Highlands, NJ is a vibrant coastal town perfect for paddling, hiking, and fishing along the Jersey Shore. Enjoy waterfront trails, scenic bays, and historic sites just minutes from New York City.
Highlands, NJ is a vibrant coastal town perfect for paddling, hiking, and fishing along the Jersey Shore. Enjoy waterfront trails, scenic bays, and historic sites just minutes from New York City.
Outdoor Adventure in Highlands, New Jersey
Highlands is a charming coastal town along New Jersey's Atlantic coast, offering diverse outdoor activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Located near Sandy Hook Bay and the Hudson River, it provides easy access to water and land adventures.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Highlands, New Jersey special.
★ 4⌖ 2.87 milesExplore the Bay Shore Trail in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean on this family-friendly route ideal for trail running and bird watching. Visit in spring or fall to experience the peaceful atmosphere and vibrant avian population.
⌖ 12.03 milesVisit Luna Park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY for a day of thrills. Enjoy the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel, along with beachside fun. Family-friendly with amusement rides and sightseeing. Busy in summer.
⌖ 12.07 milesExplore Coney Island, a lively Brooklyn destination with iconic amusement rides and a bustling beach. Ideal for family-friendly beach relaxation, boardwalk strolls, and park thrills. Best visited in summer for its lively atmosphere.
★ 6.5⌖ 14.56 milesEasyAvon Beach in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ offers a calm, sandy shoreline ideal for beachcombing, beginner surfing, fishing on the jetty, and relaxed coastal walks. Easy access and family-friendly atmosphere make it perfect for a peaceful day by the Atlantic shore with seasonal mild crowds.
★ 7.8⌖ 14.63 milesEasyAvon-by-the-Sea Public Beach offers a quiet, family-friendly coastal escape with moderate surf ideal for beginner surfers. Visitors enjoy paddleboarding, beachcombing, and nature walks along sandy shores and protected dunes. Easy drive-in access makes it a pleasant spot for a relaxed outdoor outing.
★ 5.5⌖ 14.73 milesEasyShark River Park in Wall Township, NJ, offers easy hiking trails and river access with opportunities for fishing, biking, and wildlife watching. Visitors enjoy peaceful river views, family-friendly terrain, and seasonal wildflowers along mostly flat, well-maintained paths.
★ 6.2⌖ 14.87 milesEasyBelmar's Natural Beach Area in New Jersey offers a peaceful beachcombing and tide pooling experience along a rocky shoreline. Easy access by car, ideal for photography and bird watching, this quiet coastal spot is best visited from late spring to early fall for tranquil ocean views and nature observation.
★ 6.5⌖ 15.37 milesEasyBelmar Beach in New Jersey offers an easy-access wide sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, surfing, biking, and nature walks. Open from spring to fall, it's family-friendly with lifeguards in summer and seasonal events, though it can get busy during peak months.
★ 6.5⌖ 15.53 milesEasyExplore the easy and scenic Maclearie Trail in Belmar, NJ. This coastal path offers peaceful walking with water views, salt marsh habitats, and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Best visited in spring and fall, it's ideal for beginners seeking a quiet nature escape near the Jersey Shore.
★ 7⌖ 18.36 milesEasyExplore Allaire State Park in Wall Township, NJ, offering easy hiking trails through wooded areas and river views combined with a preserved 19th-century historic village. Ideal for families, biking, and beginner paddling along the Manasquan River. Visit in spring or fall for best conditions.
★ 6.5⌖ 19.35 milesEasyManasquan Reservoir in Howell Township, NJ features an easy 5-mile trail around a freshwater lake. Ideal for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and biking, it offers peaceful wildlife viewing and scenic water views. Best visited spring through fall with family-friendly paths and wildlife spotting opportunities.
★ 7⌖ 21.53 milesVisit the iconic Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and explore Ellis Island. Accessible by ferry from New York City, this historical landmark is family-friendly and open year-round, offering educational exhibits and scenic views.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Highlands, New Jersey, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Highlands, New Jersey.
⌖ 0.0 miA one-hour beginner-friendly lesson that teaches basic kayak skills and water safety while you paddle the sandy shores of Spermaceti Cove; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 0.0 miA one-hour rental at Spermaceti Cove with basic instruction, PFDs and top-quality Bic Sport and Ocean Kayaks—ideal for beginners and paddlers aged 12 and up.
⌖ 1.3 miAn eight-hour fishing trip out of Fair Haven that targets striped bass and blackfish and includes bait, tackle, and catch cleaning for a full-day experience.
⌖ 1.7 miA 2-hour beachfront platform experience from Sandy Hook Kayaks that turns a day on the water into a social, floatable gathering for small groups.
⌖ 2.6 miA 90‑minute, Monday‑through‑Friday surf and ocean‑awareness clinic for proficient 5–7 year‑old swimmers taught one‑to‑one by Lucky Dog Surf School—invaluable for parents who want clear logistics, safety rules, and packing guidance.
⌖ 2.8 miPrivate Surf Lesson for 1–4 Surfers with Lucky Dog Surf School — a 60–75 minute, all-gear-included session in Sea Bright that’s useful whether you’re preparing for your first wave or sharpening skills.
⌖ 2.8 miA weeklong, skills-first surf camp at Sea Bright’s North Beach that teaches fundamentals through advanced techniques while prioritizing safety and small instructor-to-student ratios.
⌖ 2.8 miA two-day, three-hour weekend program in Sea Bright that pairs hands-on coaching with concentrated water time for beginners and intermediate surfers.
⌖ 2.8 miAges 8–15 spend a concentrated, three-hour session Monday–Friday learning fundamentals through advanced techniques with on-site equipment and certified instructors.
⌖ 2.8 miA weekend in Sea Bright led by Lucky Dog Surf School featuring surf lessons, yoga, empowerment activities, local meals and a movie night.
⌖ 3.1 miA five‑day, mornings‑only kids fishing camp for ages 10 and up that lays out daily meeting points, boat days, and the paperwork and gear families must bring.
⌖ 3.2 miA concise, two-hour sail from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, run by the Bayshore Center — a practical guide to what the outing covers and who it suits.
⌖ 3.2 miA private, two-hour accompanied memorial service departing Atlantic Highlands that includes personalized ceremony options, full permits and logistics — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
⌖ 3.5 miA four-hour boat outing that puts kids on the water with basic comforts aboard—ice chest and audio system—and a clear packing and policy list to prepare families.
⌖ 3.6 miA six‑hour, small‑group ghost hunt through a registered 1893 Victorian mansion in Atlantic Highlands — this guide explains what to expect, where to meet, and what to bring.
Make the most of your visit to Highlands, New Jersey with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Highlands, New Jersey hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New Jersey during the iconic Highlands Seafood and Music Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New Jersey during the iconic Jersey Shore Kayak Fest. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New Jersey during the iconic Annual Striped Bass Derby. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Highlands, New Jersey is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Island Beach State Park in New Jersey offers pristine beaches, dunes, and maritime forests, providing a haven for outdoor explorers and nature lovers alike.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, amidst the serene landscape of northeastern New Jersey.
Harriman State Park, located in New York, offers a vast terrain of forested hills and valleys, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Wharton State Forest, located in New Jersey, offers a diverse array of recreational opportunities amidst its vast pine forests and historic sites.
Bring water shoes for paddling and beach walks.
Park at official trailheads to avoid fines.
Check tidal schedules when planning paddling trips.
Local seafood shacks offer fresh catches seasonally.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Highlands, New Jersey. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.