Sandy Hook (New Jersey)
Sandy Hook is a narrow coastal spit of land in the state of New Jersey.Approximately twelve miles in length and one-half mile wide, it is in essence a large sand bar demarcating the southern entrance of Lower New York Harbor. Most of it has been designated as the Gateway National Recreation Area as part of the National Park Service. Throughout history, it has formed a convenient anchorage for ships before proceeding into Upper New York Harbor. The town of Highlands, New Jersey overlooks the hook.
The southern part of the island consists of public beaches and fishing areas, as well as the Seagull's Nest, a seafood restaurant.
The now-defunct Fort Hancock is located at the north end of Sandy Hook. It is now open to the public. Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located within the Fort grounds, as is MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District. At the entrance to Fort Hancock is Guardian Park, a plaza dominated by a large replica of a spacecraft. Some of the buildings of Fort Hancock are off-limits because their structural integrity is dubious.
Beyond Fort Hancock is an outpost of the US Coast Guard. This area is off-limits to the public as it is property of the Department of Homeland Security.
The hook is open year-round, but there is an admission fee during the summer.