Sandy Hook Cottage Bed and Breakfast (Closed Permanently)

It's "Where The Boys Are".

At present there are no hotels located in Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. Sandy Hook Cottage is located in Highlands, NJ just outside of the park. Hosts are friendly,and helpful. Since I usually got an early start I only sampled breakfast once, as I wanted to get to Sandy Hook Gunnison Beach early. I grabbed a danish, juice and coffee. All were good. The B&B is very intimate. There are only 3 guest rooms and reservations must be made well in advance during High Season (Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. During High Season, Room Rates range from $239.00 to $359.00.. All rooms are Air Conditioned, have ceiling fans, a fridge, wifi or data port, digital tv with HBO and SHO. The Breakfast area is simple but pleasantly decorated with french doors. There is no pool but there is an 8 man jacuzzi. The deck area is rather small but nicely landscaped. Parking is available off-street. The town of Highlands, NJ is formerly a clamer's village. It is no longer a center of clam fishing. The town is slowly re-inventing itself as a sport fishing and after beach stop. There are really good restaurants like Bahrs which is a long established favorite open year round. Next door and seasonally is Moby's Deck. Dress here is very casual. You can come in a t-shirt, swim trunks, and sandals. Bahrs owns Moby's so some of the same items are available. Both establishments have a liquor license. While served in plastic cups, the boat drinks are really good. The only drawback for the glbt vacationer is that there aren't any gay only clubs, restaurants or businesses as of yet. The nearest glbt clubs, bars and businesses are located several miles south in Asbury Park. Highlands does have a high speed ferry into lower Manhattan. It runs during commuter hours.I don't think it has any late night runs. There are bicycles for rent. The location is on top of a steep hill. I wouldn't advise use by the occasional bike rider. The main draw for gay men and some lesbians is Sandy Hook Gunnison Beach. The beach is large maybe 2 - 3 football fields and clothing optional. The northern end of the beach is occupied by straights and sometimes their families. Yes, there is a volleyball net! The gay beach is south of the straight area. The beach has life guards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entry is not per head but a parking fee per car. Week Days it's $10.00 on weekends slightly higher.A season parking pass is available for $50.00 cash or check. No pets, flotation devices or open glass containers are permitted. It's a natural beach, with a bring in bring out policy. That means any trash you make you take with you when you leave. Alcohol is permitted as long as it's not in a glass container, and you take your empties with you. You'll find all kinds of men there in groups, couples, or singles. NOTE: Designated Wildlife Protected areas are off limits as is sex on the beach or dunes.If you get caught there is a steep fine, and your name is published in the newspaper as a sex offender.I wouldn't risk it at all. The best water temperatures are in the month of August. But by July water temperatures can reach 70F. All beaches with the exception of the fishing beach offer snack bar, outdoor cold showers, restrooms/changing area, beach umbrella rentals. For the convenience of nude sun worshipers at Gunnison Beach, there's a refreshment stand located midway between the gay area and the straights area. Tents are permitted on the beach, but no grills, fires or overnight camping. Gunnison attracts gays from as far as Germany, to locals, day trippers and a healthy population of M4M "don't ask don't tell" sailors from nearby Earl Ammunition Naval Depot. While staying at Sandy Hook Cottage, Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook Gateway National Park and Recreation Area is a must see / must do. It's "Where The Boys Are".