Highlands, New Jersey

Discover a compact Monmouth County Bayshore borough where Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights, marinas, fishing, ferry access, waterfront restaurants, Hartshorne Woods Park, Sandy Hook, and small-town community life come together at the northern gateway to the Jersey Shore.

Sandy Hook Bay Twin Lights Ferry Access Marinas Fishing Hartshorne Woods Waterfront Dining Bayshore History Coastal Preparedness

Business & Shopping Food & Drink Real Estate Visiting & Lodging Classifieds Jobs Government Things To Do

Explore More of Highlands

Waterfront & Bayshore History & Historic Places Parks, Trails & Recreation Boating, Marinas & Fishing Transportation & Ferry Access Community, Schools & Public Resources Living in Highlands Coastal Preparedness

Highlands Highlights

Gateway to Sandy HookHighlands sits beside the entrance to Sandy Hook, giving residents and visitors quick access to national park beaches, bayside views, history and coastal recreation.

Navesink Twin LightsThe Twin Lights overlook Sandy Hook Bay and New York Harbor from the Highlands bluff and remain one of the borough’s defining landmarks.

Waterfront BoroughBay Avenue, Shore Drive, the marinas and the waterfront business district connect dining, boating, fishing, ferry activity and scenic views.

NYC Ferry ConnectionHigh-speed ferry service helps connect Highlands with Manhattan and supports the borough’s identity as both a Shore town and commuter community.

Hartshorne Woods AccessNearby wooded trails, overlooks, historic military remains and parkland provide some of the best outdoor recreation in northern Monmouth County.

Resilient Bayshore CommunityHighlands’ modern story includes recovery and rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, along with ongoing attention to flooding, storms and coastal safety.

Top Things To Do in Highlands

Visit Twin LightsExplore the hilltop lighthouse site, museum setting and sweeping views over Sandy Hook Bay, the Atlantic and New York Harbor.

Walk the WaterfrontEnjoy Bay Avenue, Shore Drive, harbor views, restaurants, marinas, fishing activity and the borough’s compact downtown environment.

Ride the FerryUse Highlands as a Shore-side ferry gateway for commuting, day trips, waterfront views or car-light travel planning.

Explore Hartshorne WoodsFind wooded trails, overlooks, historic military sites, cycling routes and hiking areas near the Navesink Highlands.

Go Fishing or BoatingCharters, marinas, party boats, private boating and nearby Sandy Hook waters make the borough a long-time fishing destination.

Plan a Sandy Hook DayPair Highlands dining and lodging with Sandy Hook beaches, Fort Hancock, bay beaches, trails and lighthouse history.

Complete Highlands Guide

Highlands was incorporated as a borough on March 22, 1900, from portions of Middletown Township, with additional portions annexed in 1914. The borough has long been shaped by Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink Highlands, maritime activity, ferry and rail history, fishing, coastal defense, lighthouse technology, waterfront tourism and neighborhood resilience.

Waterfront & Bayshore

Bay AvenueA principal business and dining corridor close to the water, marinas, community organizations and the borough’s visitor economy.

Shore DriveA waterfront route associated with marinas, ferry service, boating, local services and access toward Sandy Hook.

Sandy Hook BayThe bay supports boating, fishing, harbor views, waterfront dining, coastal ecology and the borough’s maritime identity.

Snug Harbor & Local BeachesSmall local waterfront areas and nearby Sandy Hook beaches provide water views and seasonal recreation, subject to current access and safety rules.

History & Historic Places

Twin Lights of NavesinkThe lighthouse site is associated with New York Harbor navigation, historic lighthouse technology, Marconi wireless demonstrations, and panoramic views from the Highlands bluff.

Fort Hancock & Sandy HookNearby Fort Hancock preserves military, maritime and harbor-defense history at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.

Portland Poynt & Bayshore SettlementEarly settlement, maritime commerce and the Navesink Highlands helped shape the area before Highlands became its own borough.

Hurricane Sandy RecoveryThe borough was heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and continues to be defined in part by resilience, rebuilding and coastal planning.

Parks, Trails & Recreation

Hartshorne Woods ParkA major Monmouth County park area near Highlands with wooded trails, overlooks, historic military features and outdoor recreation.

Huddy ParkA central community gathering space connected with events, local history and the waterfront business district.

Henry Hudson Trail ConnectionsThe Bayshore region includes multiuse trail connections and bike-friendly routes linking nearby towns and recreation areas.

Sandy Hook RecreationBeaches, trails, birding, cycling, Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook Lighthouse and bay access are nearby through Gateway National Recreation Area.

Boating, Marinas & Fishing

Marina DistrictHighlands includes marinas and boating services along the bayfront and river approaches.

Charter FishingFishing charters, party boats and private captains serve anglers heading into bay, river and ocean waters.

Seafood HeritageClamming, fishing, boatbuilding, waterfront restaurants and marine trades have all contributed to the borough’s identity.

Water SafetyBoaters and anglers should review current tides, weather, navigation rules, marina information and coastal advisories before going out.

Transportation & Ferry Access

High-Speed FerryFerry service links Highlands with Manhattan and supports commuting, day trips and regional travel planning.

Route 36 AccessHighlands connects with nearby Bayshore towns, Sandy Hook, the Shore region and regional roadways through Route 36 and local streets.

