Beach Getaway in Sandy Hook

It appears that the heat of summer has already descended upon us here in NYC.  Although it may still be too cold for ocean swimming, we’re getting closer to those hazy days when its 85 degrees at 7 a.m. and the humidity makes it feel like you’re breathing through a sponge.  Not exactly a day for hitting midtown’s concrete canyons.

Sandy Hook's Vast Beach Head with NYC Skyline Views

Do as the locals do, and head out to NYC’s best and most easily accessible ocean side retreat.  We’re not talking imported sand tucked into bays and inlets on New York Harbor either.  New Jersey’s Sandy Hook, a 7 mile long sandy barrier peninsula reaches out into the clean blue Atlantic surf.  Hop on the SeaStreak Ferry from East 35th Street or Pier 11 at the end of Wall Street, and watch Manhattan’s skyscrapers recede on the horizon. Forty-five minutes later, hop on the free five-minute shuttle to the beach.

In most places, about 800 feet of sand separates the boardwalk from the surf giving you plenty of breathing room. Sandy Hook’s water quality is excellent because its in a National Park facing the Atlantic Ocean and separated by a peninsula from New York and the rest of New Jersey.

Besides swimming, there’s plenty more attractions like biking the 5-mile multi-use pathway and exploring Fort Hancock.

Lifeguards are on duty at five Sandy Hook beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. On weekends during summer, be sure to arrive before 10 a.m. because after that the crowds are impossible.

photo courtesy of sandyhookretreat.com

Related places:

1. A
   E 35th St, New York, NY 10016

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2. B
   Pier 11/Wall Street Pier

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