Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk

For your convenience, bathrooms, changing areas, shower facilities and concessions are available on the boardwalk. Fireworks on the Beach begin the weekly Friday displays the last week in June through Labour Day weekend. Be sure to check the events calendar on the website for up to date information on the happenings at Coney Island and Brooklyn's beaches.

Coney Island was a premier New York resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was also home to the world's very first roller coaster called the Switchback Railway which opened in June of 1884. At 5 cents per ride it became an instant hit and made the inventor a lot of money. Subsequently, he built a total of 50 such rides around the world.

The amusement parks and attractions declined in popularity after World War II and endured a few unsavoury years, but in the past few years "The People's Playground" has enjoyed resurgence in interest fuelled by major renovations and fostered by a $150 million investment from the city to reverse the years of decline and deterioration. Recent years have seen two new amusement parts, Dreamland and Luna Park, with over 20 new state-of-the-art roller coasters and thrill rides joining the landmark Cyclone rollercoaster and iconic Wonder Wheel. Amusement centres along the Boardwalk offer the tacky splendour expected from Coney Island with go-carts, bumper cars, skee-ball and various games of skill played for large stuffed prizes. No visit to Coney Island would be complete without enjoying a Nathan's Famous Hot Dog.

The live attractions and tawdry spectacles that made Coney Island famous are being revived as well. Every Thursday and Friday night of the summer season, Coney Island hosts Burlesque on the Beach to add some sizzle to your summer. In the heart of the Coney Island Amusement Park, Sideshows by the Seashore is the last permanently housed "freak show" with live human curiosities in the US. To truly appreciate the little bit of loony that makes Coney Island unique, attend the annual Mermaid Parade, held to celebrate the start of summer. The Parade is a well-known for the eclectic menagerie of mermaid and sea creatures of all shapes and sizes with the occasional partial nudity.

Nearby attractions: New York Aquarium , Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park