If you are looking for the perfect getaway for the summer, somewhere that provides a respite from the hustle-bustle of the city, Brooklyn’s Coney Island is definitely your go-to place!

Set amidst exquisite beaches on the seashore, Coney Island has everything you might need to have a fun-filled time: amusement rides, recreational activities, a boardwalk, surfing, sandy beaches, and various great dining places. Could it be more exciting?

This article brings you an all-encompassing informational package to help you plan an invigorating trip to Coney Island, a must on the list of places to visit when in New York City.

1. About Coney Island: A Brief Intro

Address: Corbin Pl. to W. 37 St., Boardwalk, Brooklyn (for directions, click here)

A little on the history of Coney Island: Coney Island is an amusement and residential area in the southern part of the borough of Brooklyn, New York, on the shore of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Though it was formerly an island known to the Dutch settlers as Konijn Eiland (“Rabbit Island”), its name eventually changed to Coney Island.

Coney Island had developed into an amusement area at the turn of the 20th century. The start of the subway in 1920 provided a significant boost to its accessibility and further enhanced its popularity. Coney Island has become one of the best-known amusement parks in the US, with its 3.5-mile Boardwalk fronted by a beautiful sandy beach. Various additions were developed through rides, exhibitions, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

The amusement areas began to decline after the Second World War, and only a fraction of the attractions remained by the early 21st century. The Sea Gate district at Coney Island’s western end is a residential section. In the year 1957, the New York Aquarium started on the Boardwalk.

But when should you go to Coney Island so that you have the most fun experience possible? The best time to visit Coney Island is during the very “official season,” which starts on Memorial Day weekend (late May) and ends on Labor Day weekend (early September).

2. Coney Island’s Main Attractions

Coney Island has a bunch of fun and interesting attractions for every age group, whether you are a child or an adult. Ranging from beaches to parades and museums to live music shows, there are numerous options for you to pick from when planning your trip itinerary!

2.1 Abe Stark Skating Arena

Opened in 1970, the Abe Stark Skating Rink is open for ice hockey season each year (October to March). It is located on the south side of Surf Avenue between West 19th and West 20th Streets, adjacent to the boardwalk.

The Abe Stark Skating Arena offers both private and public skating lessons to people, so bring along your skates (or simply rent a pair from here). Many schools and leagues host their events here as well.

2.2 Brooklyn Cyclones

The Maimonides Park in Coney Island hosts the minor league baseball team, Brooklyn Cyclones. But it is not just a venue for baseball games; you can attend all sorts of open-air events like music performances and post-game fireworks as well!

Opened in 2001 and originally known as KeySpan Park, Maimonides Park was renamed after the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) in 2010. It is located on the former site of Steeplechase Park.

2.3 Brooklyn Go-Karts and Mini Golf

If you are looking for a fun-filled racing experience, Brooklyn Go Kart will serve splendidly to quench your thirst for speed. Zooming across a curvy course sans the daily traffic and constant honking of busy cities, what more can one ask for?

Right next door is situated the Mini Golf course. It is the ideal destination for those looking for a place to go for a perfect first date or a pleasant time with your family, ripe with entertainment!

2.4 Coney Island Museum

If you are a history addict, Coney Island Museum will surely be your calling! Operated by the non-profit organization Coney Island USA, the Coney Island Museum was established in 1983. Dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich history of Coney Island, the museum houses a vast collection of memorabilia like photographs, paintings, ephemera, amusement-related objects, architectural elements, and vintage signs chronicling the various decades of the island’s running.

Apart from this, the museum also conducts lectures on the history and significance of Coney Island. It is located at 1208 Surf Avenue near the intersection with West 12th Street.

2.5 Coney Island Polar Bear Club

Probably one of the “coolest” free-of-cost activities you can partake in at Coney Island is taking a brain-chilling dip in the freezing waters of the Atlantic Ocean with the legendary Coney Island Polar Bear Club! Would you like to take on this challenge and test your tolerance powers? Join in on their most famous event, an annual swim on New Year’s Day.

