THINGS TO DO

SANDY HOOK
Going to Sandy Hook is like going to a beautiful island inhabited by natives—New York natives, that is. If you come in from the south on foot or bicycle, or from the north via the ferry, the beach is free. If you arrive by car, however, there is a $10.00 parking fee, and be aware that lots fill by 10:00 am on summer weekends. (For more details about getting here, see under "Transportation," below.)

Spend the day basking in the sun and making sandcastles at any of six separate beaches, each with its own facilities and lifeguards. New Yorkers in particular owe it to themselves to check out North Beach (left), which faces New York Harbor: on a clear day excellent views of the Verrazano Bridge and the Brooklyn waterfront (all the way east to Jones Beach, in Long Island) can be had from this spot. See if you can pick out Coney Island landmarks like the Parachute Drop from over 40 miles away! It's pleasantly disorienting to be seeing them from this vantage point. FYI: The Seagulls Nest is the only food stand on the peninsula. It also has restrooms and umbrella rentals.

Looking for a special kind of beach? You may not know that at Sandy Hook the National Park Service maintains the largest nude beach in the Northeast. Shed your bathing suit and your inhibitions and let it all hang out at the secluded Gunnison Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean and comes complete with the same amenities as every other beach here (lifeguards, showers, and restrooms). And in case anyone is worried about wandering in unaware, Gunnison is both clearly marked and set off from the main stream of Sandy Hook activity: you're only going to find it if you're looking for it!

But as divine as Sandy Hook's pristine sands are, you can do a lot more here than swim and bask in the sun. Hiking and biking are not neglected! Hiking trails begin at both ends and span the length of the peninsula; these paths will take you through sand dunes, salt marshes, and holly forest, and give an excellent sense of the constantly changing terrain here. A multi-use pathway, meanwhile, accommodates rollerbladers and cyclists as well as hikers all the way from the southern entrance up to Fort Hancock.

Speaking of which, you might not be aware that there's a fair amount of fun and painless U.S. history to be picked up here at the shore. The Fort Hancock Museum teaches visitors about Sandy Hook's key role in the defense of New York Harbor for more than 200 years, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse (the oldest surviving lighthouse in the U.S.—here since 1764!) is open to the public as well. Climb the lighthouse stairs and marvel at the thickness of the walls before you reach the top and take in the view—on a good day Manhattan's spires will be visible some 50-odd miles to the north.

Whether your already a serious bird-watcher or just curious to learn more about our feathered friends, you should know that Sandy Hook's prime location within the Atlantic flyway makes it one of the best bird-watching locations on the East coast, especially during the fall and spring migration seasons. To help you get oriented, the National Audubon Society's New Jersey chapter runs the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory here, up in the northeast corner of the peninsula (near the Park Headquarters and the Fort Hancock Museum); exhibits and a bookstore selling guides will give a good sense of what species to look for. (Prime birding locations, by the way, include Plum Island and Spermaceti Cove, both near Sandy Hook's southern entrance.)

Note: since Sandy Hook does get crowded on summer weekends, you may want to consider going during the week or off-season.To get to there after Labor Day, though, you'll have to take the ferry to the Conners/Highlands terminal instead, where you can either walk to the Navesink River Drawbridge (above left) or have the Highlands Water Taxi drop you off nearby.

HIGHLANDS

Whether you're seeking a relaxing Highlands getaway or an adventurous escapade, Highlands can accommodate your desires. There are endless outdoor recreation opportunities, like the 736-acre Hartshorne Woods Park. The park, a haven for bicyclists, boasts 16 miles of biking and hiking trails that offer marvelous views of the bay and the town. Don't worry, bicycles are allowed on the SeaStreak Ferry or you can rent them from Sandy Hook Cottage Bike Rentals.

For more fabulous scenery, grab your camera and check out Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, which is home to some of the best views in town. On site, The September 11th Memorial begins with a "timeline walkway" which recaps the events in chronological order, culminating in a sweeping view towards lower Manhattan. Pay tribute to the nearly 150 Monmouth County residents who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. There's also another September 11th Memorial at the town's Veteran's Park. Two 13-foot marble statues honor the local victims.

History buffs will have plenty to keep them occupied in Highlands. The Twin Lights National Landmark preserves the memory of an 1828 lighthouse that was key to helping ships safely navigate the waters off of Sandy Hook. The existing stone lighthouse was built in 1862 and in 1898, and it became America's first electronically-powered lighthouse. Admission to the historical landmark is free and guided tours are available with advanced reservations.

Maybe you'd rather spend your time in utter relaxation? Highlands can handle that! Treat yourself to a massage or pedicure at Transcendence Spa, located in the heart of town. Even better, if you've brought your dog along, drop off Fluffy at nearby Anne's Hair Razors Dog Grooming and you can both get beautified simultaneously!

Seafood lovers will be intrigued by the Certified Clams depuration plant right downtown. The operation, a state-certified depuration plant that purifies clams in 2 days using salt water and ultraviolet light, processes 500 bushes of clams each day. Tours of the plant are offered, just contact Certified Clam ahead of time.

