Easily one of the top attractions in Brooklyn, Coney Island has been a popular summer paradise chock-full of games, food, and fanfare for over a century. This southwestern seaside is appealing year-round, but summer is around the corner which means the neighborhood will be bustling with activity soon enough. Get up to speed on what summer fun Coney Island has to offer.
Season and Hours
Coney Island is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards will be on duty from 10-6 and no swimming is allowed outside of that timeframe. Most rides and attractions are only open on weekends, but the New York Aquarium, boardwalk, and Nathan's Hot Dogs are open year-round.
How To Get There
The D, F, N, or Q trains can be taken to the Coney Island – Stillwell Ave subway station, Neptune Ave, or Ocean Parkway Stations.
Spending on where you're coming from car rides tend to take 30-60 minutes. The I-278 W to Belt Parkway E. then, exit 6 on Crospey Avenue in Coney Island. Plenty of metered parking spaces are available, but the earlier you arrive the better parking space you'll get.
There are also a handful of bus lines that travel to the area:
B36(Coney Island/ Avenue U), B64(Coney Island / Bay Ridge), B68(Brighton Beach/ Windsor Terrace), B74(Sea Gate/ Coney Island),
B82(Coney Island / Spring Creek)Via Manhattan Express Buses and the X28(Bensonhurst / Midtown)
The Beach & Boardwalk
Coney Island's 2.7-mile-long wooden pathway connects the amusement parks, other attractions, and the waterfront. The boardwalk was officially recognized as a New York City landmark in 2018 on its 95th anniversary. Coney Island also has one of the best beaches in the city! Enjoy a volleyball game, get a suntan, or do some leisure swimming and people-watching.
The Amusement Parks
Deno's
Deno's continues to delight crowds with its iconic and legendary assortment of rides. The Wonder Wheel, dubbed “the most romantic ride in the world”, is the centerpiece of the park that gives stunning views of the Coney Island skyline. The park is especially appealing to older audiences with attractions like the Spook-o-Rama- a haunted house 7D dark ride- and Stop the Zombies, an all-in-one virtual reality interactive ride, game, and movie in a state-of-the-art theater. Their newest ride, The Phoenix, is almost 70 feet tall and goes 35 mph. The park is open daily from April to October but is best enjoyed in the summer.
Luna Park
There are rides and games galore at this world-class amusement park! Happiness and fun for everyone is Luna Park's motto and a visit will show exactly why. A collection of scream-inducing roller coasters, kid-friendly rides and games, and staples such as fried dough and pizza to savor throughout the day. Popular attractions include the Cyclone, an adrenaline-charged coaster going 60mph that is both a landmark and a much-loved park staple. The water ride Leti's Treasure and child child-friendly Fire Patrol are also standouts among the lineup. The park is set to open on March 23rd but is best enjoyed in the summer.
Other Fun Activities
Mermaid Parade
The nation's largest art parade makes a comeback on June 22nd for the 42nd annual celebration! The Mermaid Parade pays tribute to all things Coney Island (and New York City) through ostentatious displays of creativity, ingenuity, and community pride. For those looking to get involved, learn more about what's available here.
B&B Carousell
A unique tourist attraction ideal for visitors of all ages. Select one of fifty meticulously hand-carved wooden horses or two lofty chariots.
Coney Island Museum
Take a trip through time with the world's premier (and only) accredited collection of Coney Island photographs, vintage signs, and other priceless memorabilia. This monument is brimming with nostalgia highlighting Coney Island's colorful past.
Grandmother's Predictions
The hidden gem right underneath Deno's Wonder Wheel gives a little poem with a prediction and a few lucky numbers. A prediction costs two quarters.
Circus Sideshow
A carnival specializing in extraordinary entertainment that pushes boundaries in all the right ways. Take the opportunity to catch a live performance of the last traditional ten-in-one sideshow in the country.
Art Walls
Take a photo in front of incredible street art made by local creatives.
Brooklyn Cyclones Game
Minor league games happen here from May to September. Celebrity performances are also held from time to time. Check out their weekly schedule for more information.
Ford Amphitheater
5000-seat open-air entertainment venue opened in 2016 hosting all kinds of music concerts, sports events, and family and multicultural occasions.
Eldorado Auto Skooter
First-rate bumper cars alongside cool, retro arcade games in a hub of classic, summertime merriment.
New York Aquarium
Get an up-close look at the diversity of marine life and learn about conservation efforts to protect the city's oceans. Great stop for children and animal lovers of all ages.
