Plizio Visual Lab
Highlands
ℹ️Practical info — Highlands
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take the Seastreak ferry for a trip to Manhattan; the ride has spectacular views of the NYC skyline.
- Visit the Twin Lights State Historic Site; the North Tower is often free to climb during the off-season.
- Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook is the highest point on the coast and features great views without the crowds.
- Ferry terminal parking is free but fills up very fast on weekend mornings with day-trippers.
- Walk or bike across the Highlands Bridge using the dedicated path for amazing views of the river and ocean.
🍽 Food
A true local favorite for craft beer and their signature 'elevated' fried pickles.
A waterfront landmark since 1917, famous for its lobster rolls and nautical vibes.
The go-to seafood market for the freshest local catch to take home or for a picnic.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The heart of Highlands with local bakeries and essential small-town shops.
A 5-minute drive to First Ave provides antique emporiums and nautical boutiques.
A great boutique for shore-themed gifts and stylish home decor.
Hike the Rocky Point trails to see old WWII bunkers hidden in the forest hills.
The highest point on the coast, great for a quiet moment with a view of NYC.
A rare maritime holly forest that is much quieter than the main beach areas nearby.
Water temperature…
Highlands, situated on the New Jersey coast, is renowned for its elevated location offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and New York City. The town serves as the gateway to the Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Here, visitors find Navesink Beach and Highlands Beach, excellent for relaxation. A highlight for naturists is Gunnison Beach, while North Beach and Gravelly Point Beach are prized for their raw natural beauty. The beaches are categorized into zones like Beach B, C, D, and E, each offering different amenities for swimmers and sunbathers. For anglers, Fishing Beach is the go-to spot. Beyond the sand, Highlands is home to the historic Twin Lights, dual lighthouses that once guided ships into the harbor. The town has a strong maritime heritage and is famous for its top-tier waterfront seafood restaurants. Access is made easy by high-speed ferries from Manhattan, making Highlands a favorite for day-trippers. Hiking trails and cycling paths along the shoreline invite active exploration. With its mix of historic flair, nature preserves, and access to premium beaches, Highlands provides a unique coastal experience on the Jersey Shore.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Navesink Beach · Battery Lewis · Highlands Army Air Defense Command Bunker
- Nearby: New York City (10 km)
- Population: ~4.867 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 95 | 114 | 107 | 101 | 115 | 114 | 114 | 97 | 124 | 101 | 133 |
Geography
Facts
- Highest point on the Atlantic coast
- Home to the Twin Lights
- High-speed ferry to Manhattan
- Gateway to Sandy Hook Park
- Gunnison Beach (clothing optional)
- Rich fishing history
- Views of the Verrazzano Bridge
- Summer Oyster Festival
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Highlands (12)
Frequently asked questions
Highlands: where is it located?
Highlands: what is there to see?
Highlands: when is the best time to visit?
Highlands: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
