Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area

Always an amazing time at Sandy Hook recreational center. I've been traveling all around Europe going to a lot of beaches and Sandy Hook is very clean compared to long branch Monmouth beach New Jersey Beaches., thank you federal rangers for keeping the beaches clean at Gateway national recreation center. I know how much of a challenge it is because people leave lots of garbage everywhere and it's horrible.

So many options for beaches to visit. Up north there are views of New York City, to the east the Atlantic, and to the west where the Navasink meets the ocean. And always a great sunset photo awaits. Go off season or after 6pm to not pay for parking.

I can't believe that I have lived in New Jersey and never explored this park. It's just a fantastic place full of history and beauty. I will make sure to return as much as possible! I am so pleased that they are restoring the old buildings.

Beach combing and hiking around the tip of Sandy Hook after tropical storm, Ophelia spun in for the second time. A place where land and sea are confused in turmoil during increasingly turbulent storms. Littoral currents wash north, bringing sand and debris from the south to the last strand of sandy beach on the Jersey Shore. We parked at Area "M" and hiked out to the inside bay area through dunes, past a tidal estuary, rolled up our pants and forded a fast rushing rivulet to reach the point with a channel buoy washed up, then around the point, along the beach to a fully rigged stranded thirty foot "J" Class sloop heeled over, high and dry. Sea and air were in the mid sixties with NNE winds. Fishermen caught fluke and spot along the shore. The fish were hungry after sulking during the storm. It was the last day of fluke season. Fishermen had their way with large keeper fluke. Everything comes together out on the tip of the Hook. It's always an exhilarating adventure to explore this place.

Very nice beaches. Well served and bathrooms available and sweet water showers . Guards also there. Many beaches B, C,D. You should try. Parking during Season 20$ and for Seniors 10$

Great selection of beaches, bay, ocean and even clothing optional. Reasonable entrance fee. Lots to do besides sitting on the beach. Decent services at most spots. Views of NYC are a bonus.

There are no directions to the observation decks. Not one sign. And not one garbage can on the beach or surrounding shower area. We had to leave our trash on bathroom changing tables. What a disgrace for $20 entry fee.

First time here, rode my motorcycle in. Perfect place to cruise and enjoy scenery and history. It was very interesting to see the light house and the many different historical landmarks. The grounds were very clean and there was more than enough parking on the grounds. All around relaxing and interesting place to be, especially for a nature/history fan.