Coney Island, New York

Beachgoers pack the sand at Coney Island while the historic Wonder Wheel and Cyclone roller coaster rise behind the boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York. Photo taken August 18, 2016.
Beachgoers pack the sand at Coney Island as umbrellas dot the shoreline and swimmers wade into the Atlantic, while the iconic amusement skyline rises behind the boardwalk. Towering above are the 150-foot Deno’s Wonder Wheel (opened 1920) and the wooden Cyclone roller coaster (1927), both NYC landmarks anchoring Luna Park. Photographed August 18, 2016, at the western edge of Long Island’s coast in Brooklyn, New York. File photo: Kamira, licensed.

Coney Island is New York City’s classic seaside playground at the southern edge of Brooklyn. Home to a broad sandy beach, the 2.7-mile Riegelmann Boardwalk, historic rides like the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel, and the New York Aquarium, it blends old-school Americana with a lively summer scene of fireworks, baseball, and boardwalk eats. It’s easy to reach by subway, and most attractions are steps from the ocean.

Quick Facts

  • Borough: Brooklyn (Zip: 11224)
  • Beach & Boardwalk: Coney Island Beach and Riegelmann Boardwalk (West 37th St to Brighton 15th St)
  • Peak Season: Late May–September; shoulder seasons in spring/fall (weekends)
  • Lifeguards: Generally Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day, ~10am–6pm (swim only when lifeguards are on duty)
  • Transit Hub: Coney Island–Stillwell Av (D, F, N, Q)

History in Brief

  • 1800s: Resort era begins; railroads bring day-trippers from Manhattan and Brooklyn.
  • 1903–1911: The big three amusement parks – Luna Park, Dreamland, and Steeplechase Park – make Coney Island world-famous for electric lights, rides, and spectacle.
  • 1920s: Wonder Wheel (1920) rises; Riegelmann Boardwalk opens (1923).
  • 1927: Coney Island Cyclone wooden coaster debuts; it becomes a NYC Landmark.
  • Post-war: Declines, then gradual revival.
  • 2000s–today: Major reinvestment – Luna Park returns (2010), Thunderbolt coaster (2014), upgraded boardwalk, Maimonides Park baseball, amphitheater concerts, and renewed aquarium exhibits.

Neighborhood & Layout

Coney Island sits on the Atlantic coast of southern Brooklyn, bordered by Sea Gate to the west and Brighton Beach to the east. Everything clusters along or near Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk, with the subway terminal at Stillwell Avenue placing you in the middle of the action.

Top Attractions & Landmarks

  • Coney Island Beach & Riegelmann Boardwalk – Free public beach with volleyball, handball, playgrounds, and long ocean views.
    • Access: Boardwalk entrances along Surf Ave from West 37th St to Brighton 15th St.
  • Luna Park – Modern amusement park inspired by the historic original; home to coasters like Thunderbolt, Soarin’ Eagle, and classic family rides.
    • Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Hours vary by season/weather; wristbands & individual ride credits available.
  • Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park – Vintage charm anchored by the 150-foot Wonder Wheel (1920) plus kiddie rides and the Spook-A-Rama.
    • Address: 3059 W 12th St (off the Boardwalk), Brooklyn, NY 11224.
  • Coney Island Cyclone – Legendary 1927 wooden roller coaster; designated NYC Landmark.
    • Address: 834 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224.
  • New York Aquarium (Wildlife Conservation Society) – Marine life exhibits, Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, sea lion shows, and conservation programs.
    • Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Timed tickets recommended in peak season.
  • Maimonides Park (Brooklyn Cyclones) – Minor League Baseball with ocean breezes, summer promotions, and family nights.
    • Address: 1904 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224.
  • The Parachute Jump (landmark) – 250-foot remnant of the 1939 World’s Fair ride; illuminated at night (not an operating ride).
    • Address: W 19th St & Boardwalk.
  • Coney Island USA: Sideshow & Museum – Preserves sideshow arts and Coney lore; seasonal performances and exhibits.
    • Address: 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224.
  • Coney Island Amphitheater – Seasonal outdoor concerts on the Boardwalk.
    • Address: 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224.

Events & Traditions

  • Coney Island Mermaid Parade (June) – A jubilant, homemade art parade welcoming summer.
  • Friday Night Fireworks (summer, typically 9:30pm) – Free weekly shows visible from the beach/boardwalk.
  • Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Swim – Bracing annual dip in the Atlantic for charity.
  • Brooklyn Cyclones Season (spring–summer) – Baseball at Maimonides Park.

(Dates/times change each year-always confirm with official sites.)

Dining & Boardwalk Eats

  • Nathan’s Famous (1916) – Hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries at the original stand.
    • Address: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224; additional outpost on the Boardwalk.
  • Boardwalk stands for funnel cakes, Italian ice, sausages & peppers, tacos, and frozen treats.
  • Nearby Brighton Beach adds a deep bench of Eastern European and Central Asian restaurants, bakeries, and groceries.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Beach activities: Swimming in season, sunbathing, surfcasting (where permitted), and strolls along the boardwalk.
  • Piers & viewpoints: West 15th St and Brighton Beach areas offer ocean vistas.
  • Play & sports: Handball, basketball, and playgrounds throughout the shorefront.

Visiting Tips

  • Best times: Warm, sunny weekends buzz; for lighter crowds try weekday mornings or shoulder-season afternoons.
  • Tickets: Amusement parks may require dated wristbands or online reservations on busy days; the aquarium uses timed entry.
  • What to bring: Sun protection, water, a light layer for ocean breezes, and cash/card for rides and snacks.
  • Accessibility: The Stillwell Av station has elevators; the Boardwalk is accessible with ramps at many streets. Beach mats are placed seasonally at select access points.
  • Safety: Swim only when lifeguards are on duty; observe surf/fishing closures and flagged conditions; keep valuables secure in crowds.
  • Weather note: Rides and fireworks are weather-dependent.

Getting There

  • Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Av (ground-level terminal under solar canopy).
  • Bus: B36, B68, and others connect neighboring areas.
  • Car: Belt Pkwy to Exit 6/7; street and lot parking are limited, especially on summer weekends—arrive early.
  • Bike: Protected lanes feed into Surf Ave; bikes are allowed on the boardwalk during posted hours only.

Vicinity of the Island

Nearby & Related

  • Brighton Beach (east) for restaurants and quieter sand.
  • Sea Gate (west, private community; limited access).
  • Sheepshead Bay for party boats and waterfront dining.

Practical Info (at-a-glance)

  • Beach rules: No glass containers; alcohol prohibited; barbecuing only in designated areas; follow NYC Parks postings.
  • Restrooms/Showers: Along the Boardwalk at regular intervals (seasonal).
  • Cost: Beach and boardwalk are free; rides, aquarium, ballgames, and concerts are ticketed.

Why It Matters

Coney Island may be a Brooklyn icon, but it sits on the western edge of Long Island’s barrier shoreline – literally where New York City meets Long Island. Its boardwalk culture, Atlantic surf, and timeless rides echo the sands that roll east to Long Beach, Jones Beach, Fire Island, and the Hamptons. For Long Islanders it’s a nostalgic day trip; for visitors it’s a gateway that hints at the 120-mile coast beyond – an enduring bridge between urban energy and oceanfront escape.