The refuge is on the Atlantic Flyway, a main drag for migrating birds. In fact, when the piping plover nests at the Holgate wildlife area, visitors are not allowed at all. But visitors are welcome elsewhere. The refuge includes an eight-mile drive, especially popular in spring and summer, when birds are migrating or nesting. Peregrine falcons, many kinds of shorebirds, black ducks, and other wildlife can be observed.
Walkers can take two short loops of foot trails.
The refuge's offices are in Oceanville, between Absecon and Smithville. The 26,000 Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes the Sandy Hook Unit, was one of the first urban recreation areas in the country. Park rangers offer programs on the history and ecology of the area. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest in continuous operation in the United States. The Morristown National Historic Park is where Washington and his troops spent two awful winters.