Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
4.5
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Site of the oldest lighthouse in America.
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2 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
459 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
143
Average
23
Poor
11
Terrible
12
Kelly
14 contributions
Aug 2022
We have been going to Sandy Hook beach for a few years now. It never disappoints. Beautiful blue water, clean sand, no garbage or trash. The visitors are always friendly. The life guards are attentive. You can see NYC skyline from the beach - how cool is that? It is only $20 to park for the day and they do have season passes if you will be going a few times. Love that there isn't a boardwalk with all the commercial that goes with it. There are bathrooms and outdoor rinsing stations. There are even a few food trucks in the parking lot. What more could you ask for?
If you have had enough sun, there is even a lighthouse a mile or so down the road on the island. Lots of historical stuff.
If you have had enough sun, there is even a lighthouse a mile or so down the road on the island. Lots of historical stuff.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,800 contributions
Sept 2022
I did not realize that would be such long, multiple use beaches along the road out to historic Fort Hamilton. This would be a great leisure area if I lived nearby. The active Coast Guard area is small and closed off to the public. Got to say the dock was tiny for the ferry and the schedule seemed sparse. The lighthouse is nice; we parked near the picnic area (we'd brought a lunch) and walked around the historic area (Kind of a long walk) Lots of people were on bikes. We popped into the cafe for a coffee and an ice cream bar across from the lighthouse to rest. There are not many benches to do that. We liked it.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt W
Alpine, Texas, United States6 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Great solo trip to St. Louis! As a museum professional, I really wanted to check out the updated museum beneath the Gateway Arch - and it truly is World Class!!! And it was so easy to get to: I flew into Lambert Field, walked across the parking lot behind the Southwest Terminal, and caught the light rail (the MetroLink) into town. I got off at Laclede's Landing and walked the two blocks to my hotel, the Hyatt Regency. I had a great view of the Gateway Arch from my room window, and walked everywhere - to the Arch (where I also did the ride to the top! Awesome views!), to a riverboat cruise, some great restaurants (including a couple at the hotel itself), and even caught a Cardinals game. One of the best short vacation trips I've ever planned, and the return was just as easy. Got to love a town with such great scenery and history and easy public transportation to and from the airport.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
1 contribution
Oct 2019 • Solo
After a nice afternoon walking my dogs, I was on my way off the island. Except, there was a large group of kids in military informs marching down the street blocking the traffic. Upon investigations, I learned that there was a school with an NJROTC program. I think that they have no right to be able to block off the toad for almost 15 minutes for them to walk across the street. I then went to the school to leave a complaint, and was escorted off my campus security because it was school hours. I think it is completely foolish that this school can do this at a public place
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delegate52
Sunman, IN38 contributions
Jan 2020
Great piece of history at the Jersey shore. Ten miles of running or biking and about 5 miles of beach. Historical military batteries built to defend NY harbor. Many examples of military housing known as ‘Officer’s Row’ at the end of the ‘hook’. Free entry from Sept - May. Gets extremely crowded during Summer months. Worth the trip.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
Obviously these reviews are very old. As a Sandy Hook goer since I was in HS in the 70’s. The amount of improvement is unbelievable. My husband an I usually go to the1st beach as the lot is small so it never gets crowded. We’ve also gone to the North Beach which is worth the ride and long walk. The beaches are incredibly clean and underrated. Unfortunately last time we went the flies were ridiculous due to the wind. But it wouldn’t stop me from going back.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinsGirls
Edison, NJ749 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Gateway which locals simply call a trip to Sandy Hook is a lifelong destination for me. I have been visiting since I was a child. I still get excited entering the area and being surrounded by such beauty and history. The Light House and all the old buildings are very interesting. You can’t help but imagine what this must have looked like during its heyday as a military base. I hope they preserve the buildings that can be saved. It’s free to visit except in the Summer. Top NJ attraction here.
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrDelGrosso
Bellevue, KY150 contributions
Aug 2022
You can see Newv York City from the beach, family friendly Lot D.
Food trucks also with ice cream. Lots of fisherman to watch also. Lifegueards verty attentive. Be careful in ocean. Lots of hard waves!
Food trucks also with ice cream. Lots of fisherman to watch also. Lifegueards verty attentive. Be careful in ocean. Lots of hard waves!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri D
Yardville, NJ489 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Reasonable to get in. We have the national park pass, but it doesn't count for "Sandy Hook", as it is affectionately called here in New Jersey. It had been explained to us and it made sense. Besides the beach to enjoy in the summer, there is so much to explore and do here. We spent the day on the beach, but were looking and listening for birds. Many birds can be spotted here all year long from shore birds in the summer, to ducks in the winter, to migrating birds in the Fall and Spring. There are bike trails and walking trails. Windsurfing in the Bay is popular in the summer. The Lighthouse is also very nice to visit seasonally. There is so much history to also explore here, In the winter, you just may be lucky enough to see them on rocks in the bayside with naturalists on hand as they have become a very popular attraction every winter. Restrooms are open all year long.
FYI: Food is available to purchase and does annoy me because Sandy Hook has a Carry In/Carry out policy. Please be mindful of this policy when you do bring food in or purchase to keep our beaches clean! No alcohol is to be brought in.
FYI: Food is available to purchase and does annoy me because Sandy Hook has a Carry In/Carry out policy. Please be mindful of this policy when you do bring food in or purchase to keep our beaches clean! No alcohol is to be brought in.
Written May 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crayonline
Clifton, NJ345 contributions
Sept 2020
Weather was cooler but still sunny. Lots of people still tanning at the beach. It is a walk from parking to the beach water. Or you could enjoy the path from parking areas all the way to top past the light house. Walking, biking, roller skating, skate boarding... Some parking areas have toilets and some have food/drink vans.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parking is free once you enter park. To enter park there is a fee per car. I used a senior pass and had to pay $5. I can't remember regular fee, but may have been around $10 it $15.
Written July 26, 2019
Are you able to go swimming at the beaches here past labor day?
Written September 4, 2018
Yes but be careful as there are no lifeguards on duty. You can park at one of the lots swim in the bay which is calm and quiet
Written September 19, 2018
Where are the campsites for tents? Any available on beach?
Written July 20, 2018
Camping is not allowed on beach but they have a campground in between parking lots and off bike trail. Camping reservations can be made online at recreation.gov.
Rates
$30.00 per night
$210.00 per week (7 nights)
$15.00 per night with the Senior or Access Pass
$105.00 per week (7 nights) with the Senior or Access Pass
Rates do not include beach parking and Beach Parking Passes must be purchased separetely upon entering the park.
Length of Stay: Visitors can only camp for 14 days or less.
Written July 20, 2018
Which part of the beach is highly recommended for first timers? North beach , D or E beach area?
Written May 22, 2018
Which part of the beach is highly recommended for first timers? North beach , D or E beach area?
Written May 22, 2018
Which part of the beach is highly recommended for first timers? North beach , D or E beach area?
Written May 22, 2018
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