All-time Things to Do in Coney Island, Brooklyn: A Complete Guide

Marco Feng | ten Min Read | Updated: Jan 13, 2022

Located in the Southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island welcomes more than 5 meg people each twelvemonth, flocking here for the lively boardwalk, Coney Island Beach, hot dogs from Nathan's Famous, fireworks on the quaternary of July, and NYC'due south only amusement park - Luna Park.

This area makes a perfect getaway for New Yorkers to escape the city'south din and chaos and take in a dose of sunlight and ocean breeze.

In this mail, we will share some of the best things to practise at Coney Isle anyone visiting this famous neighborhood shouldn't miss.

Yous can take the D, Due north, F, or Q to the Brighton Beach station and walk nigh two minutes to the shore. You lot can also take the B train, but y'all volition have to get off in Sheepshead Bay and transfer at the B36 bus station at Avenue Z and E 15th Street.

The average traveling time, if you depart from most neighborhoods of Manhattan, is nigh 50 to 65 minutes.

The all-time times to visit Coney Isle are between Memorial Twenty-four hours weekend and Labor Day weekend when everything is open. Avoid weekends when the neighborhood can be very busy.

When heading to Coney Island, be certain to bring the following items for a pleasant visit.

  • Sunscreen

    In summertime, the temperature at Coney Island can accomplish 85°F / 29.four°C during the day, and it stays hot into the night with an average temperature of 69°F / 21°C. So, be sure to apply plenty sunscreen before heading out!

  • Bathing adapt

    For those who want to get their feet (or more than) wet or evenly tanned, don't forget to bring the bathing suit. You can alter it in that location, so no need to accept it on earlier leaving your business firm.

  • Beach towel

    It tin can be windy and, thus, freezing on the beach, which is especially truthful when you just go out of the water, then exist sure to bring a beach towel or blanket to keep yourself warm.

  • Baseball cap

    This will aid to proceed your face from fully exposed to the sunday.

  • Flip-flops

    This is a must if you don't want to mess upward your shoes with sand and ocean water!

  • Waterproof Dry bag

    Protect all your valuable items with a waterproof bag. Nosotros bought this one on Amazon years agone when going to Hawaii, and information technology has been working great. A sturdy plastic purse volition practise the trick too!

  • Paddleball, football game, or frisbee

    If you're looking for some casual fun other than sitting on the embankment, these are must-haves!

Alright. Without further ado, these are the best things to exercise in Coney Island.

If you visit Coney Island without going to the Coney Island Beach, information technology is like you lot go to Paris and leave without seeing the Eiffel Tower.

This nearly three-mile stretch of sea and sand offers a nifty getaway for those who want to escape from the dins and anarchy of the metropolis.

Here, you tin can absurd off with the ocean breeze or pack your favorite books, a picnic handbasket, and a blanket and chill on the embankment, which is only a x-minute-walk from the subway station.

The seagull resting on the steel poll dotted on the Coney Island Beach.

The seagull resting on the steel poll dotted on the Coney Island Beach.

If you don't want to get your feet wet, you tin stroll, bike, or run on the next boardwalk. Soak in the ambiance as you picket locals play chess and chat. It also features corny funfair games, concessions (though not much across funnel cakes and hot dogs) and shops chockablock with graphic T-shirts, souvenirs and beach gear.

As the embankment is very popular, exist sure to arrive early, at to the lowest degree 30 minutes earlier the beach opens at 10:00 AM. Also, wear sunscreen, every bit at that place aren't many shady escapes.

The bustling Coney Island Beach in the summer.

The bustling Coney Island Embankment in the summer.

2: Recreate 1 of the classic movies scenes

In addition to an escape from the hustle and hurry of the Big Apple, Coney Island's beach is a famous filming location featured in a dozen movies, such equally the 2015 romantic dramaBrooklyn, where the two young lovebirds get on a engagement.

This is also where the boardwalk scenes at the offset ofBeacheswere filmed, as well as where Alvy Singer'due south flashbacks to babyhood have place inAnnie Hall.

Then, while at that place, snap some photos and recreate one of these classic scenes.

Eilis Lacey and Tony go on a date to Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn.

Eilis Lacey and Tony get on a appointment to Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn.

iii: Scream at the Luna Park

Coney Island Luna Park.

Coney Island Luna Park.

Thrill-seekers will love this fiddling park adjacent to Coney Island Beach, featuring a ton of fun rides at a reasonable toll and waiting time! Some of our favorites are Soarin' Eagle, Power Surge, and ThunderBolt.

  • Soarin' Eagle

    This ride, every bit its proper noun suggests, imitates the way the airborne creatures, such every bit the hawkeye, feel when soaring in the sky. Information technology is a bit bumpy but offers y'all a realistic flying feel.