Walkable CoreThe downtown and waterfront areas are compact, with restaurants, marinas, community spaces and services close together.

Bike & Trail PlanningNearby trails, parks and coastal routes make bicycles useful for recreation, though visitors should check local rules and road conditions.

Community, Schools & Public Resources

Highlands Elementary SchoolThe borough’s elementary school serves local students and is a central public resource for families.

Henry Hudson Regional SchoolOlder students are served through the regional school system connected with Highlands and nearby communities.

Community OrganizationsVeterans groups, civic organizations, the Highlands Business Partnership, historical groups, scouts and environmental committees support community activity.

Public Meetings & Civic LifeResidents can use official borough resources for council meetings, ordinances, committees, permits, taxes, emergency alerts and public notices.

Living in Highlands

Compact Coastal BoroughHighlands offers a small-town setting with waterfront amenities, commuting options, walkable corridors and quick access to parks and beaches.

Housing & Elevation AwarenessBecause the borough includes waterfront and low-lying areas, residents and buyers should review floodplain, insurance, elevation and construction information carefully.

Everyday ServicesMunicipal departments, schools, local shops, restaurants, marine services and nearby regional resources support daily life.

Explore Supporting GuidesUse NJTGO’s Business & Shopping, Food & Drink, Real Estate, Jobs, Classifieds and Visiting & Lodging pages for more focused Highlands information.

Coastal Preparedness & Public Well-Being

Flood InformationResidents and property owners should consult official borough resources for floodplain guidance, elevation certificates, substantial-improvement rules and stormwater information.

Emergency AlertsCoastal weather, flooding, road closures, power outages and storm warnings can change quickly, so residents should use official alert systems.

Public RecreationParks, trails, waterfront walking, beaches, community programs and outdoor spaces support health and quality of life.

Public Health ScopeThis section covers public safety, recreation, emergency planning and community well-being. Private medical, dental, wellness and healthcare providers belong on the Business & Shopping page.

Visitor note: Ferry schedules, beach access, parking rules, park hours, fishing rules, marinas, events and weather-related advisories can change. Verify current details through official public resources before traveling.

Original Local Entries Carried Forward

These populated items from the legacy Highlands page were preserved as local reference entries so they can be reviewed and moved into the proper supporting pages during the Business & Shopping, Food & Drink, Visiting & Lodging, Classifieds and Jobs refreshes.

Arts, Music & Creative Services

Lois Bajar Fine ArtArt15 Huddy Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-291-9021

All's Well MusicMusic347 Shore Drive
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-4676

Be Sharp MusicMusic200 Portland Road
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-291-1970

Jersey Shore Piano TuningMusic service43 Cornwall Street
Highlands, NJ 07732
609-502-9250

Community Organizations & Places of Worship

American LegionCommunity organization85 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-2350

IBEW Local 1303Labor organization1060 Route 36
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-204-2065

Veterans of Foreign WarsCommunity organization331 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-2944

New Life Christian ChurchPlace of worship125 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-7797

Our Lady of Perpetual Help ChurchCatholic Church141 Route 36
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1290

Boating, Ferry & Fishing Entries

Gateway MarinaMarina34 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-291-4440

Marina on the BayMarina1 Marina Court
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-9300

Schupp's LandingMarina / boating12 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1479

SeaStreak Ferry Service to ManhattanFerry service326 Shore Drive
Highlands, NJ 07732
800-262-8743

Sea Tow Northern NJMarine assistanceHighlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1835

Sharkey's Marine ServiceMarine service1 Marina Court
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-688-5265

Shore Boating SchoolBoating instruction4 Willow Street
Highlands, NJ 07732
908-461-0303

Bill Chaser ChartersFishing charter2 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
561-248-8218

Elaine B IIFishing charter2 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-541-2169

G & B Fishing SystemsFishing service52 Shrewsbury Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-381-5900

Netkeeper SportfishingFishing charter1 Willow Street
Highlands, NJ 07732
862-222-0913

PrimeTime ChartersFishing charterMarina on the Bay
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-204-2763

Sandy Hook Fishing AdventuresFishing charter62 5th Street
Highlands, NJ 07732
848-218-2425

Scales & Tales Charter Boat FishingFishing charter1 Willow Street
Highlands, NJ 07732
908-477-7537

Wet Dreams SportfishingFishing charterMarina on the Bay
Marina Court
Highlands, NJ 07732
610-462-5688

Highlands Borough Government

Borough of Highlands
Borough Hall / Administrative Offices
151 Navesink Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-872-1224

Official Borough Website

Borough ServicesOfficial departments, announcements, meetings, forms, permits, taxes, emergency resources and local notices. Flood Protection InformationOfficial floodplain, stormwater, elevation and emergency flood-management resources. Recreation DepartmentOfficial public recreation programs, events, activities and community recreation resources. Sandy Hook / Gateway NRANational Park Service information for beaches, Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, trails, permits and visitor planning. Twin Lights State Historic SiteState historic-site information for the lighthouse, museum, towers, grounds and visitor planning. Hartshorne Woods ParkCounty park information for trails, overlooks, facilities, rules and access.

Nearby Communities

Atlantic Highlands Middletown Township / Sandy Hook Sea Bright Rumson Fair Haven Long Branch

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