Sandy Hook, N.J.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Sandy Hook is the northern-most extension of New Jersey's coastal shore. It is an essentially uninhabited beach area managed by the federal government as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Sandy Hook is about 7 miles long and a half mile wide, with a single access road extending most of the length.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located near the end of Sandy Hook, although shifting sands have actually extended the beach since the lighthouse was built in 1764, so it is now more than a mile from the end of the land. This is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country, and precedes the formation of the country.
Sandy Hook includes three public beaches with parking. There are no commercial developments, as would be typical of New Jersey shore towns.
Fort Hancock
Sandy Hook provided protection for New York Harbor since pre-Revolutionary times. Today, there can be seen the remains of Fort Hancock, which once held several large artillary batteries capable of firing on ships approaching the harbor.
After World War II Fort Hancock served as a Nike Missile base, protecting the area from airborne attack. Deactivated Nike missiles are on display as monuments and attractions. Many of the old buildings can be seen, but few are in good repair. At the tip of Sandy Hook is Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. This area is not open to the public.
Some of the old buildings have been maintained and are used by federal, state or environmental organizations.
Twin Lights of Navesink
With the Atlantic Ocean on the east side of Sandy Hook, the Shrewsbury River passes behind Sandy Hook into the back bays. On the hills across the river can be seen a unique lighthouse known as the Twin Lights of Navesink because of the two lighthouse towers. The lighhouse has been decommissioned, but the large stone building houses a lighthouse museum with films and exhibits.
Sandy Hook extends from the populated parts of the barrier coast at the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge carrying Route 36 south. This is always a busy connection, which should be worse during summer of 2009 as a replacement bridge is constructed and traffic lanes are closed.
Atlantic Highlands is just across the Shrewsbury River, where restaurants and local shopping are available. Down the coast, along Route 36, is Sea Bright and the many seashore towns.