Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook, located on the north end of the Jersey coast, is home to one of the best beaches in the state. You'll have to pay to get in, but once inside the state park grounds, you'll find beautiful white sand and lots of beach parking, which is hard to come by in this part of the state. During peak season, you should arrive early to get the most out of this site and its surroundings. There's more to this barrier spit of land than just sunbathing. Bring your bike and explore the park's seven-mile bike route, book a basic camping place and sleep beneath the stars, windsurf, or kiteboard.

It's also a great place to go bird watching. One of the best ways to see Sandy Hook is on one of the ranger-led canoe trips, which take adventurers on a two-mile journey through the park, allowing them to see Sandy Hook from the water. The Blue Bay Inn is a charming boutique hotel in the Atlantic Highlands area. If you wish to spend the day in Manhattan, the Seastreak Ferry is only two streets away and will take you there in 35 minutes.