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Coney Island is practically synonymous with the sounds, smells, and sights of a New York City summer: hot dogs and ice cream, suntan lotion, roller coasters, excited crowds, and weathered old men fishing.
Named Konijn Eiland (Rabbit Island) by the Dutch for its wild rabbit population, the Coney Island peninsula has a boardwalk, a 2½-mile-long beach, amusement parks, and the New York Aquarium, which is currently undergoing a $157 million face-lift that will showcase the much-anticipated exhibit, “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” Nathan’s Famous (1310 Surf Avenue ) is the quintessential hot dog spot.
Among the other entertainments out here are the freakish attractions at Coney Island Circus Sideshow and the heart-stopping plunge of the granddaddy of all roller coasters—the Cyclone. The Mets’ minor-league baseball team, the Cyclones, plays at MCU Park, where music concerts are also held in summer. The area’s banner day is during the raucous Mermaid Parade, held in June. A fireworks display lights up the sky Friday night from late June through Labor Day.
Top Attractions
The Cyclone.
This historic wooden roller coaster first thrilled riders in 1927 and it’ll still make you scream. Anticipation builds as the cars slowly clack up to the first unforgettable 85-foot plunge—and the look on your face is captured in photos that you can purchase at the end of the ride. The Cyclone may not have the speed or the twists and turns of more modern rides, but that’s all part of its rickety charm. It’s one of two New York City landmarks in Coney Island; the other is Deno’s Wonder Wheel. | Luna Park, 834 Surf Ave., at W. 10th St.
,
Coney Island
| 718/373–5862
|
www.lunaparknyc.com
| $9
| Seasonal hrs vary, but generally Apr. and May, weekends (plus daily Apr. 3–12); June–Aug., daily; Sept. and Oct., weekends (after Labor Day)
| Station:
F, Q to W. 8th St.–NY Aquarium; D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Fodor’s Choice |
New York Aquarium.
The oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society; its mission is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, and education. The aquarium occupies 14 acres of beachfront property and is home to 266 aquatic species. At the Sea Cliffs, you can watch penguins, sea lions, sea otters, seals, and walrus frolic: the best action is at feeding time. The Conservation Hall and Glovers Reef building is home to marine life from Belize, Fiji, and all over the world, including angelfish, eels, rays, and piranhas. The new Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
exhibit will bring hundreds more species, including nurse sharks, to the aquarium. Expected to be completed sometime in 2017, along with the reopening of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the highlight will be a coral-reef tunnel that provides 360-degree views of this underwater universe. TIP
Purchase tickets online for discounted rates.
| 602 Surf Ave., at W. 8th St.
,
Coney Island
| 718/265–3474
|
www.nyaquarium.com
| $11.95
| Labor Day–Memorial Day, daily 10–4:30; Memorial Day–Labor Day, 10–6
| Station:
F, Q to W. 8th St.–NY Aquarium; D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Quick Bites:
Nathan’s Famous.
Nathan Handwerker, a Polish immigrant, founded this Coney Island hot dog stand in 1916, and what followed can only be described as a quintessential American success story. With a $300 loan and his wife Ida’s secret spice recipe, Nathan set up shop and his success was almost instantaneous—Al Capone, Jimmy Durante, and Cary Grant became regulars early on, President FDR served Nathan’s dogs to the king and queen of England, local-girl Barbra Streisand had them delivered to London, and Walter Matthau asked that they be served at his funeral. The century-old recipe still works: the hot dogs have good, firm texture and a snap when you bite. Buns are soft and the crinkle fries are hot, crispy, and perfectly creamy on the inside. TIP
The biggest day of the year at Nathan’s is always July 4th, when competitive eaters and fans converge on Surf Avenue to crown that year’s hot-dog-eating champion.
In a contest that’s an all-out sprint from start to the finish, the record for dogs and buns downed in 10 minutes is a nearly unimaginable 69. | 1310 Surf Ave., at Stillwell Ave.
,
Coney Island
| 718/333–2202
|
www.nathansfamous.com
| Station:
D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Fodor’s Choice |
Riegelmann Boardwalk.
Built in 1923, just one year before legendary Totonno’s Pizzeria opened its doors on nearby Neptune Avenue, this famous wood-planked walkway is better known as the Coney Island Boardwalk, and in summer it seems like all of Brooklyn is out strolling along the 2½-mile stretch. The quintessential walk starts at the end of the pier in Coney Island, opposite the Parachute Jump—you can see the shoreline stretched out before you, a beautiful confluence of nature and city. From here to Brighton Beach is a little over a mile and should take about a half hour at a leisurely amble. Those modernistic, rectangular structures perched over the beach are new bathrooms and lifeguard stations. | Between W. 37th St. and Brighton 15th St.
,
Coney Island
| Station:
D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.; F, Q to W. 8th St.–NY Aquarium; B, Q to Brighton Beach; Q to Ocean Pkwy.
Worth Noting
Coney Island Circus Sideshow.
The cast of talented freaks and geeks who keep Coney Island’s carnival tradition alive include sword swallowers, fire-eaters, knife throwers, contortionists, and Serpentina the snake dancer. Every show is an extravaganza, with 10 different acts to fascinate and impress. | Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave., at W. 12th St.
,
Coney Island
| 718/372–5159
|
www.coneyisland.com/sideshow.shtml
| $10
| Apr.–Sept.
| Station:
F, Q to W. 8th St.–NY Aquarium; D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
The star attraction at Deno’s is the towering 150-foot tall Wonder Wheel. The Ferris wheel first opened in 1920, making it the oldest ride in Coney Island, and the spectacular views from the top take in a long stretch of the shoreline. Other rides for tots here include the Dizzy Dragons, the Pony Carts, and a brightly painted carousel. | 1025 Boardwalk, at W. 12th St.
,
Coney Island
| 718/372–2592
|
www.wonderwheel.com
| $7 per ride (5 rides for $30)
| Late Mar.–Oct., hrs vary
| Station:
F, Q to W. 8th St.–NY Aquarium; D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.