Sandy Hook
A protected New Jersey peninsula combines Atlantic surf, bayside habitat, military history, and a lighthouse.
Artwork inspired by Frederick Judd Waugh
Sandy Hook is the New Jersey unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, a long peninsula where beaches, bay habitats, Fort Hancock, and the historic lighthouse share one landscape. The ocean shore is only part of the story: compare its open surf with the quieter bayside, then make time for the fort's former military setting and the still-standing lighthouse.
Summer beach parking has a fee while Fort Hancock parking remains free. This distinction matters if you want a history-and-walking visit rather than a beach day. Shorebird protections shape where people and pets may go; follow posted closures, especially around nesting areas. Bring water and sun protection because exposed shore walks feel longer in heat and wind.
- Park hours
- 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Summer beach parking
- $20 per vehicle
- Fort Hancock parking
- Free
Quick guide
- Choose your shore
- Compare Atlantic surf with the calmer bayside.
- Walk Fort Hancock
- The historic military landscape explains why the lighthouse is not an isolated monument.
Know before you go
- Choose the visit
- Decide between a beach day and a lighthouse-and-fort walk before parking.
- Respect shorebirds
- Honor signed nesting closures and seasonal pet restrictions.
- Read the fort
- Look at historic buildings as part of coastal defense, not resort scenery.
- Watch both waters
- Compare ocean wind and surf with the bay habitat.
Good to know
Summer beach parking is paid, but Fort Hancock parking is free. Pets are allowed on bayside beaches year-round and on ocean beaches only in the permitted season, always leashed.
Notice these
- Ocean and bay beaches
- Fort Hancock
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse