Atlantic Highlands is a bayshore borough in northern Monmouth County, on hills overlooking Sandy Hook Bay and the distant Manhattan skyline.
Monmouth County·North Shore·Official site ↗
141 Miles verified June 8, 2026. Hours and prices may have shifted.
How Atlantic Highlands ranks across the 141 Miles editorial indexes.
No ocean beach
Rules not posted yet
From locals: No tips about Atlantic Highlands yet. Sign in to share one.
Atlantic Highlands is a bayshore borough in northern Monmouth County, on hills overlooking Sandy Hook Bay and the distant Manhattan skyline. For many New Yorkers it is the easiest way to reach the Shore: a fast ferry runs from the borough's harbor to the city. It is known for that ferry, a large municipal marina, a walkable downtown, and quick access to Sandy Hook's beaches across the water.
History The town grew in the late 1800s as a bayshore resort, reached by steamboat from New York and built up with hotels, cottages, and camp-meeting grounds. It incorporated as a borough in the 1880s. During Prohibition, its quiet coves made it a known landing spot for rum-runners. Many Victorian homes and former summer bungalows are now year-round houses.
What makes it unique Two things set Atlantic Highlands apart. The first is the ferry and harbor: few Shore towns let you step off a boat from the city into a small downtown. The second is its elevation. The borough sits on the highest ground on the Atlantic coast south of Maine, and a scenic overlook frames Sandy Hook, the bay, and the New York skyline. Nearby woods and a rail-trail add hiking and biking.
Interesting facts
Summary Atlantic Highlands suits people who want an easy car-free trip from the city, a working harbor, a good meal downtown, and access to Sandy Hook, not a classic beach-town boardwalk. Come for the ferry, the views, and the bayshore.
Soccer fans mob D'Arcy's Tavern in Bradley Beach for U.S. World Cup opener
Throughout the rapturous first half these fans paid their national team the ultimate compliment: None of them scrolled their phones.
Source ↗N.J. got 250 free World Cup tickets for kids — here’s who is handing them out
Airbnb, the short-term rental platform, is providing the tickets that will be distributed by the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey and Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.
Source ↗2026 LBI Beach Badge Information
The ocean is calling… and this summer, Long Beach Island is ready to deliver. Before you load up the car and head over the causeway, there’s one essential item to add to your checklist: your beach badge. We’ve got everything you need to know right here, so you can spend less tim…
Source ↗Start Planning Your 2026 Long Beach Island Getaway
As winter settles in, the excitement of summer on Long Beach Island begins to take shape. For many families, couples, and returning visitors, this is the season when LBI plans move from “someday” to officially on the calendar. If 2026 includes time at the shore, now is the smart…
Source ↗Mark Your Calendar: Summer 2026 on Long Beach Island Is Almost Here
Another extraordinary summer is just around the corner on LBI, and this year the island is bringing everything: sun-drenched beach days, vibrant community celebrations, live music under the stars, and the kind of laid-back coastal magic that keeps people coming back year after y…
Source ↗Seastreak Ferry to NYC (35 min); no rail
Ferry is great for NYC commute; town is walkable but small
Seastreak — Atlantic Highlands
No upcoming events.
88°
This Afternoon
93°
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
Tonight
73°
Mostly Clear
Monday
91°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Monday Night
74°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tuesday
89°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Tuesday Night
71°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms