Sandy Hook Beaches
Everything you need to know about the beaches in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
Beach Badge Information
Daily
FREE
Weekly
None sold
Season
None sold
Kids Free Under
12
FREE - No beach badge required. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area.
Beach Water Quality
9 monitored locations in Sandy Hook
Area E Visitor Center South
Army Rec. Beach North
C Beach
Gunnison
Horseshoe Cove
Data: NJDEP Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program (2021-2025)
Beaches in Sandy Hook
North Beach
Wide, natural beach at the tip of the peninsula with views of Manhattan skyline. Family-friendly with calm waters and lifeguards.
Amenities
Best For
Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available at visitor center.
Gunnison Beach
New Jersey's only legal clothing-optional beach. Welcoming, inclusive atmosphere popular with LGBTQ+ community. Requires half-mile walk from parking.
Amenities
Best For
Beach Area D
Popular beach in the center of the peninsula. Good facilities and close to parking. Often fills first on busy days.
Amenities
Best For
Beach Area E
Quieter beach section with good swimming. Less crowded than Area D but similar facilities.
Amenities
Best For
Fishing Beach
Bay-side beach popular with anglers. Calmer waters and good for crabbing and fishing.
Amenities
Best For
Beach Parking
Parking Type: paid
Daily Rate: $20
Street Parking: Limited
Parking Lots: Yes
Meters: No
Memorial Day-Labor Day: $20/day or $100/season. Free off-season. Lots fill early on summer weekends.