The true beach town of the Bayshore. Highlands feels like you are on vacation. From Sandy Hook Bay to beach bars + more. There so much to do, see + eat in the Highlands, NJ.
Here is your guide to all things Highlands, New Jersey from a Bayshore local, me! As always be sure to follow me @bayshorebeyond
Things to do in Highlands, NJ
Sandy Hook + Bay Beaches
Situated along Sandy Hook Bay Highlands is home to several Bay beaches. Head over the bridge + you will find the start of the Jersey Shore, Gateway Recreation Area also known as Sandy Hook where you can spend the day on the beach, bike the trails or check out the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.
Henry Hudson Trail
The Henry Hudson Trail runs through the entire Bayshore connecting each town including Highlands, NJ You can walk, run or ride your bike up + down the Bayshore hopping off to explore Highlands along the way.
Boat Rentals
Nothing better than a day spent on a boat. Bridge Marina in the Highlands has pontoon boats for daily rentals or you can join their Boating Club where you can use any of the boats in their fleet for the summer season.
Scope them out on Instagram: @bridgemarina
Hartshorne Woods
If the woods are more your thing, head up the hills of the Highlands + hike Hartshorne Woods where you will find easy paved hikes or wooded hikes with beautiful water views.
Twin Lights Lighthouse
If you are looking for a gorgeous view head to the Twin Lights Lighthouse in Highlands. It is a historic site where you can learn all about the Lighthouse. You can even climb up the two lighthouses for the most epic view of the Bayshore.
Places to Eat in Highlands, NJ
Franny's Pizzeria + Restaurant
Franny's is a family owned spot serving up delicious pizzas, sandwiches, pasta + more in the Highlands. It is the perfect spot to grab a slice after a day at the beach.
Scope them out on Instagram: @frannyshighlands
Dock Donuts
A place where you can grab a coffee, donut + a boat. Dock Donuts in Highlands is an adorable spot on the water where you can grab a delicious donut + rent a small boat to explore the bay for the day.
Scope them out on Instragram: @dockdonuts
Bay Ave Bakery
The home of the best crumb cake in Monmouth County. Bay Ave Bakery is the perfect spot to grab breakfast before heading to the beach or lunch on your way home.
Waterfront Dining in Highlands, NJ
Inlet Cafe
One of the many waterfront dining places in the Highlands, Inlet Cafe is a casual spot on the water serving up seafood + more. This is the perfect place to grab a bite after a long day at Sandy Hook.
Scope them out on Instagram: @inletcafe
One Willow
If you are looking for a more elevated dining experience on the water look no further than One Willow in Highlands. You are guaranteed beautiful views + a beautiful meal. One Willow screams date night or girls night.
Scope them out on Instagram: @onewillow_nj
Bahrs Landing Restaurant
The Bayshore's seafood spot. Bahrs Landing Restaurant is serving up lobsters, clams, shrimp, oysters, scallops + more. Located right on the Sandy Hook Bay it has a beautiful view + you can watch the fishermen coming in with all the fresh fish. They also have an outdoor tiki bar during the summer season.
Scope them out on Instagram: @bahrslandingrestaurant
Proving Ground
For a casual, fun waterfront dining spot Proving Ground in the Highlands is the place. With beautiful views of Sandy Hook, live music, fire pits, drinks + more it is a great pfor a greatlace time every season.
Scope them out on Instagram: @pgwaterfrontdining
Places to Grab a Drink in Highlands, NJ
The Seafarer
Hands down my favorite bar at the Bayshore. The Seafarer in the Highlands is my vibe + I love it. Nothing better than a delicious drink in hand, toes in the sand, music in your ears + a beautiful view. It is the recipe for a great time. It is also SUPER kid friendly bar in New Jersey.
Scope them out on Instagram: @theseafarernj
Sandbox at Seatreak
The ultimate Bayshore beach bar. You can spend the entire day at The Sandbox in the Highlands where you can swim in the bay, enjoy cocktails, grab a bite from the food trucks + enjoy live music. During the weekend + certain hours there is a cover charge to enter. This is also a kid friendly bar + perfect spot for a family weekend.
Scope them out on Instagram: @sandboxatseastreak
NOTE: Highlands Guide will frequently be updated. The guide consists only of places that I have personally eaten or recommend. If you are a Highlands business that is not on the list + want me to come check out your business or restaurant, please email me at bayshorebeyond@gmail.com