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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

Sunset over water.
Event | Oct 30, 2026
Sandy Hook Sunset Walk
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger for a peaceful stroll to the tip of Sandy Hook. Discover the history of Fort Hancock, learn about the local plants and animals, and enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lower New York...
Egret walking in Jamaica Bay salt marsh, with Manhattan skyline in background
Tour | Oct 30, 2026
Resilient Jamaica Bay Walk
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger on a guided nature walk to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s Living Shoreline to learn about how this climate-resilient restoration project is helping to protect the New York City...
Parlor with furniture from the 1940s.
Event | Oct 31 - Nov 14, 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 with red top beside white building with red roof under blue sky.
Event | Oct 31, 2026
Bats of New Jersey Pop-Up
Highlands, NJ
Stop by this family‑friendly activity which introduces the basics of bat biology and the species that can be found on the New Jersey coast.Arrive in costume and receive a small token of appreciation...
Red bird in tree
Event | Nov 1, 2026
Sandy Hook Birding Club
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger for a beginner-friendly, guided bird walk to learn about Sandy Hook’s birds. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Reserve on Eventbrite.   
Nike Missile against blue sky
Tour | Nov 7, 2026
Nike Missile Radar Site Tour at Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Take a guided tour of this once top-secret missile site and enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with veterans who worked with Cold War-era Nike Air Defense Systems.

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.
Minute Man National Battlefield Park
Tours

Discover The Liberty Trail through immersive guided tours—right at your fingertips.
Faneuil Hall Square in Boston
Historic Sites

Journey through The Liberty Trail’s rich historical sites to uncover their pivotal roles in securing America’s independence.
Women walking down a shopping strip looking into windows
Itineraries

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

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