Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey Brief History:
Originally part of Middletown Township and known as Portland Pointe, the town of Atlantic Highlands lured many investors to the area in the late 1800’s due to the waterfront location and lovely climate. Members of the early Methodist Church formed the Atlantic Highlands Association, and the 11-mile community plan was laid out.
Many hotels and beach cottages were built in Atlantic Highlands through the early 1900’s. The building boom included a large pier that served as a launching and disembarking point for steamships from New York City. All through the 1940’s, the steamers “Sandy Hook” and the “Monmouth” brought vacationers and business to the shores of Atlantic Highlands and Sandy Hook. To this day, vacationers and commuters can enjoy a ferry ride across Raritan Bay to get to work in Manhattan or to Atlantic Highlands for a day at the beach.
The 1940’s also saw the creation of a municipal harbor, built using State & Federal funds. The harbor is the largest on the East Coast, storing more than 700 craft. Today, there are at least ten fast boats a day bound for New York City. These boats offer a quick 25-minute run, and offer snacks and a cash bar onboard. Ferry service to Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium is offered for every home game of the New York Mets and Yankees.
Atlantic Highlands is a New Jersey shore town that boasts a colorful history, as well as a perfect blend of beach relaxation and lively nightlife. A visitor can enjoy accommodations in an 1800’s Victorian B&B, local seafood so fresh it practically jumps out of the ocean, and many beach bars to unwind and listen to some great music preformed by local Jersey Shore bands. |
