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tourist attraction

Gateway National Recreation Area

26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

Introduce

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, a hidden gem nestled along the coast of Highlands, New Jersey. This picturesque park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

  • Natural Beauty:gateway national recreation area boasts miles of pristine beaches, serene saltwater ponds, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and bird-watching in a peaceful coastal setting.
  • Historical Charm:Explore the iconic Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock, offering a glimpse into the area's rich maritime history. These historic sites provide a fascinating insight into the region's past while surrounded by stunning coastal views.
  • Outdoor Activities:Whether you're looking for a scenic hike or a leisurely day at the beach, Gateway National Recreation Area has something for everyone. The park features easy-to-moderate hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Family-Friendly:The park is perfect for families, offering plenty of space for kids to explore and play while enjoying nature. The well-managed facilities ensure a safe and clean environment for all visitors.
  • Dining Recommendations:For a quick bite or a relaxing meal, be sure to check out the Mule Barn Tavern, a popular spot among visitors for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere.

Customer Feedback:

  • "Absolutely love the beaches and wildlife here!! Everything is well managed and extremely clean. The staff are sweet and super informative. For only $20 per vehicle to go onto the beach for the entire day is a great deal!! I definitely recommend the Mule Barn Tavern if you want lunch/dinner."
  • "It's a stunning coastal gem, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historic charm. Miles of sandy beaches make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking."

Gallery

Service options

Onsite services

Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Barbecue grill

Picnic tables

Public restroom

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

Children

Good for kids

Kid-friendly hikes

Playground

Parking

On-site parking

Pets

Dogs allowed

Parker (Mösse) Sep 12
★★★★★5

I absolutely love the beaches and wildlife here!! everything is well managed and extremely clean. The staff are sweet and super informative. For only $20 per vehicle to go onto the beach for the entire day is a great deal!! I definitely recommend the Mule Barn Tavern if you want lunch/dinner

Ritesh Khajuria Aug 24
★★★★★5

It is a stunning coastal gem, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historic charm. With miles of sandy beaches, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The park also features the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock, providing a glimpse into the area's rich history. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and the serene Salt Pond. Sandy Hook is an ideal destination for a day trip, combining outdoor recreation with historical exploration.

charles nouwen Sep 02
★★★★★5

Fantastic nature immersion from south to north tip. Biking must be the best way, the bike trail is just superb. Great birding (plenty of Osprey) and nice tavern in the north. View over Manhattan.

Tatyana Stolnik Sep 06
★★★★★5

Gateway National Recreation Area provides recreational opportunities such as swimming in the ocean, boating, birds and animals watching, riding bicycles We really enjoyed riding the electric scooter !!🙂

Nicolette Palagonia Aug 01
★★★★★5

It was a great relaxing day trip. It's quiet and very scenic. My husband and I just explored a bit. We walked and drove around just to enjoy the day together. Haven't been since we were kids, so it was fun to go and enjoy it together since we never have. Will be returning. We live so close, yet we all don't take advantage of what's around us. It would be great to bring kids here to give them a little look into history. I'd love to bring my neices. It also has great spots for any kind of photo shoots of family, engagement, weddings, or just because lol.

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