the newly completed bridge that connects the Sea Bright/Sandy Hook side of the Navesink River to the Highlands side. You can also check out the Twin Lights Lighthouse Station up in the Highlands hills, located 200 feet above sea level (This visit is suggested only to travelers with vehicles with well-functioning transmissions, as the roads of the Highlands are very steep and can rise well above at 45 degree angle).

Park Ranger Tyrone Nulls, of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Park, pointed out some of the major sites of the property.

"Fort Hancock has America’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, which was built in 1764. We have lighthouse tours every day from 1 to 4:30 p.m.," Nulls said. "On the weekends, from 1 to 5 p.m., we have the 'History House' tours, which are for the Lieutenants Residence for Fort Hancock officers from 1898.”

Fort Hancock, in conjunction with Leonardo-stationed Earle Naval Base, was a significant line of defense for New York Harbor from the Spanish-American War up to the Cold War.

The Sandy Hook Visitors Center highlights another side of the property.

"[The center] is a former life-saving station for the area," Nulls said. "It regularly has exhibits of equipment that was used in rescues, as well as wildlife exhibits." The Visitors Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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