Turnpike Tikes

Summer Swan Song

Pack your bathing suit, a change of clothes and leave the food at home. You’re going to the beach for the day. Seriously. Summer is nearly over and before it ends for good, indulge in one of New Jersey’s lovely beaches one last time. Namely, Sandy Hook Beach.

Sandy Hook is seven miles of pristine sand and stunning seashore. By August the water is warm for swimming. It’s about an hour and a half drive from the northern New Jersey suburbs and a 40-minute ferry ride from Manhattan. So, a working parent could take advantage of one of the last summer Fridays and meet the rest of the family at the beach for the afternoon. Or, if you head out early on Saturday, everyone could have a full day at the beach and be home by bedtime.

Set on a peninsula in Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook has views of the Manhattan skyline, a lighthouse, hiking trails, bike paths, sand dunes, a holly forest and more than 300 species of migratory birds. Because it’s in a national park on its own peninsula, there isn’t an adjoining town. The nearest town, Highlands, is on the hill across the bay. So Sandy Hook has the feel of a beach set apart from the rest of the world.

Sandy Hook will even keep the military history buff in the family happy. Walk around Fort Hancock, which is a National Historic Landmark, or visit the fort museum, the two batteries – Potter and Gunnison — and History House, a restored home on Officer’s Row. For the maritime fans, there’s the lighthouse to check out, the Keepers’ Quarters and the Barn.

Dining with the Sea Gulls

Sea Gull’s Nest is a kid-friendly restaurant overlooking the ocean and the bay. The 360 panoramic views of the coast are spectacular at the open-air restaurant. The kids can munch on fried flounder sandwiches, vegi burgers, and chicken sticks while the grownups enjoy a Corona, watch the sunset and listen to live entertainment. Make sure you stick around for the restaurant’s nightly rendition of God Bless America when they pay tribute to the U.S. military.

Take a Ride

If you feel like getting out of the sand, the seven-mile long bike path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. You can walk along it too. If you don’t bring your own bike, you can rent bikes for kids and adults for the day at Ray’s Bike Rentals near the lighthouse.