SANDY HOOK: Take a ferry to the beaches

Debbe Geiger

July 3, 2005

If you've got to get out of the city, but can't bear the thought of sitting in beach traffic, take the ferry. New York Waterways offers weekend cruises to the seven miles of beaches at Sandy Hook, N.J., through Labor Day.

Bring your cooler and even your bike for a scenic trip across New York Harbor and under the Verrazano Bridge. In about an hour, you'll be docking at the Gateway National Recreation Area, where a free shuttle bus will take you on a short ride to the beach. Swim, picnic, hike or bike the trails in this national recreation area. Just be sure to leave time for a free tour of historic Fort Hancock and the nation's oldest lighthouse, built in 1774.

The Sandy Hook cruise departs weekends from Waterway's West 38th Street Terminal at 9 a.m., and from the World Financial Center at 9:20 and 11:20 a.m. Returning cruises leave Sandy Hook at 4:45 and 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $16 for children under 12. Children under 3 ride free. Reserve early in the week to assure a weekend seat.

www.nywaterway.com 800-533-3779