New Jersey Beach

Highlands offers a diverse range of dining options. Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina is a longtime seafood joint known for its straightforward dishes in a nautical-themed space. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining provides modern pub eats with live music and waterfront views. For a casual hangout with American fare and ocean views, Off The Hook Restaurant and Bar is a popular choice. One Willow offers a more upscale dining experience with a focus on fine cuisine. Lastly, Porcini is a family-friendly Italian restaurant highlighting classic Italian fare.

For accommodations, Highlands and its surrounding areas offer several options. The Summer House in Highlands provides a casual guesthouse experience with relaxed rooms and cottages. Nearby, Beachwalk at Sea Bright offers a laid-back hotel with an outdoor pool and a Tiki bar. In Atlantic Highlands, the Blue Bay Inn offers warm rooms and a Southwestern restaurant. For a more luxurious stay, The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank provides waterfront luxury with fine dining options.

Highlands beaches are well-equipped with amenities such as lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas in nearby parks like Sandy Hook National Recreation Area. For water activities, rental equipment for kayaking and paddleboarding is available. Additionally, the area offers several shops and boutiques, including the historic Snug Harbor Fish Market, which provides fresh seafood and local souvenirs.

Highlands offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular at the beaches. Visitors can also take a dolphin-watching cruise or rent bikes to explore the area. For nature lovers, hiking trails at Hartshorne Woods Park and Sandy Hook National Recreation Area provide opportunities to explore local wildlife and enjoy scenic views.

While specific information about beach wheelchair rentals in Highlands is not readily available, nearby beaches like Island Beach State Park offer accessible facilities, including beach wheelchairs and ramps. Many local restaurants and hotels also provide wheelchair-accessible amenities, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the area's attractions.

Parking in Highlands is generally accessible, with options for free street parking and designated parking lots near the beaches and attractions. However, during peak summer months, parking spaces can be limited, so arriving early is recommended. Some hotels and restaurants also offer on-site parking for guests.

Highlands has a rich history, with its beaches being part of the first ocean access spots along the New Jersey shore. The area was once home to Highland Beach, a historic resort paradise that thrived during the Gilded Age. Today, visitors can still enjoy remnants of this past, including the scenic views and historic sites like the Twin Lights Lighthouse. The town's proximity to New York City also makes it a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers.

Highlands is surrounded by several attractions that highlight its natural beauty and historical significance. The Twin Lights State Historic Site is a notable landmark offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Hoffman's Marina, which has been in operation since the 1800s, provides a glimpse into the town's maritime history. For nature enthusiasts, Sandy Hook National Recreation Area offers hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for bird watching and picnicking.