Huddy Park of Highlands — Attraction in Highlands

Huddy Park is the center of Highlands, NJ, and while there's lots to talk about nearby -- Et Al (great prepared food!), Waterwitch Cafe (great vibe, great coffee!) and In the Garden (love their flowers!) -- it seemed like a perfect spot to say what I love about Highlands: Location, Location, Location! It never fails to amaze me, how well situated the town of Highlands is.

First, It offers beautiful views of the ocean, river, bay and NYC (check out Eastpointe scenic overlook on Ocean Ave or any of the bayfront or riverfront beaches/parks.

Second, it provides easy access to all kinds of waterfront activities: ocean swimming, surfing, river fishing, sailing in the bay, windsurfing, even transportation to NYC by high-speed ferry and so much more. You’re just over the bridge to neighboring Sea Bright as well as Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area with its many beaches, walking trails and bike paths.

Highlands is also where you will find the truly spectacular Hartshorne Woods — a Monmouth County park comprised of 700 acres of woodland trails perfectly suited for running, walking, mountain biking and quiet solitude. Whether you wan to get lost in the woods or picnic with a view of the Atlantic, Hartshorne Woods does not disappoint.

And did I mention the views? In Highlands you’ll find yourself at one of the highest points on the eastern seaboard, towering over the landscape and offering vistas unlike anywhere else. Because of it’s elevation, Highlands became a key spot on the horizon for seafarers for many years. Visit the historic Twin Lights Lighthouse and you’ll understand why it was sometimes the first “welcome sign” that many saw just prior to entering New York harbor. When still in operation, its fresnel lens was seen over 20 miles out at sea! And here you can stand where Marconi put into service the first wireless telegraph. You can even climb to the top of one of the lighthouse towers.

There’s a whole lot more to love about Highlands (wait till I tell you about the food!) but first, just get yourself here and appreciate the location: at the beach, close to the woods, easy proximity to NYC. We moved here over 20 years ago and have loved...

Small park in Highlands with a gazebo that has plants and flowers planted by the local garden society. There is a small playground in the park that has slides and swings for the kids. Park is in a convenient location because it has the Water Witch Cafe and Et Al close by. You can grab a cup of coffee and pastry or have a sandwich in the park. During the summer months they have a fresh vegetable market here on certain days of the week and it is also home to the annual...

It's a nice place to come with your spouse or significant other to take a nice stroll or eat lunch at the picnic benches. But as for taking your kids to play there on the playground, it's one of the smallest, & mundane parks in the whole county. There is one regular swing & one baby swing. The jungle gym to play on is very boring. Only one slide, a little steering wheel & one of those spiral poles to climb up or down on. Even my 2&1/2 yr old gets bored with...