The Polar Bear Club is a group of brave hearts who swim in the ocean’s cold waters at Coney Island during the winter months. The makers of the Polar Bear Plunge, this club is the nation’s oldest winter bathing organization. They offer guests the opportunity to join them with regularly scheduled swims held every Sunday from November through April.

2.6 Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park houses the magnificent Ferris wheel that gives the Coney Island skyline its iconic view, the Wonder Wheel. Nicknamed the most romantic ride in the world, the Wonder Wheel opened in 1920. It was designated as a city landmark in 1989 and has operated for over 100 years! Perhaps your great-grandparents took a happy stroll on it.

Apart from the Wonder Wheel, Deno’s Amusement Park offers a variety of rides for everyone, like the one-of-a-kind haunted house dark ride, Spook-A-Rama, and the first and only 7D dark ride in Coney Island, Stop the Zombies. This place is a one-stop destination for kids and grown-ups to have an amazing vacation time.

2.7 El Dorado

Did you know that historically, the earliest bumper car rides were in Coney Island? First opened in 1973, El Dorado Auto Skooter is home to Coney Island bumper cars and a video game arcade. If you, too, like the Spanish conquistadors, are seeking the legendary City of Gold or the ultimate destination for having a cool place to hang out with your friends playing arcade games and enjoying bumper car rides, El Dorado is definitely the place for you!

2.8 Ford Amphitheater & Seaside Park

The Ford Amphitheater was opened in June 2016. Several live musical performances, as well as other events, are hosted here. It is located on the boardwalk to the west of Maimonides Park.

The Seaside Park lies adjacent to the Broadwalk and the Ford Amphitheater. Comprising 1 acre of park space surrounding the outdoor amphitheater, the lush and scenic green space of Seaside Park includes a broad hilltop lawn and a series of picnic groves, offering the ideal environment for quiet and relaxing gatherings.

2.9 Friday Night Fireworks

Coney Island offers free firework displays every Friday under their series named Friday Night Fireworks. Take a spot anywhere in the amusement area, be it the Wonder Wheel or the Maimonides Park, and you are guaranteed to witness a dazzling and mesmerizing array of fireworks in the night sky!

2.10 Luna Park

Opened on May 29, 2010, Luna Park is another amusement park that is part of Coney Island. Named after the original Luna Park (1903-44), this park offers interactive games, food and beverage concessions, shopping centers, and live entertainment.

With various fun things to do, Luna Park is perfect for day trips to Coney Island!

2.11 New York Aquarium

Animal lovers would surely be attracted to the New York Aquarium, which is home to many adorable and majestic marine animals and wildlife. Opened in 1957, the New York Aquarium operates on the mission of inspiring visitors to join in protecting local waters and saving wildlife around the globe.

The New York Aquarium consists of five different exhibits:

1. Aquatheater

2. Conservation Hall

3. Sea Cliffs

4. Sharks, Rays & Turtles

5. Ocean Wonders: Sharks

It is located at 602 Surf Avenue between West 5th and West 10th Streets.

2.12 Mermaid Parade

Founded in 1983 and produced by Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is one of the nation’s largest art parades. The purpose of the parade is to pay tribute to 100 years of Coney Island pageantry and revelry by celebrating the artistic vision of the masses. From crowned King Neptune and Queen Mermaid to fantastical sea creatures and merfolk, as well as marching bands and dancing groups, the Mermaid Parade showcases the creativity of individuals.

2.13 Sideshows by the Seashore

Are you looking for entertainment that’s a bit out of the mainstream media? The Sideshows by the Seashore, produced by Coney Island in the USA, is your answer! The Coney Island Freakshow’s goal is to pay tribute to the past while pushing the boundaries of alternative stage acts. Do not miss the opportunity to witness the last traditional 10-in-1 sideshow featuring live professional sword swallowers and fire eaters.

The Sideshow is hosted in a building on Surf Avenue and West 12th Street.

3. Fun Rides You Just Can’t Miss!

Attractions aside, a select few rides spread across Coney Island need a special mention because they are just that good. No trip to Coney Island is complete if it does not include at least one go on these iconic, world-famous rides!

