What to Do and See While Boating on Sandy Hook Bay and the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers in New Jersey: Your Guide
Through our Highlands Boating Club & Rentals location, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of boating visitors to the beautiful Sandy Hook Bay area on our luxury boat rentals and top-notch Boating Club Fleet boats. Our Boat Rental guests and Boating Club members, as well as other boating visitors, often look to us for suggestions on what to do during their visit, and we’re thrilled to help our guests plan their perfect day at the Jersey Shore!
Whether you’re looking for what to do with your family at the Jersey Shore, or planning a get-together with friends, the Jersey Shore offers so much to do and see! Here are just a few of our suggestions on where to go and what to do during your boating experience with Bridge Marina in Highlands, whether you’re boating on Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink River, or the Shrewsbury River!
Looking to Enjoy Dock and Dine?
Highlands offers a host of waterfront dining options. For local seafood and American fare, try the iconic Bahrs Landing in Highlands for its indoor and outdoor waterfront seating and “famous” lobster options. Proving Ground Restaurant is another Highlands favorite, offering “casual chic” fare and beautiful views of Sandy Hook. Both options are minutes away from Bridge Marina, making either of them an ideal choice for a waterfront dining experience.
The Seafarer Bar with Local Smoke BBQ, located at Baker’s Marina on the Bay (where our Highlands Boat Club & Rentals is located), features live music on most weekends and casual fare in a fun atmosphere; our guests often enjoy winding down here after their day on the water.
When choosing a waterfront restaurant, please be mindful of the condition of any docks you approach, and use fenders, lines, and bumpers correctly. Make sure you are comfortable with docking the boat on your own. Finally, please note that reservations may be required at waterfront establishments; we suggest calling ahead, especially on weekends.
In the Mood for a Swim?
Our Highlands Boat Rental guests and Boating Club members alike enjoy the beauty of Veteran’s Cove on the Navesink River for swimming or simply anchoring and hanging out for the day. If you choose to spend your time here, please anchor safely, away from other boaters. Please note that “tying up” with other boats/boaters is strictly prohibited.
Cruising/Sight Seeing
A cruise up the Navesink River is perfect no matter what time of year; our Highlands Boat Rental and Boating Club members enjoy the beauty of this particular area! As you make your way up the Navesink River, boaters can admire the beauty of Hartshorne Woods. These forested hills were once fortified with a military coastal defense system. Now the park is known for its challenging hiking trails and beautiful vistas.
Also, check out the unique small summer bungalow colony of Barley Point in Rumson. Politicians and celebrities, including Governor Phil Murphy and Jon Bon Jovi, have made their homes on the Navesink; you can check out the abundance of sprawling estates from the water on the way to Red Bank. And don’t forget to bring your binoculars to see nesting osprey and other interesting wildlife!
Other Things to Do in Highlands at the Jersey Shore
Highlands is a very walkable and bike-friendly town, and our boating guests often enjoy spending time exploring the area before or after their boat trip with us!
The Henry Hudson trail, which begins in Highlands near Popamora Beach, is a scenic trail to explore by foot or bike, with gorgeous views of Sandy Hook Bay, as well as the NYC skyline. Bike or hike the trail to Atlantic Highlands, a quaint town with a small shopping district, dotted with Victorian homes that have been preserved and restored, adding to the charm of small-town living.
Sandy Hook National Recreation Area is a destination in and of itself, with miles of walking and biking trails to explore, as well as the historic Fort Hancock district, towering lighthouse, and expansive beaches. And speaking of lighthouses, don’t miss the Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, which offers a museum, exhibits and tours, and is highlighted as one of the best small museums in New Jersey. Please note that admission fees apply to both these national and state park destinations, and reservations may be required.
Experience the Jersey Shore This Summer on a Bridge Marina Luxury Boat Rental
We would love to welcome you to Highlands on a Bridge Marina boat! As a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence recipient, we’re proud to offer Highlands’ finest boat rental experience. Our boats, team, and genuine interest in ensuring you have a safe, pleasurable, and memorable boating experience at the Jersey Shore sets us apart from the rest… we are not your typical boat rental experience! Book your boat rental in Highlands with Bridge Marina here.
Want to Enjoy the Jersey Shore All Summer Long on a Boat?
You can of course buy a boat (or hop a ride with a friend), but you also may want to consider joining Bridge Marina Boating Club in Highlands! We’re Highlands’ original and only Boating Club, offering our members exclusive access to an entire fleet of gorgeous boats, with watersports gear, training, and more included! We own the boats, you own the boating experience! Enjoy boating all summer long without the hassles or costs of boat ownership as a Boating Club member! Find out more about joining Bridge Marina Boating Club in Highlands here.
Learn to Boat at the Jersey Shore
If you’re brand new to boating – or are interested in becoming a better, safer boater – our on-water Learn to Boat training program is for you! Our Learn to Boat program gets you out on a beautiful Bridge Marina boat on Sandy Hook Bay with a professional instructor, learning how to boat! Learn boating fundamentals, precision docking skills, and more! Sessions are held on Saturdays in Highlands in the summer. Learn more about our On-Water Training programs here.
Whatever Boating Adventures You Choose in Highlands, Boat Safely
Regardless of the activities you choose to enjoy in the Highlands area, please remember to always practice boating safety and be courteous to other boaters on the water. And, if you’re looking for more boating safety tips and videos from Bridge Marina, check out our blog post here and Bridge Marina’s YouTube Boating Safety and Education Channel here.