Coney Island Mermaid Parade

When most people imagine summer in New York City, it’s often vignettes of the steaming Manhattan streetscape, complete with gushing fire hydrants. However, there’s a wealth of fun to be had outside the city’s heart, just a train ride away at the bottom of Brooklyn. Kitsch as it may seem, Coney Island — open from Memorial Day to Labor Day — is a quintessential part of the most sweltering season in New York. Even if carnival rides aren’t your thing, it’s worth the hour-long trip from Manhattan for a seaside sojourn. Here’s how to spend your day.

When most people envision summer in New York City, it’s often scenes of the bustling Manhattan streets covered with steam from the heat. However, there’s a plethora of fun to experience just a train ride away at the southern tip of Brooklyn. Coney Island—open from Memorial Day to Labor Day—is an essential part of the sweltering season in New York. Even if carnival rides aren’t your preference, the trip from Manhattan is well worth it for a beach getaway. Here’s how to maximize your day at Coney Island.