Highlands Website and Social Media sites

• Official Website - Highlands NJ

• Wikipedia - Highlands NJ

• Facebook - Highlands NJ official

• Instagram - Highlands (none)

• Twitter - Highlands Official

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Recommended Beach Supplies for vacation ​

• SPF Makeup and Lip Gloss:  When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, it's important to look for makeup products that contain SPF to protect from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Sunscreen: Protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.  Read our Sunscreen Blog.

• Paperbacks or Kindle Books:  Reading a book on vacation can help you relax by providing a mental escape from the stresses of everyday life

• Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare, improving visual comfort and eye health.

• Beach chairs: Provide a comfortable place to sit and relax while enjoying the sun and sand. They often come with features such as adjustable backrests and armrests.

• Beach Umbrella: these can provide shade and shelter from the sun and wind.

• Beach Cabana:  A beach cabana provides a beachgoer with a private and shaded area for relaxation, protection from the sun, and storage for personal items. 

• ​Beach Towels:  Provides comfort, convenience, protection, and hygiene while laying on the beach or swimming at the beach.

• Womans Swimwear and Mens Swimsuits: Bring multiple swimsuits so that you have a dry suit to change into after swimming.

• Water shoes: To protect your feet while walking on the beach or in the water.

• Lightweight Clothing: Jersey shore can be hot in the summer, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. For Woman.  For Men.

• Sweatshirt or hoodie, even though it gets hot in the day it can be cool at night with the ocean breezes. For Woman.  For Men.

• Hat or Visor: A hat or visor on the beach is necessary to protect your face and head from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and keep you cool and comfortable in the sun.  For Woman.  For Men.

• Cash and credit cards: Many beach towns have boardwalks with shops and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.  Other establishments like arenas and stadiums will not take cash.

• Cooler: To store drinks and snacks to keep you hydrated and fueled up throughout the day.

• Insect repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.

• Beach games and activities: Beach Games such as frisbee, beach volleyball or cornhole, can be fun and entertaining.

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Highlands's nearby attractions​

• Sandy Hook National Recreation Area: This park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, bird watching, and picnicking.

• Twin Lights State Historic Site: This historic site offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a great spot for a romantic evening.

• Navesink Twin Lights: This National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into the history of lighthouse technology and coastal defense.

• Beach: The town's beaches are known for their clean water, beautiful sunsets, and ample space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

• Snug Harbor Fish Market: This historic market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood and local souvenirs.

• Sandy Hook Lighthouse: It is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.

• Gateway National Recreation Area: This national park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and bird watching.

• Keansburg Amusement Park: This amusement park features a variety of rides, games, and attractions.

• Monmouth Battlefield State Park: This state park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth.

• Sea Bright: This small town is located just a few miles from Highlands and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options.

• Sandy Hook Bay Marina: This marina offers a variety of water activities, such as boating, jet skiing and fishing.

• Hartshorne Woods Park: This park offers hiking trails and scenic views of the coast.

• The Henry Hudson Trail: This trail offers a great opportunity for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

• Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook: This scenic overlook offers panoramic views of the coast and the New York City skyline.

• Asbury Park Boardwalk: This boardwalk offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including an amusement park and a casino.

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Things to do in Highland's Town and Beach​

• Visit the beach and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

• Hike and bike in Sandy Hook National Recreation Area and take in the natural beauty of the area.

• Visit Twin Lights State Historic Site and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse.

• Take a sunset sail on a catamaran or a boat tour around the coast.

• Explore the historic town and visit local shops and boutiques, such as Snug Harbor Fish Market.

• Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the town's restaurants, which offer a wide range of dining options.

• Rent a beachfront cottage or a luxurious oceanfront villa and enjoy a relaxing getaway.

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the town and view the town from above.

• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town and see the sights in a unique and romantic way.

• Visit a local spa and enjoy a couples massage or other treatments.

• Take a fishing trip or charter a boat and explore the coast.

• Visit the Navesink Twin Lights and learn about the history of lighthouse technology and coastal defense.

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Romantic Things to do in Highlands 

1. Take a romantic walk on the beach at sunset. The town's beaches are known for their clean water, beautiful sunsets, and ample space for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

2. Have a picnic on the beach or in one of the local parks. Sandy Hook National Recreation Area offers a variety of picnic spots where you can enjoy a romantic meal while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

3. Take a sunset sail on a catamaran or a boat tour around the coast. This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spend some quality time together.

4. Visit the Twin Lights State Historic Site and watch the sunset from the top of the lighthouse. This historic site offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a great spot for a romantic evening.

5. Have a romantic dinner at one of the town's fine dining restaurants. Highlands offers a wide range of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal together.

6. Visit the Snug Harbor Fish Market, which offers a wide selection of fresh seafood and local souvenirs. Pick up some fresh seafood and cook a romantic dinner at home.

7. Rent a beachfront cottage or a luxurious oceanfront villa and enjoy a romantic getaway. These rentals offer a cozy and comfortable place to spend time together and make unforgettable memories.

8. Take a hot air balloon ride over the town, this will give you a chance to view the town from above and enjoy a unique and romantic experience.

9. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, this will give you a chance to see the town in a unique and romantic way.

10. Visit one of the local spas and enjoy a couples massage, this is a great way to relax and unwind with your significant other.

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Favorite Restaurants and Eateries in and around Highlands

1. Inlet Cafe: This waterfront restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and a menu featuring seafood and American cuisine. They also have a bar and outdoor seating available.