Friday Night Fireworks
Time-honored tradition held every Friday night from June 23rd to August 25th with a special display on the 4th of July. Completely free to the public.
Go-Karts and Mini Golf
Enjoy a fast-paced race track for a buzz of excitement or delight in a steady round of golf to the soundtrack of riotous laughter in the background.
Film Festival
24th annual event running from May 3rd - May 5th and run entirely by media professionals. An eclectic range of films from all genres and cultures will be showcased.
Music Festival
A full-day, multistage festival featuring multiple well-known artists across a variety of music categories. Good food trucks and merchandise vendors will be set up at this increasingly popular event.
Food & Drink
Nathan's Hot Dogs
Famous hot dogs, fries, sweet lemonade, burgers, corndogs, and more are available on the boardwalk and Surf Avenue.
Hot Dog Eating Contest
Catch this high-stakes event live and watch frankfurter-eating legends compete to try and scarf down as many dogs as humanly possible in 10 minutes.
Ruby's Bar and Grill
Fresh seafood, fried goods, and sweet treats await at this charming boardwalk grill and bar. Ruby's provides indoor seating and full-service amenities.
Totonno's Pizzeria
Thin-crust, coal-fired pies created with the finest ingredients passed down through generations of family traditions. This pizza place should be at the top of every list.
Williams Candy
An array of delectable treats ranging from candy apples to marshmallow balls and fudge can all be found right here. Friendly staff awaits to greet guests and make their experience a joyful one.
Deno's Sweet Shoppe
Nostalgic boardwalk grub like funnel cake, cotton candy, and hot-buttered popcorn. This shop is right near the entrance to Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
Gargiulo's
Italian-American fare served with a side of old-world hospitality and classy ambiance.
Doña Zita
Fresh, mouthwatering Mexican food served at reasonable prices.
Tom's Coney Island
An extensive menu boasting breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites made from locally sourced ingredients.
Feltman's Kitchen
Expertly smoked and juicy hotdogs bursting with flavor in every bite. Feltman's is 100% all-natural beef so patrons know exactly what they're getting.
Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
An internationally popular pizzeria that is laid back and family-friendly.
Coney's Cones
Grab some ice cold gelato made from state-of-the-art techniques. 21 flavors are available to choose from as well as sorbet, granita, espresso, cappuccino, coffee, and iced coffee.
Salt & Sizzle
Cheesteaks. Craft brews. Cocktails. Make the most of a meal here and enjoy it by the seashore.
Tatiana Grill
Russian-oriented hotspot ten minutes away from Coney Island.
Margarita Grill
Open seven days a week, Margarita Grill always hosts a live DJ, stellar drinks, and irresistible food from a variety of vendors.
Paul's Daughter
Fun, fingerlicking food for all who want to grab something light near the NY Aquarium and Cyclone. Guests have been coming back to Paul's again and again since 1962!
Steeplechase Beer Garden
A open-air bar with ample garden space and a music stage giving guests great pub food in the form of sauced wings, pretzels, sliders, and live entertainment.
Place to Beach
This Tex-Mex Cantina specializes in soft tacos stuffed with marinated pulled pork, grilled skirt steak or braised chicken. Add a side of authentic guacamole topped with chips and a margarita for a satisfying meal.
Child's Restaurant
A fan favorite with a modern interior intertwined with a Spanish colonial feel. One of Brooklyn's longest standing bars with rooftop seating available.
Coney Island Brewery
Considered by many to be America's most spirited destination, this brewery offers many different flavors as well as vegan-friendly options.
Shopping
Last Stop Gift Shop
Authentic and unique collectibles in Luna Park.
Brooklyn Beach Shop
Great for getting any missed beach necessities with eye catching designs.
Coney Island Beach Shop
Signature Coney Island merchandise like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and swimsuits.
Cyclone Gift Shop
Offical Cyclone ride photos can be picked up here after visitors get off the roller coaster. Mugs, shirts, and other keepsakes can also be purchased.
Deno's Wonder Wheel Gift Shop
Found near the Sea Serpent Roller Coaster in Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
Lola Star
High-level, handcrafted goods for over two decades in business.
Brooklyn Cyclones Gift Shop
Dedicated to the baseball team of the same name.
Last Stop Gift Shop
Pop in here before leaving Luna Park for unique trinkets.
Coney Island USA Gift Shop
Customized buttons, t-shirts, magnets, and more.
Surf & Stillwell
Trendy and stylish clothing store housing the perfect souvenirs for guests to buy.