  • Ability Surge

    Buckle up, as you will be slowly lifted to the sky and spin. While upwardly there, you lot can overlook the park, just for a minute, before the giant claw turn and toss you similar a stuffed fauna.

  • Thunder Commodities

    I didn't cartel to endeavour this. But my friend did, and hither is a short clip to show yous what it looks similar.

Don't miss the Wonder Wheel in Deno'due south Wonder Wheel Entertainment Park. Its cars aren't fixed, so you will have some fun swinging in the air.

At the intersection of Surf Artery and West 10th Street, yous will also observe The Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that has brought thrills to visitors for over four decades.

Information technology can achieve a maximum speed of 60 miles / 97 km per hour and has a total track length of 2,640 feet / 800 yard, with a maximum height of 85 feet / 26 m. And then, if you're looking for thrills, this is the one for you.

Yous can find a similar ride in Six Flags, El Toro, which is higher and faster!

4: Watch a Coney Island circus sideshow

For a city born and city raised kid similar myself, this is something that fascinates me the most and adds the quirky charm to Coney Island.

Each show features 10 acts, including a contortionist, a man who swallows swords, a burn-eater, and more. This is an enjoyable and budget-friendly (the access is but $x per person) way to spend an afternoon.

5: Explore The Underwater World at new York Aquarium

Coney Island is habitation to New York Aquarium, the oldest continually operating aquarium in NYC. This fourteen-acre water world is open year-round and is home to more than than 300 marine species.

Electric current exhibits include Conservation Hall of Glover's Reef, Body of water Cliffs, home of otters, penguins, and seals, and outdoor touch pools where you tin can bear upon ocean stars, turtles, and more.

Also, while in that location, be sure to cheque out theShamu testify, which features acrobatic sea lions who will trip the light fantastic toe, dive, and vie to get your attention.

  • Admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children, $26.95 for seniors, and free for children two years one-time and under, and members of the military.

6: Enjoy the fireworks

In summer, there are fireworks every Friday night from 9:30 to 10:00 PM between Westward 10th Street and West 15th Street in Coney Island. So, if you visit during the time, be sure to stay until it gets dark and savor this beautiful testify. As well, for those who're driving, get in that location early to secure a parking spot.

There volition also exist fireworks for special events, including Independence Day and the start home game played by the Brooklyn Cyclones, Coney Island's baseball team.

vii: Spectate Nathan'south Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

When it comes to athleticism, you must call back of strength, power, speed, or anything that describes an award-winning athlete. Just, a diversity of other sporting competitions likewise require these concrete qualities, such equally Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Yes, you didn't hear me incorrect. This unique race of legends goes downwards on every Independence Solar day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Coney Island. You lot can tun in with more 40,000 folks on ESPN or go and run into it alive as the acme female and male person eaters attempt to swallow as many Franks as possible within ten minutes.

For those who desire to participate in the contest, you lot tin can annals hither for the Nathan'southward Famous qualifying event. The top male and female person finishers volition secure their spot to compete in the Nathan'south Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog Eating Competition.

The prize? In addition to a complimentary meal and the permission to brag, winners will get a $40,000 prize bag containing a large shiny bays and a bejeweled Mustard belt.

The longest-winning candidate: Chestnut at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Contest.

The longest-winning candidate: Anecdote at Nathan'due south Famous Hot Dog Contest.

8: Grub Down on Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs

Founded in 1916 on the boardwalk adjacent to Coney Island Beach, Nathan's Famous serves a carte congenital upon the classic all-American dog, which is used in the annual Fourth of July hot-dog-eating contest. A class hot dog costs along with crinkle-cut fries costs no more $5 and is a must for those who visit the island.

In addition to hot dogs, a curbside clam bar was recently added to Nathan'southward Famous, which is a revival of the eating place's raw bar from the 50s.

You will get a box of Due east Coast oysters, and littlenecks shucked over a mount of ice and served with chowder crackers, lemon wedges, sinus-clearing horseradish, and cocktail sauce.

9: Enjoy Stunning street art at Coney Art Walls

For fine art enthusiasts out there, you volition love this! Best of all, it is free.

Every summer, parts of Coney Island will be transformed by Coney Art Walls into an outdoor art museum, featuring over thirty l,000-square-foot murals about the island, including mermaids, amusement park rides, and Nathan's Famous hot dogs.

Creepy animated characters featured in Coney Art Walls.

Creepy animated characters featured in Coney Art Walls.

10: Banquet at Smorgasburg

On Sundays during the summer, come here and endeavor food from the largest weekly open-air food market place in America, Smorgasburg.

Opening every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – vi:00 PM from Apr through November, Smorgasburg attracts 20,000-30,000 people to Brooklyn each weekend to consume from 100 local vendors. You can find the marketplace in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and World Trade Center.

