Kathleen said:
Sandy Hook is fine for families, however...
It is mostly adults.
There is only one bathroom/changing facility and it's a LONG walk back there from the beach.
There is a Ferry that runs from Midtown and Downtown Manhattan to Sandy Hook with bus service to Gunnison Beach. The Ferry is expensive though and I believe it only accepts cash. But it is a very pleasant trip.
If you drive, you must arrive very early to get a parking spot; they fill quickly on summer weekends. Or arrive late in the afternoon.
The Speadstreak Ferry costs $45 for a round trip ticket and they only accept cash. It gets you there in about 45 minutes. There is a snack bar with sandwiches and alcoholic beverages. Very pleasant.
Kathleen is not kidding about the parking situation. If driving is the only option for you, consider going on a weekday. Not as crowded as the weekends---instead of 2,000-2,500 people on the beach, there will "only" be 500-600. At least that's my experience.
Yes it's a long walk, but it's all on level ground. Anyone who's ever been "mountain climbing" to get to and from Black's Beach or Little Beach can appreciate that.
