LOCATION

Monmouth County, New Jersey.

GETTING THERE

Ferry: In summer, take Seastreak Ferry from Manhattan to Fort Hancock. Off-season, take Seastreak's daily commuter ferry to nearby Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Get map & directions to the ferry departure point at Pier 11 or E. 35th St.

Car: Get map & directions to Fort Hancock by car.

Public Transit: Take NJ Transit for transit within NJ. Bus 834 to Highlands drops off near park entrance. NJT's North Jersey Coast train line to Red Bank links to Bus 834.

Take Academy Lines for bus from NYC to Highlands.

HOURS

Open daily, dawn-dusk

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible restrooms are available at all Beach Centers and at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The North Beach Observation Deck and Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters are both accessible. All parking lots have handicapped spaces available. Get more information.

PERMITS

Do I need a permit?

PETS

Are pets allowed?

CONTACT

Gateway NRA (NPS), 732-872-5970.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Sandy Hook

Fort Hancock

A historic fort at Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook—part of Gateway National Recreation Area—provided coastal defense for New York Harbor from 1895 until 1974. During the height of the Cold War, the fort housed Nike missiles prepared to intercept warplanes threatening New York City. Just a quick trip from Manhattan by ferry, this National Historic Landmark district at Sandy Hook is open for the public to explore.

Today, over 100 buildings and fortifications remain, and the Fort Hancock Museum tells the story of this long-term military installation. Take a break from a day at the beach and hop on one of the Sandy Hook trolley buses to visit the museum, Battery Potter, Battery Gunnison, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse or History House—a restored home on Officer' Row.

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the nation's oldest continuously operated lighthouse. Due to its strategic location, the lighthouse was defended by British loyalists to ensure the safe passage of British ships into New York City during the American Revolution. Fully restored, it has been guiding ships into New York Harbor since 1764.

Designed to be invisible from the sea, the first of the many concrete gun batteries at Fort Hancock was constructed as early as 1890. They have housed a wide range of artillery over the years. The first guns had only the limited range of 7 miles, but by 1919 artillery range increased to 20 miles. The Mortar Battery included an extensive tunnel system meant for storage of guns and ammunition. During World War II, the tunnels were converted into a top secret command center for defense of New York City. Battery Potter, one of the oldest gun batteries, is open to the public via ranger-led tours.

Other buildings still on view today include a renovated chapel, homes for the enlisted men and officers, a YMCA building, and the former post movie house which is now used for music and live theater. While not all are open to the public, these historic structures offer a dramatic foil to the beaches and surf available at Sandy Hook.

Special Events in May

Nike Missile Site Tours

5/11 & 5/19, 12-4pm, Parking Lot L

Take a free guided tour of the "top secret" Nike Missile Radar Site on Sandy Hook. Tours are provided by The Fort Hancock Nike Site NY 56 Volunteer Association.

Fort Hancock Walking Tour

Download brochure.

Other Activities

History, scenic views, biking, rollerblading and walking.