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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.
Plane inside historic airplane hangar.
Event | Sep 26 - Oct 24, 2026
Hangar B Open House
Highlands, NJ
Discover Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history and explore restored aircrafts at a historic airplane hangar. Explore on your own during open house hours or join a park ranger for a guided tour at 10...
Parlor with furniture from the 1940s.
Event | Oct 2 - 31, 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...
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...
Casemates and parade ground of fortification in Staten Island.
Tour | Oct 3 - 25, 2026
Fort Tompkins Tour
Highlands, NJ
Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500...
Egret standing in salt marsh with city skyline in back.
Tour | Oct 3 - 10, 2026
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Highlands, NJ
Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340...

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.

A modern-day photo fo Camden Battlefield
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.