Sandy Hook Lighthouse: A Beacon of History and Natural Beauty

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car from Central Jersey, start by getting on Garden State Parkway (GSP) North. Continue on GSP for approximately 20 miles. Take exit 117 for NJ-36 East toward Atlantic Highlands. Merge onto NJ-36 East and follow it for about 3 miles. Keep right to merge onto Highlands Bridge, which leads to Sandy Hook. Once you cross the bridge, continue straight on Hartshorne Drive. Follow the signs for Sandy Hook Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located at 84 Mercer Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732. Parking is available at Sandy Hook, and there is no fee for visiting the lighthouse itself.

• Public Transportation

  For those taking public transportation, you can use NJ Transit. Start by taking the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line train from any Central Jersey station towards Bay Head. Get off at the Atlantic Highlands station. From there, you can either take a taxi or rideshare service (such as Uber or Lyft) to Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which is about 5 miles away. Alternatively, during the summer months, there may be shuttle services available to Sandy Hook from Atlantic Highlands. Always check the NJ Transit website for the latest schedules and fares.

• Bicycle

  If you prefer to bike, you can reach Sandy Hook Lighthouse via the Henry Hudson Trail, which runs from Atlantic Highlands to Sandy Hook. From Central Jersey, take the train to Atlantic Highlands, then access the trail. The ride to the lighthouse is approximately 5 miles. Be sure to wear a helmet and follow local biking regulations.