Summary
Coney Island is just a train ride away from Manhattan, yet it feels worlds apart. Busiest during the summer months, Coney Island offers a unique blend of beach escape and vibrant carnival atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the sand, basking in the sun at the free public beach, or take a leisurely walk along the iconic boardwalk. This scenic Brooklyn destination, home to an aquarium, an amphitheater, a minor league baseball team, and an array of dining options, is a must-see for any Brooklyn travel itinerary.
If you’d like to extend your trip, consider visiting Brighton Beach, the neighboring beach town just a short walk away from Coney Island. This area, known as Little Odessa, features a main street bustling with Russian and Ukrainian shops and restaurants, complemented by a beautiful, clean, and free public beach.
Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen and enjoy your day!
Season and Hours
Like many beach communities, Coney Island operates in full swing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this peak season, lifeguards are present at the beach, and rides and attractions open daily around noon. From Easter until Memorial Day, most rides and attractions are available only on weekends. The boardwalk, New York Aquarium, and Nathan’s Hot Dogs remain open daily throughout the year.
How to Get There
Located at the southernmost point of Brooklyn, visitors can take the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue, which is the last stop on these lines. The subway station is conveniently situated across from the flagship Nathan’s Hot Dog stand and just one block from the Coney Island Boardwalk.
If you plan to drive, you can use 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, as the address in Google Maps or your GPS. Street parking is available—much of it metered—along with nearby parking lots.
The Beach
The beach is free to the public, and facilities are available for changing. If you’re visiting with children and they tire of beach toys, you can find playgrounds on the sand. Therefore, plan to arrive early to secure a spot near the water since the beach tends to get crowded. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and swimming is prohibited outside of those hours. For safety reasons, certain sections of the beach may be closed and will be marked with signs or red flags.
Luna Park and Deno’s Wonderwheel
For a thrilling experience, head to Luna Park and try the historic Cyclone roller coaster, which has been a favorite since its debut in June 1927. Moreover, Luna Park boasts numerous attractions, including thrilling rides like the Zenobio and more moderate options like Watermania, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Adjacent to Luna Park is Deno’s Wonderwheel Amusement Park, where visitors can purchase tickets for the iconic Wonder Wheel. You have the option to experience the ride in either rocking or still cars. While still cars provide great photo opportunities as you ascend the 150-foot structure, the moving cars add an adventurous element. No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the beach and park from the Wonder Wheel. Deno’s also features various amusement rides and classic beachside arcade games like skee ball.
Other Attractions & Annual Events
Although Coney Island attracts the most visitors during the summer, it’s also a fascinating locale in the off-season. A standout winter event is the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration. Additionally, brave participants can start the year with a splash during the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge in the chilly Atlantic.
For those visiting in warmer months, numerous events and attractions await:
- Mermaid Parade: Typically held on the third Saturday in June.
- Friday Night Fireworks: Weekly from late June until Labor Day weekend.
- Experience history on July 4th during Nathan’s Famous Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.
- The famous Brooklyn Half Marathon concludes at the Coney Island boardwalk. Note that this half marathon fills up quickly, so keep the registration date in mind if you wish to participate.
- Catch a concert at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk.
- Explore the Coney Art Walls, an outdoor street art museum.
- Walk along the Coney Island Boardwalk and stop by Ruby’s Bar and Grill for a drink and a bite. This local favorite is noted for being “the last place in Coney Island where you can still walk under the boardwalk.”
- Visit the New York Aquarium and enjoy its fascinating marine exhibits and engaging sea lion show.
- Cheer for the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ minor league baseball team, at MCU Park, located just off the boardwalk.
What to Eat
No trip to Coney Island would be complete without enjoying a hot dog at Nathan’s—the original location is a fun spot to visit, and the hot dogs are delicious. However, there are other dining options available as well. Kitchen 21, situated in the impressive architectural gem that was once the famous Childs restaurant, offers seasonal dishes in a modern setting with live music. Guests can sip drinks and savor a diverse menu while enjoying views from the spacious rooftop deck or the stylish indoor dining area.
Pizza aficionados should take a short walk from the boardwalk to Totonno’s Pizzeria on Neptune Avenue for a slice at this historic establishment. For dessert, stop by Williams Candy for a caramel apple and other sweet treats; this nostalgic candy shop has been delighting Coney Island visitors for over seventy-five years.