2. The Chubby Pickle: This sandwich shop serves a variety of deli sandwiches, as well as salads and soups. They also have a casual atmosphere and outdoor seating available.

3. Porcini: This Italian restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, such as pasta and seafood. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

4. Trama's at One Willow: This restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American cuisine. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

5. Bahrs Restaurant & Marina: This waterfront restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American cuisine. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

6. Scuba and the Beast: This seafood spot serves a variety of seafood options, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. They also have outdoor seating and a take-out service.

7. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining: This waterfront restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American cuisine. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

8. Bay Ave Bakery & Cafe: This bakery and cafe serves a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee drinks. They also have outdoor seating available.

9. Moby's Lobster Deck: This seafood spot is known for its lobster dishes, as well as its outdoor deck with views of the water.

10. China Sea: This Chinese restaurant serves a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, such as Kung Pao chicken and moo shu pork.

11. The Clam Hut: This seafood spot serves a variety of seafood options, including clams, oysters, and fish. They also have outdoor seating and take-out service.

12. Ted's Toys for Tots: This family-friendly restaurant serves a variety of American and seafood dishes. They also have a play area for children and outdoor seating available.

13. Cafe La De Da: This casual spot serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. They also have outdoor seating available.

14. Salvadoreno Express: This restaurant serves traditional Salvadoran dishes, such as pupusas and tamales.

15. Surf City Squeeze: This juice bar serves a variety of fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies.

16. Girls Cafe: This cafe serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. They also have outdoor seating available.

17. Girls Cafe: This cafe serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. They also have outdoor seating available.

18. Water Witch Coffee and Tea Co: This cozy coffee shop serves a variety of coffee drinks and teas, as well as light snacks and pastries. They also have outdoor seating available.

19. Santo Ceviche: This restaurant serves traditional ceviche dishes, as well as other Latin American seafood dishes. They also have outdoor seating available.

20. Il Lago: This Italian restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, such as pasta and seafood. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

21. Gfy 2 Enterprises: This is a casual seafood spot that serves a variety of seafood options, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. They also have outdoor seating and take-out service.

22. Gianna's Italian Restaurant: This Italian restaurant serves a variety of classic Italian dishes, such as pasta and seafood. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

23. Smokin' Racks BBQ: This BBQ restaurant serves a variety of BBQ dishes, such as brisket, ribs and pulled pork. They also have outdoor seating available.

24. Atlantic Bagel Express: This bagel shop serves a variety of fresh-baked bagels, as well as sandwiches and coffee drinks.

25. Francesco's Pizzeria: This pizzeria serves a variety of pizza options, including classic pies and specialty pies. They also have outdoor seating available.

26. Bahrs Landing: This waterfront restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American cuisine. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating available.

27. Chilangos: This Mexican restaurant serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos and burritos. They also have outdoor seating available.

28. Brezza Di Mare: This seafood spot serves a variety of seafood options, including clams, oysters, and fish. They also have outdoor seating and take-out

29. Brezza Di Mare: This seafood spot serves a variety of seafood options, including clams, oysters, and fish. They also have outdoor seating and take-out service.

30. Dts Pizza: This pizzeria serves a variety of pizza options, including classic pies and specialty pies. They also have outdoor seating available.

31. G G T Cafe: This casual spot serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. They also have outdoor seating available.

32. Blimpie: This sandwich shop serves a variety of deli sandwiches, as well as salads and soups. They also have a casual atmosphere and outdoor seating available.

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History of the Highlands

• Highlands is a borough located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The area has a rich history dating back to the 1600s when the Lenape Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the area. The first European settlers arrived in the 1700s, mostly fishermen and farmers.

• In the early 1800s, the area began to attract visitors as a seaside resort. Many wealthy New Yorkers and Philadelphians began building summer homes in the area. The town's development was aided by the expansion of the railroad in the area which made it more accessible for people to travel to the town.

• During the Civil War, Highlands served as a major training ground for Union soldiers. After the war, the town continued to attract visitors as a popular seaside resort. The town became known for its Victorian architecture and many of the buildings from this period still stand today.

• In the late 1800s, the town became a popular spot for fishing, with many fishing clubs and boat clubs formed. The town also became a popular spot for hunting, with many hunting clubs formed.

• In the early 20th century, the town experienced a decline in popularity as a vacation spot, as people began to prefer car trips and the rise of air-conditioning made it less necessary to escape the heat of the city. However, in recent years, the town has seen a resurgence in popularity as a vacation spot and has become a popular destination for families, beach-goers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The town's proximity to Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes it a prime spot for fishing, boating, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

• Today, Highlands is a small town known for its Victorian architecture, beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The town also has a strong sense of community, with events and festivals taking place throughout the year.

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Local Churches in the Highlands

• New Life Christian Church

125 Bay Ave Highlands NJ  Other Christian

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

103 Center Ave Atlantic Hlds NJ  Roman Catholic

• Saint Jude Thrift Shop

151 State Route 36 Highlands NJ  Catholic

• New Church Of Red Bank

478 Sagamore Ave Teaneck NJ  Non-Denominational

• Saint Andrew The Apostle Church

137 Bay Ave Highlands NJ Non-Denominational

• Highland Sea Bright United Methodist Church

181 Bay Ave Highlands NJ Methodist

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We hope this summary page helps you with your summer vacation, summer rentals, and search for a vacation home.  Whether you stay at a hotel, a condo, an apartment or a rental home the Jersey shore is for you!