Some of our favorites food from the market so far are Fried Anchovies, Chinese Jian Bing, Fried Buns, and Portuguese Pasteis de Nata, and UBE Fruit Basin for desserts. Here is a full list!

In addition to Smorgasburg, y'all will find a variety of other delicious offerings at Coney Isle, such as Mexican treats from Tacos Doña Zita, candy apples from Williams Candy, and colorful ice cream from Coney'south Cones.

Oreo cookie ice cream from Coney's Cones at Coney Island.

Oreo cookie ice cream from Coney's Cones at Coney Isle.

11: March with The Coney Isle Mermaid Parade

Any mermaid lovers? I know I am.

Every twelvemonth on June 22 at 1:00 PM, spectators will flock to Coney Isle to watch a lively procession of one-half-naked mermaids and mermen and other sea creatures covered in glitter and scales. This annual event was started past Coney Island USA in 1983, and has become a neighborhood mainstay always since.

While there, don't forget about the glory rex and queen. In the past, the roles have been filled by such big names every bit Harvey Keitel, Mayor de Blasio'due south kids, members of Blondie, and Queen Latifah.

The parade begins at Surf Artery and Westward 21st Street, marching along Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk and ends at Steeplechase Plaza. Be sure to show upward early on at least past 11:00 AM to secure a good viewing spot. If you have extra $200 lying around, y'all can as well go a Coney Island Us member and snag a spot in the shaded Gauge's Stands.

For those who desire to be part of the underwater world, head to Coney Island U.s.'s website to register for the upcoming mermaid parade!

The lively mermaid parade marching at Coney Island.

The lively mermaid parade marching at Coney Island.

12: Peruse the Oddities at the Coney Isle Museum

At this small, quirky museum, you will be transported to a long bygone era and have a stroll downward memory lane filled with antiques and memorabilia from games and rides, including vintage bumper cars and eerie fun-house mirrors. Best of all, the access is only $5.

13: Eat A Whole Pizza At Totonno'due south

For whatsoever pizza lovers out there, y'all shouldn't miss this!

Hailed by many as the all-time pizzeria in New York, Totonno'southward has its ingredients imported from Italy, which is then broiled on the quondam-fashioned brick ovens. The last consequence is the classic thin-and-crunchy crusts that no one tin resist. Even the New York senator commented, "Only God tin make a improve pizza."

14: Bask Sunset / Sunrise At The Coney Island Beach

After you scream your guts out at Scream Park, head to the Coney Island Beach for a relaxing stroll, which is cute at whatsoever fourth dimension of day, but especially nice during sunset or sunrise. It is also a perfect time for you to capture the carnival vibe of the embankment equally it gets darker.

The sun at Coney Island Beach starts to set.

The dominicus at Coney Island Embankment starts to set.

15: Watch a Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball game

Situated right on the boardwalk and just a few blocks from Deno's Wonder Wheel and Luna Park, the stadium in the picturesque MCU Park is the battlefield of Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets' brusk-flavour single-A modest league club.

There's one affair about this game that neither Yankee Stadium nor Citi Field has, a stunning view of the Atlantic Bounding main along with the roller coaster that inspired the squad'due south proper name as information technology slowly rises and of a sudden plunges in the far distance.

Parking is only $v, and beers are $6 - $vii. The flavor starts June fifteen through September 3, and many of the night games conclude with oceanfront fireworks.

Best of all, y'all can get gratuitous tickets for life, as long every bit you agree to exercise crazy things, like naming your children Brooklyn or Cy. No, I am not kidding. The Cyclones are known for their outlandish promotions.

16: Ford Amphitheater at Coney Isle Boardwalk

Along the boardwalk, you lot volition find this 5,000-seat outdoor live entertainment venue for over 47 concerts, family unit shows, sports, comedy, and multicultural events since its opening in 2016. Best of all, information technology is covered, so whether information technology is rainy or shiny outside, you can stay dry under the roof, enjoying food and a live show.

17: Delve into the past at the Coney Island History Project

Founded in 2004, this not-profit organisation documents the history of the Coney Island neighborhood and the people who have lived in it, through photography, displays of posters, and other artifacts.

It also features archives of oral history interviews, which yous can listen to or record also as the Coney Isle Hall of Fame devoted to honoring the achievements of local leaders and heroes.

The exhibit is free from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and is available for private visits by groups throughout the residuum of the year. If you visit on Saturdays and Sundays, for $25, you tin go a 90-minute neighborhood walking bout.

Alright, these are some of the fun things to do in Coney Island in addition to sunbathing. I hope y'all savour them and have decided what to practise on your next visit. If you have any questions or know whatever other fun activities that deserve to be included in this list, leave a annotate below!