3.1 B&B Carousel

One of the most unique attractions in Coney Island, the B&B Carousel offers a fun ride for people of all age groups. The carousel was built in 1906–1909 with a traditional roll-operated fairground organ. Reminiscent of old-time carnivals, it is Coney Island’s last traditional carousel and houses around 50 magnificent wooden horses and 2 chariots that will make you travel back to your childhood.

The B&B Carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and is located in Steeplechase Plaza, adjacent to the Coney Island beach and boardwalk.

3.2 Coney Island Cyclone

Inaugurated on June 26, 1927, Coney Island Cyclone is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States that is still in operation (it’s almost a century old!). This rollercoaster is said to be “irreplaceable” because it quite literally is, as wooden roller coasters can no longer be built under present-day building regulations.

That makes getting on it all the more precious. Considered a classic for roller coaster enthusiasts, the Coney Island Cyclone is a must for anyone seeking a unique riding experience.

It was listed in the NHRP in 1991.

3.3 Parachute Jump

Parachute Jump adorns the Coney Island skyline like a testament to the old times. Built-in 1939 for the New York World’s Fair in Queens, it was originally a Life Savers parachute jump. When it was in service from the 1940s to the 1960s, Parachute Jump was a unique one-of-a-kind experience, where the riders were lifted 262 ft. in the air before it was allowed to drop using guy-wired parachutes!

Though it went defunct in 1964 due to safety concerns, Parachute Jump still stands tall to this day, an old monument overlooking the entire Coney Island region. Parachute Jump was listed on the NRHP in 1980 and made a city landmark in 1989.

3.4 Thunderbolt Rollercoaster

Opened in June of 2014, the Thunderbolt is probably the most thrilling ride at Coney Island. This rollercoaster stretches over an impressive span of bright orange-painted tubular steel track. The Thunderbolt has not one or two but four inversions and reaches speeds up to 65 mph, including a mind-blowing 100-foot loop that is bound to leave you screaming for more!

The Thunderbolt is part of Luna Park, near Surf Avenue and West 15th Street.

4. Beach and Broadwalk

Amusement rides, go-karting, and a museum are not all that Coney Island offers. Long stretches of sandy beaches, ocean waves, and picturesque sunsets are some other things worth visiting Coney Island for. Make sure to pack your swimsuits and bring along sunscreen!

4.1 Beach

The beach at Coney Island stretches for a distance of approximately 2.7 miles. It is a broad public sand beach that starts at Sea Gate, through the central Coney Island area and Brighton Beach, to the beginning of the community of Manhattan Beach.

Attractions on the Coney Island beach comprise of:

• Beach Gym: Get your day filled with exercising and working out right on the sandy beach at the outdoor Calisthenics Workout Area.

• Playground: Situated right on the beach in front of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the playground is a great open space to enjoy a game of TAG or chill and relax at the end of a tiring day.

• Steeplechase Skate Park: Bring out your wheels, try out your skills, and show off your techniques at this mini skate park.

• Steeplechase Pier: This pier is located at the intersection of the boardwalk at West 17th Street. Built in 1904, Steeplechase Pier is the only pier left on Coney Island Beach. Talk about one of a kind, huh?

• Volleyball: Who does not love a good volleyball game on the beach with their friends? The Coney Island beach has many public courts where you can play volleyball with your buddies.

  

4.2 Broadwalk

Running for 2.7 miles along the southern shore of the Coney Island peninsula and facing the Atlantic Ocean is the Riegelmann Boardwalk (also known as the Coney Island Boardwalk). The boardwalk is home to various events. It is one of the best-known waterfront promenades in the world, with breathtaking views of the Coney Island skyline, dotted with various sky-high rides, picturesque sunsets, and the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon.

Take a nice long walk along the Coney Island Broadwalk and discover the many attractions and iconic food vendors Coney Island offers!

4.3 Flicks on the Beach

Flicks on the Beach is a series the Alliance for Coney Island started. Movies, including various thrillers, kids’ entertainment movies, and comedies, are screened on the beach on select Monday nights throughout the summer. So pack up your beach towels and settle in for an evening of fun viewing by the sea!

So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Coney Island today! 

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology