Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
With a ton of attractions and fun things to do, Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk is a fun destination for the entire family
With 5 kilometres of sandy beaches and a wide range of amusements and fast food stands, Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk is an ideal summer escape from the chaotic and steamy city. The beaches are cleaned and replenished on a regular basis and the city provides guarded bathing areas seasonally at no charge.
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
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No - except for individual amusements and attractions within the park.Address: Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Coney Island Reviews
Rated out of 5
Love this place. Always a good time. Nathan's is fantastic. Fun, games and rides... the aquarium is right there too. Boardwalk is cool.. and the beach! What more can you ask for??
Debra Lynn Jordan - a month ago
Knocked it off my bucket list and to my delight. So much to enjoy from the views to the rides. Save your appetite because there's unique delicious food at every turn.
Jason Kill - 4 months ago
The water is amazing, and the vibe is great. Be prepared to spend a lot so I recommend maybe bring food, leave the money for the games!
The waves are great, the depth is great, and watch the young ones as the waves can get a little rough.
Cinenyi Fanini-Rodriguez - 2 months ago
Well worth the visit while staying in Manhattan. A $5.80 return metro/subway train takes you directly to the beach from Times square/42 port authority bus station. Cost effective if your travelling on a budget
marion potts - a month ago
Such a vibe! The parks are amazing, with lots of fun and diverse experiences, all very well organized. There’s food for everyone, and the prices are great. I felt safe the whole time
Karol Novaes - 2 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| D, Q N or F | Stillwell Avenue | 4 minutes |
How to get to Coney Island by Subway
Take the D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue and walk south on Stillwell Avenue.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Coney Island:
Photo Gallery
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Coney Island Boardwalk on Memorial Day Weekend cc licensed photo by Kristine Paulus -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giuseppe Milo (www.gmilo.com) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stabbur's Master - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: drpavloff - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ryan Vaarsi - cc license via Flickr
