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1760s era lighthouse located at the Gateway National Recreational Area in Sandy Hook
Historic Site | National Park

Sandy Hook

A strategic location for the defense of New York's harbor, the Continentals failed to reinforce this peninsula, leading to the city's capture in August of 1776. A lighthouse dating to 1764 still operates there today, once serving as a Loyalist fortification.

  • Parking
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  • Wheelchair Accessible
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New Jersey
84 Mercer Road Highlands, NJ 07732
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What's Happening

Upcoming Events

Historic wood shingled building amongst beach vegetation
Event | Aug 28 - Sep 28, 2026
Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service Station
Highlands, NJ
Stop by the Life-Saving Station, operated by our park friends group, the Sandy Hook Foundation, to explore the historic building and visit the shop.
White Lighthouse and building with red roofs against blue sky
Tour | Aug 28 - Sep 28, 2026
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Highlands, NJ
Tours are first come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long...
Salt marsh with houses along shoreline in horizon and a clear blue sky
Event | Aug 28 - Sep 25, 2026
Jamaica Bay Book Club
Highlands, NJ
Come join us for our book club! We will be reading selections of nature-themed literature, and together think critically about nature literature and our place in the natural world. This will be an...
Group of people doing yoga on the beach
Event | Aug 29 - Sep 26, 2026
Yoga on the Beach at Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Start the weekend with beachside yoga led by Tony Costa. Supported by the Sandy Hook Foundation, classes take place just over the dunes on the beach in front of the Spermaceti Cove Lifesaving Service...
Multi leveled fortification and parade ground
Event | Aug 29 - Sep 27, 2026
Battery Weed Open House
Highlands, NJ
Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday...
Fort Hancock Museum
Event | Aug 29 - Sep 27, 2026
Fort Hancock Museum
Highlands, NJ
From the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, Sandy Hook boasts a rich military history. Stop in and learn about Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles. Explore Artist in Residence Heather Heckel...

Uncovering History

We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse
yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.

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Battlefields

Discover the historic fields, farms, and forests across The Liberty Trail where pivotal battles were fought and the foundations of our nation were forged.
Revolutionary War reenactment showing three riders on horses
Events

Discover all The Liberty Trail has to offer through local festivals, re-enactments and community events.
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Historic Sites

Journey through The Liberty Trail’s rich historical sites to uncover their pivotal roles in securing America’s independence.
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Tours

Discover The Liberty Trail through immersive guided tours—right at your fingertips.
boardwalk path through marshy park
State Parks

Discover The Liberty Trail’s diverse parks and forests, where both Loyalists and Patriots once ventured.
image of two women kayaking in swampy water surrounded by trees
Outdoor Activities

Whether you hike, bike, boat, fish or golf, find all your favorite outdoor fun.