Looking to catch your own catch-of-the-day? Head down to one of the many marinas. There are a number of boat rentals and fishing charters that offer daytrips and group excursions! Feeling inspired by the sea? Stop in at Ocean View Art Studio for painting classes that cater to beginners and advanced students alike; Ocean View also has brushes and other supplies available, as well as artwork for sale!

Highlands event calendar is jam-packed with events year-round! Highlands Business Partnership has put Highlands on the map with a number of one-of-a-kind festivals that keep the streets bustling. Perhaps the most popular festival is the annual Highlands Clamfest, which is usually held the first weekend in August. Local restaurants take to the blocked-off streets serving up a memorable medley of seafood - and the crowd gets bigger every year! On top of the array of tastebud-tempters, the Highlands Clamfest has free live entertainment, children's activities and crafters set up in a central area downtown known as Huddy Park.

The annual Highlands Oktoberfest bash takes place at Veteran's Park, another seaside recreational spot in town. The festival, held in early October, features authentic German food and beer, Bavarian entertainment, crafts and more. The day is usually capped off with an evening fireworks show. In addition to a summer concert series, Highlands has a farmers market every Saturday from late June to October, also at Huddy Park. There, locals and visitors can mingle as they browse the many offerings, which range from fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, herbs, breads, candles and more. Bring some homegrown goodies back as a souvenir from a weekend by the sea!

See full list of activities and businesses

LODGING

While Highlands doesn't have a lot of large-scale lodging, there are a number of unique B&B's that provide comfortable accommodations, a great meal and a friendly environment - plus a fantastic view!

At Seascape Manor Bed and Breakfast, guests are served a fresh, homemade morning meal with a picturesque panorama of the ocean as their backdrop. The quaint bed and breakfast, owned by three siblings, is nestled up on the hills just minutes outside of town. The pet-friendly B&B has four comfortable and elegantly decorated rooms, each with their own personality. The "precious moments" room has its own private deck as well as a bathtub with a view, where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle. In the "garden room" you'll be transported to a lush, colorful paradise as you enjoy a private terrace with the ocean as your neighbor. But you won't be completely out of the loop as each room is conveniently equipped with cable TV, a VCR, and wireless internet service!

Guests at the Sandy Hook Cottage Bed & Breakfast will revel in a relaxed beach cottage vibe from the minute they check in. Amenities here include a back deck and patio (with 8-person Jacuzzi); the colorful rooms, common area, and sun porch are all stylishly done up to make you feel as if you've suddenly entered the Florida Keys. (The common area also includes a nifty original 1960s jukebox filled with choice oldies that are hard to resist even when the sun is out.)

Visitors to the eye-catching Grand Lady by the Sea B&B will immediately recognize the building as a historic one. Originally built in 1910 as a maternity hospital, the Grand Lady has preserved its handsome red-brick exterior and natural wood interior; recent renovations, meanwhile, let guests enjoy modern comforts like private baths, central air, refrigerators, and satellite TV. Guests will also appreciate the panoramic views of the bay from The Grand Lady's patio and gazebo.

For something a little different, consider Nauvoo at Sandy Hook, a fun, funky little group of Victorian beach bungalows right in the middle of Highlands. All of the bungalows have been renovated and repainted in bright primary colors; each sleeps two and has its own mini kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Beaches and restaurants are all a short walk away, and you'll appreciate being slightly removed from Highlands' main traffic artery.

See full list of lodging

DINING

Hungry? You hit the jackpot! Highlands boasts more than 20 restaurants in just one half of a square mile! Highlands has been dubbed the "seafood capital of the east" thanks to its deep cultural roots in fishing and clamming. Here, the chefs often purchase the evening's specials straight from a fisherman docked just yards away from the restaurant.

Because of its locality, Highland's seafood is some of the freshest in the area. One of the most famous places to catch a bite of seafood is at Bahrs Landing, the oldest family-run restaurant in New Jersey. The establishment, which has been opened for 90 years, began in the houseboat of John Bahrs. To this day, his descendants run the operation, which has grown both in size and popularity. In addition to operating the historic landmark of an eatery, Bahrs also cans and distributes its own chowder and lobster bisque!

A popular trend in Highlands is the "dock and dine" concept. Places like Moby's Lobster Deck and The Clam Hut offer the perfect opportunity for hungry boaters to take a break and have a bite to eat. (Flipflops and windblown hair are suitable attire!) Other tasty seafood restaurants include the Neil's Original Oyster, where a more upscale environment is complemented by fresh options and unique combinations.

The Inlet Café is another town favorite. There, diners can savor everything from Key West salad with mango and crab meat to Maryland-style crab cakes. Locals are partial to the Windansea, where contemporary American cuisine is served with a side of breathtaking views. Pay a visit to the famous Doris & Ed's, regularly voted one of NJ's "10 Best" seafood restaurants, where the staff can pair your meal with one of over 300 wines at their fingertips

But there's more to the Highlands dining scene than just seafood. Just recently, a handful of proprietors have opened restaurants that serve everything from Cuban to Mexican, Italian and Jamaican. At Chilangos, you can grab a sumptuous enchilada while testing one of the 150 tequilas available at the bar. On your way out, don't forget to check out the photos of Bruce Springsteen enjoying himself at the restaurant. "The Boss" has been known to indulge his love of tequila at Chilangos.

