Highlands Nightlife
Sandy Hook Bay beach bars with the most unique views on the Jersey Shore - the Manhattan skyline. Come by car, come by boat, come by ferry.
The NYC Skyline Experience
Highlands sits at the gateway to Sandy Hook, offering something no other shore town can match: direct views of the Manhattan skyline across the bay. Windansea capitalizes on this location with a tropical beach bar setup, volleyball courts, and a boat dock. Watch the sun set behind the Freedom Tower while sipping a drink with your feet in the sand - it's a genuinely magical experience that feels worlds away from the city you're looking at.
Windansea
Beach Bar
Sandy Hook Bay beach bar with stunning NYC skyline views, volleyball courts, and a tropical party vibe. One of the most unique bar settings at the shore.
- ✓NYC skyline views
- ✓Beach volleyball
- ✓Unique location
Best For
Tip: Come by boat if you can. Sunset + Manhattan skyline is magical.
Three Ways to Arrive
By Car
Route 36 to Highlands. About 45 minutes from Manhattan (traffic dependent), 1 hour from Philadelphia. Parking available but limited on busy weekends.
By Ferry
NY Waterway runs ferries from Manhattan to Highlands. About 40 minutes from Wall Street. Perfect for a car-free beach bar adventure.
By Boat
Windansea has its own dock. Cruise Sandy Hook Bay and tie up for drinks. One of the best boat destinations on the northern shore.
Highlands Nightlife Tips
Best Time to Visit
Arrive 2-3 hours before sunset for the best experience. Watch the light change over the NYC skyline as day turns to evening. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are prime time.
What to Expect
Beach volleyball, tropical drinks, boat crowd, NYC views. Casual dress, beach attire is fine. Live DJs on weekends. Expect a party atmosphere on nice summer days.
Nearby Options
Bahr's Landing is a Highlands institution for seafood and drinks with history. Sea Bright is just across the bridge with Donovan's Reef.
Weather Note
Beach bars are weather dependent. Check ahead on cloudy days. On perfect summer days, Windansea can get very busy - arrive early to secure a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windansea?▼
Windansea is a unique beach bar on Sandy Hook Bay with stunning views of the NYC skyline. It features beach volleyball courts, a boat dock, and a tropical party atmosphere. It's one of the most unique bar locations on the Jersey Shore.
Can I arrive at Windansea by boat?▼
Yes! Windansea has its own boat dock, making it a popular destination for boaters cruising Sandy Hook Bay. Many regulars arrive by boat for afternoon drinks with Manhattan as the backdrop.
Is Highlands nightlife seasonal?▼
Windansea is primarily a summer spot, operating from late spring through early fall. Hours and operations are weather dependent. Winter options are limited in Highlands - head to nearby Long Branch or Red Bank for year-round nightlife.
What makes Highlands unique for nightlife?▼
It's all about the views. Highlands sits at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore with direct sightlines to Manhattan across Sandy Hook Bay. Watching the sun set behind the NYC skyline while drinking on the beach is an experience you won't find anywhere else.
How do I get to Highlands?▼
Highlands is accessible via Route 36 or by NY Waterway ferry from Manhattan. The ferry lands in Highlands and makes Windansea an easy day trip or evening destination from NYC.
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