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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
  • Restrooms
  • 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 | Sep 18 - Oct 30, 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 | Oct 2 - 31, 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...
Historic shingle covered building among beach vegetation
Event | Oct 3 - 31, 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.
Fort Hancock Museum
Event | Oct 3 - 31, 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.
Ranger teaching child how to use fishing equipment
Event | Oct 6 - 27, 2026
Reel Fun on Jamaica Bay! Junior Angler Fishing Clinic
Highlands, NJ
Families are invited to join National Park Service Rangers and our friends from the Jamaica Bay Rockaway Parks Conservancy for an afternoon of fishing! Whether you are an aspiring Jr. Angler or have...
Parlor with furniture and decor from the WW II era.
Event | Oct 23 - 30, 2026
Sandy Hook History House
Highlands, NJ
Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace...

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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Tours

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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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Itineraries

Explore curated journeys that connect historic sites, stories and experiences into memorable adventures along The Liberty Trail.
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State Parks

Discover The Liberty Trail’s diverse parks and forests, where both Loyalists and Patriots once ventured.
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Events

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