After Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook Visitor Center was relocated to the Lightkeeper’s Quarters at the north end of the park. Here you can get information about tours and other park information. The old location for the visitor center, the beach which this page is referring to, is Beach E.

This Atlantic Ocean beach is located at the old Sandy Hook Visitor Center near Highlands on the Sandy Hook barrier spit. You will find beach wheelchairs at the vistor center. The visitor center is also the start of a hiking trail where you can watch for a variety of birds. Concessions can be purchased at Beach Area E. Lifeguards are on duty from 10am-6pm. Parts of Sandy Hook were damaged during Hurricane Sandy and many areas remain closed. Please check the status of the beach before planning your visit.

Parking in beach lots is $15 per day or $75 per season for standard vehicles from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is important to take note that if you are trying to visit on a weekend in the summer, the parking lots fill up early so the gates will close. This parking fee is also only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Otherwise there are no fees to enter. Pets are not allowed on Sandy Hook (with the exception of service animals). Additionally, the beaches have a “trash free” policy meaning that any trash you bring with you must be brought back (there are no trash cans provided in the area).

This is a lifeguarded beach for visitor’s safety and lifeguards are on duty once again from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend between 10 AM and 6 PM. Beach E has extremely soft and nice sand, but still be careful walking barefoot on hot days.

This is a great beach to visit, but be sure to check the website for any updates or changes before you go: https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/new-york-national-parks/gateway-national-recreation-area-park-at-a-glance/gateway-national-recreation-area-sandy-hook-unit-overview/

Updated June 2021

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Sandy Hook Area E - Visitor Center and 8,000 other beaches.