Highlands Beach

Sea Bright offers a diverse dining scene with several notable restaurants. The Rum Runner is an upscale waterfront seafood restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere and a riverfront deck. EvenTide Grille provides casual American eats with a focus on comfort fare and live music. Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina is a long-standing seafood joint known for its straightforward dishes in a nautical-themed setting. Woody's Ocean Grille offers Mexican-inspired seafood in a casual, wood-accented eatery. Donovan's Reef is a lively oceanfront spot with bar fare and live bands.

For accommodations near Highland Beach, BeachWalk at Sea Bright is a premier choice, offering riverfront and beachfront rooms with an outdoor pool and a Tiki bar. Located a bit further away, Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch provides stylish accommodations with sea-view dining and a spa. Wave Resort also in Long Branch offers polished hotel rooms with ocean views and a spa. Bungalow Hotel in Long Branch features sleek quarters with kitchenettes and a modern feel.

Sea Bright offers a variety of amenities for beachgoers, including public restrooms and showers at several beach access points. The town also features picnic areas and opportunities for renting equipment like kayaks or paddleboards along the Navesink River. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and bars nearby, providing a range of dining options.

The beach itself is well-maintained, with regular cleanups and improvements to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. The nearby Anchorage access point has been enhanced with new restrooms and a walkway over the seawall, making it more visitor-friendly.

For those interested in water activities, there are opportunities for boating and fishing, with several marinas and tackle shops in the area.

Sea Bright is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities like swimming, surfing, kayaking, and fishing. The area is particularly famous for its striper fishing, attracting anglers from all over. Visitors can also enjoy boating on the Navesink River and Shrewsbury Bay, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, there are nearby attractions like the Twin Lights State Historic Site and the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area, which offer hiking trails and stunning views.

During the summer, Sea Bright hosts a lively farmers market every Thursday, providing fresh produce and local products.

Sea Bright offers several options for visitors with disabilities. Many of the public beach access points, including the Anchorage area, have wheelchair-accessible restrooms and walkways. Additionally, some restaurants and hotels in the area provide wheelchair-accessible seating and parking.

For those requiring additional assistance, it's advisable to contact local establishments ahead of time to confirm accessibility features. Some hotels, like BeachWalk at Sea Bright, offer wheelchair access for guests.

While the beach itself may present some challenges due to sand and terrain, the town's efforts to improve accessibility make it more inclusive for all visitors.

Parking in Sea Bright can be challenging, especially during peak summer months. However, there are several public beach access points with free parking, such as the Anchorage area, which has a modest parking lot. Additionally, many restaurants and hotels offer on-site parking for their guests.

While parking spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, the town is working to improve access and parking facilities. Visitors are advised to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options to avoid congestion.

Some beach clubs also offer parking for their members, providing another option for those planning to spend the day at the beach.

Highland Beach, now part of Sea Bright, has a rich history dating back to the Gilded Age. It was once a popular resort destination known for its Victorian architecture and lively entertainment options. The area was annexed by Sea Bright in 1909 and later became part of a national park system in the 1970s.

Sea Bright itself is unique for its narrow geography, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shrewsbury River, making it a prime spot for fishing and boating. The town's beaches are renowned for their accessibility and scenic beauty.

The area is also home to a variety of marine life, attracting fishermen and nature enthusiasts alike.

Sea Bright is surrounded by several attractions that make it a great base for exploring the Jersey Shore. The Twin Lights State Historic Site is a must-visit, offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history. The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.

For cultural enthusiasts, the nearby Count Basie Theater in Red Bank hosts a variety of performances, while the Carton Brewing in Atlantic Highlands offers craft beers and tours.

The area is also close to Monmouth Park Racetrack, a premier thoroughbred racing venue.