NJShore Guide
🏖️

Highlands

Free Beach

Twin Lights and Clam Bars

Highlands sits at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore, serving as the gateway to Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. This small borough is best known for Twin Lights Historic Site - twin brownstone lighthouse towers that have guided ships since 1862 and offer stunning views of the Sandy Hook bay and NYC skyline.

The town's bayshore location along the Shrewsbury River and Sandy Hook Bay makes it a seafood lover's paradise. The Bahrs Landing area is famous for clam bars and waterfront restaurants serving fresh catches from local waters. It's a working waterfront with authentic character.

While Highlands doesn't have an ocean beach (Sandy Hook is just across the bridge), its bay beaches, fishing piers, and proximity to nature make it a unique Shore destination. The Henry Hudson Trail runs through town, connecting cyclists to the broader trail network.

historicwaterfrontseafoodnatureauthentic

What Makes Highlands Special

Historic Waterfront

Known for its historic and waterfront atmosphere

Perfect For

history buffs, seafood lovers, nature enthusiasts

Free Beach Access

No beach badge required - enjoy the sand for free!

Local Legend

Twin Lights was the first lighthouse in America to use electric lights, illum...

Where to Stay in Highlands

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Highlands Vacation Rentals

Vacation RentalBay beach - Sandy Hook 10 min

$$

Houses and cottages available for rental near Twin Lights and Sandy Hook. Good for families seeking nature access.

full kitchenlocal area
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Nearby Sea Bright Hotels

Hotel10 min to Sea Bright beaches

$$

Sea Bright (10 min south) offers oceanfront options including hotels and motels with beach access.

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Atlantic Highlands B&Bs

B&B5 min to Sandy Hook

$$

Nearby Atlantic Highlands (5 min) offers B&Bs with character and ferry access to NYC.

B&B charmferry access

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Did You Know?

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Did You Know?

Twin Lights was the first lighthouse in America to use electric lights, illuminated in 1898 with an electric arc lamp visible 22 miles at sea.

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Did You Know?

The first transatlantic wireless message received in America was received at Twin Lights in 1899 - Guglielmo Marconi transmitted race results from a yacht race.

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Did You Know?

Highlands was a major clamming center in the 1800s, and the tradition continues with famous clam bars still serving local catches.

Beach Badge

FREE

Parking

~$10/day

From NYC

1hr

Transit

Bus

Don't Miss in Highlands

Twin Lights Historic Site

Must See

Iconic twin lighthouse towers built in 1862. Climb the north tower for panoramic views of Sandy Hook, the bay, and NYC skyline. Free museum admission.

Bahrs Landing

Must See

Legendary waterfront seafood restaurant since 1917. Fresh clams, oysters, and lobster with bay views. A Jersey Shore institution.

Sandy Hook Gateway

Must See

Gateway National Recreation Area is across the Highlands bridge. 7 miles of ocean beaches, Fort Hancock, and nature trails.

Also Worth Checking Out

Henry Hudson Trail Multi-use rail trail running through town. Great for biking and walking. Connects to broader trail network.

Historic Lighthouse

Where to Eat in Highlands

See All 4 Restaurants

Bahrs Landing

seafood
$$

Try: Fresh clams and lobster

waterfronthistoric

The Clam Hut

seafoodcasual
$

Try: Fried clams and steamers

clam barcasual

Inlet Cafe

seafoodamerican
$$

Try: Fresh catch of the day

waterfrontdeck

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Getting to Highlands

🚆 Public Transit

Highlands is accessible via NJ Transit via bus routes 834.

NJ Transit bus connections. Seastreak ferry nearby in Atlantic Highlands. Car recommended for Sandy Hook.

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🚗 By Car

  • From NYC: 1hr
  • From Philadelphia: 1hr 30min
  • From Newark: 50min
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Best Time to Visit Highlands

Peak Season

June - August

Warmest weather, all attractions open, full beach services. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Off-Season Perks

  • Lower accommodation prices
  • Fewer crowds
  • Easier parking
  • More authentic local experience

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