Train: New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast line to Red Bank, then NJT Bus 834 to Highlands. Bus drops off at or near park entrance.

Car: From North Jersey and New York - South on New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 11 to Garden State Parkway (south), Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet). After toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East 12 miles to park entrance.

From South Jersey - North on Garden State Parkway, Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East. Continue through Eatontown and Long Branch (Route 36 is now called Joline Ave.) Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along the ocean (Route 36 is now called Ocean Blvd.), continue north for 6 miles to the park.

From Philadelphia and Camden NJ - New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A (Shore Points) onto I-95 East. Continue on I-95 to Garden State Parkway north to Exit 105 (Eatontown). Then follow "from South Jersey" directions above.

Ferry: Direct service is provided daily in the summer from Manhattan to Fort Hancock, with shuttle service to the beaches at Sandy Hook. Contact Seastreak Ferry at 1-800-BOATRIDE or at seastreak.com.

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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 jet warplanes threatening New York City. Just a quick trip from Manhattan by ferry, the historic district of 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 Fort Hancock for a trip back in time to the heyday of the harbor's coastal defense.

Fort Hancock is also home to the nation's oldest continuously operated lighthouse. Fully restored and open to visitors, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been guiding ships into New York Harbor since 1764. 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.

The first of the many concrete gun batteries at Fort Hancock was constructed as early as 1890. Designed to be invisible from the sea, the gun batteries 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. One of the oldest gun batteries, Battery Potter, is open to visitors through ranger led tours.

The buildings that are still on view today include historic gun batteries, 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. These historic structures, while not open to the public, offer a dramatic foil to the beaches and surf available at Sandy Hook.

The historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor since the 1700's. Visitors today can tour the lighthouse museum or join one of the scheduled walks to the top of the tower.

Officer's Row at Fort Hancock, conceived and designed by Captain Arthur Murray, was described by him as simple homes not "lacking in beauty." With views of the bay, the Colonial Revival houses give the fort a unique small town feel.