Jamaican cuisine at The Sugar Shack consistently draws a lively young crowd. At Havana Tropical Café, enjoy Cuban-inspired food in a trendy and relaxing setting, complete with a water feature and koi pond. For Italian, try the elegant Bay Avenue Trattoria (it fills up fast so reservations are recommended) or try Andretta's, where classic Italian cuisine is served in an intimate environment.

See full list of dining

NIGHTLIFE

Night owls, fear not. There's plenty to do in Highlands once the sun goes down. The Clam Hut, which boasts a 30-foot dock with a huge bar, is a popular summer night spot that serves up live music and a late-night menu. Or head to The Sugar Shack or Off the Hook! At One 28 Bay, sip a cocktail or one of the several beers on tap in a comfortable, recently-renovated atmosphere. Those with a Irish heritage will love the scene at the Claddagh Irish Pub, where beer is the drink of choice and the evenings are ripe with fun-filled entertainment like open mic night or karaoke. And don't worry about designating a driver to chauffer you around. In the summer, the town's water taxi can transport you around to the popular bars and restaurants.

Bring a blanket and get comfortable for an outdoor concert, held select summer evenings at Veteran's Park. Because the park is in the heart of downtown, it's easy to make dinner plans before the concert gets underway. Over in Sandy Hook, there's a free concert series summer evenings at Beach E. Like the concerts in Highlands, these events span the gamut from pop to folk and country. The Sandy Hook peninsula is home to the Seagull's Nest, an ideal après-beach bar that might be the single best spot for catching sunsets anywhere in the area!

See full list of nightlife

TRANSPORTATION

Both Sandy Hook and Highlands are reachable from New York City by SeaStreak Ferry, which leaves Manhattan several times daily from both Pier 11 (Wall St. at the East River, just below South Street Seaport) or East 34th Street (East 34th at the East River).

SANDY HOOK
FERRY:
Once you arrive in Sandy Hook, a frequent shuttle bus picks visitors up at the ferry landing every half-hour and heads for various beaches and the Visitor Center, where you should be able to find everything you need for the day. (The shuttle is free with ferry passage, and $1.00 for everyone else.)
Call Seastreak to confirm ferry schedules at 800-BOAT-RIDE.
Travel time: app. 40-45 minutes from Manhattan.

CAR:
EscapeMaker doesn't recommend traveling to Sandy Hook by car. If you're thinking about a visit here, give serious consideration to riding the ferry, or to either walking over or taking the water taxi from Highlands. Sandy Hook's parking lots fill up by 10 am on weekend mornings, and you could easily find yourself stuck in a traffic jam that backs up all the way into Highlands proper.

HIGHLANDS
FERRY:
From Manhattan, take Seastreak to Conners/Highlands (not Atlantic Highlands). From the Conners/Highlands terminal, take a left out of the parking lot to get to the center of town. (It's a short walk.) Call Seastreak to confirm ferry schedules at 800-BOAT-RIDE. Travel time: app. 40-45 minutes from Manhattan.

BUS:
From NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal, take an Academy Bus to Long Branch. Tell your driver you want the Highlands stop next to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Cross the street and walk down hill to get to town. (Take your bike on the bus or ferry at no charge.)

As always, it's a good idea to call to confirm the bus schedule, so try Academy at 212-971-9054 or 1-800-242-1339.
Travel time: 1-1/2 hours by bus.

TRAIN:
From Penn Station, take a NJ Transit train to Middletown, then take the M24 bus to Highlands. Call to confirm the train schedule at 973-762-5100.

CAR:
Garden State Parkway to exit 117 (Keyport) in NJ. Route 36 south (and east) 12 miles. At the Highlands-Sea Bright bridge, make a U-turn under the bridge (but do NOT cross the river).
Travel time: 1-1/2 hours by car.

TAXI:
For those needing local transportation, Shore Cab and Middletown Cab both serve Highlands and the adjoining areas. Consult local listings for their contact information.

And don't forget that on Friday from 4:00 to 10:00 pm, and on Saturday/Sunday from noon to 10:00 pm, the Highlands Water Taxi makes five stops along the Highlands waterfront (including the SeaStreak ferry landing). It's an excellent way to zip around town, and a lot more scenic than getting in a car.

See full list of transportation

TRAVEL TIPS

Packing extras: bike, sunglasses, suntan lotion, bathing suit, camera.

Note: many businesses in Highlands are closed on Mondays.

Trivia: Highlands as a unique status as the highest point on the Atlantic seaboard between Maine and Mexico!

LINKS

http://www.highlandsnj.com/

MAP

For a detailed map of Highlands/Sandy Hook, please click here.