Lonely PlanetAug 13
A guide to Coney Island
Get to know New York City’s original summertime escape: the gritty, glittery and gloriously weird Coney Island.
January tradition: brave souls dip in the icy Atlantic.
25 things in this story
- Luna ParkTheme parkRuns most of Coney Island's worthwhile rides.
- CycloneAttractionScream down its 85ft drop since 1927.
- Maimonides ParkSightHome to the Cyclones, Brooklyn's minor league baseball team.
- Ruby’sRestaurantGreat place to down beer and watch crowds.
- Wonder WheelAttractionSoar 150ft up for views; white cars are stationary.
- Riegelmann BoardwalkTrailWalk for Nathan's franks and people-watching.
- Nathan's franksRestaurantEpitome of Coney Island cuisine; started in 1916.
- Totonno'sRestaurantHead inland for Neapolitan pizza since 1924.
- Mermaid ParadeFestivalJune celebration washes Surf Ave in nautical costumes.
- Sling ShotSightCatapult into the air at 90mph.
- SteeplechaseParkEquestrian-themed roller coaster with historical nod.
- Deno’s Wonder Wheel ParkSightHas a handful of rides, including the Wonder Wheel.
- New York AquariumAquariumNYC's only aquarium, 8000 animals, 500 marine species.
- Coney Island MuseumMuseumSecond-floor museum with 10,000 objects.
- Coney Island Circus SideshowPlaceFamily-friendly spin on old-school circus art.
- Freak BarBarCluttercore drinking den packed with Coney Island ephemera.
- CyclonesPlaceBrooklyn's beloved minor league baseball team.
- Paul's DaughterRestaurantGrab lobster rolls along the boardwalk.
- Coney’s ConesIce cream shopGet gelato along the boardwalk.
- Fourth of JulyFestivalIncludes fireworks, baseball game, and hot dog contest.
- Seinfeld NightFestivalAugust event with Seinfeld convention and dance competition.
- Battle HymnFestivalDaytime dance fest near the boardwalk for LGBTQ+ ravers.
- Polar Bear PlungeFestivalJanuary tradition: brave souls dip in the icy Atlantic.
- Coney Island BeachSightHas eight wheelchair-friendly access points.
- Brighton BeachNeighborhoodNeighboring beach where crowds are thinner.