Stand at the corner of Surf Avenue and West 8th Street and the Cyclone's white lattice rises behind the storefronts, the Wonder Wheel's spokes turning a few blocks west. The boardwalk runs east toward Brighton Beach, and the Atlantic sits flat and grey beyond the sand.
Coney Island suits families with children, coaster riders, and anyone who wants a beach day that comes with a side of old New York. This guide covers the rides, the beach and boardwalk, the aquarium, and the piers, with a one-day plan that strings them together.
Top things to do in Coney Island
1. The Coney Island Cyclone
Opened in 1927, the Cyclone is one of the world's oldest wooden roller coasters still operating, and it was declared a New York City Landmark in 1988 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. A ride costs $10.
Reach it by the D, F, N or Q trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, or the F or Q to W 8th St-NY Aquarium. Pair it with the boardwalk, which runs right past the park.
2. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
The sandy beach is open to the public and free. The boardwalk itself is the spine of the neighborhood, linking the amusement district, the aquarium and the piers.
Take the D, F, N or Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, or the F or Q to W 8th St-NY Aquarium. Walk it in the morning before the sand gets crowded, then double back for the rides.
3. Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
The Wonder Wheel is the main attraction here, and you can choose the swinging cars for an extra thrill. There are also numerous adult and kiddie rides on site.
In April, May, September and October it opens at noon on weekends only; from June to Labor Day it opens at noon daily, with closing times varying according to weather. It is at 3059 W 12th St, served by the D, F, N and Q.
4. New York Aquarium
Although it looks small, the aquarium is a good place for children and adults to spend an hour or two. Highlights include a shark tank, a sea lion show, sea cliffs with penguins, sea otters and harbor seals, and a conservation hall with rays and eels.
It opens at 10AM daily, with closing varying by season, and sits at the Boardwalk and W 8th St, near the F and Q at W 8th St or the D and N at Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. Check current admission prices before you go.
5. Luna Park
Named after the original 1903 Luna Park, this amusement park brings thrills to Brooklyn. It is at 1000 Surf Avenue.
Combine it with the Cyclone and the boardwalk, which are all within the same stretch of Surf Avenue.
6. Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier
This is a fishing pier with views of the ocean, open daily from 6AM to 1AM.
Take the D, F, N or Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, or the F or Q to W 8th St-NY Aquarium. It is a good late-afternoon stop after the beach.
7. Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese Monument
The statue honours Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Pee Wee Reese, a strong supporter of his. The two Hall of Fame players were on the Dodgers together from 1947 to 1956.
It stands at Surf Ave at W 19th St, near the D, F, N and Q at Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or the F and Q at W 8th St-NY Aquarium. It is a short walk from the boardwalk.
8. Brooklyn Cyclones
The Cyclones are the New York Mets single-A minor league team, playing in Coney Island right next to the Boardwalk at MCU Park. They were established to fill the void left by the Dodgers, who left for Los Angeles after the 1957 season.
Take the D, F, N or Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or the F or Q to W 8th St-NY Aquarium. Check the schedule before you build a day around a game.
9. Adventurer's Park - Family Entertainment Center
This amusement park for younger children is in the Gravesend neighborhood, with bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a fun slide, a merry-go-round, tea cups, a tilt-a-whirl, go karts and mini golf among the attractions.
It is at 1824 Shore Pkwy, served by the D and the B6, and opens 11AM–9PM, though you should check the website for operating days. Tickets are $4 for most attractions with volume discounts, or $29 for unlimited attractions with some exclusions between noon and 3PM or 4 and 7PM.
10. Sheepshead Bay Piers
From the ten piers on the bay you can catch a fishing excursion or a dinner cruise. They run along Emmons Ave between Ocean Ave and E 26th St.
Take the B or Q to Sheepshead Bay. This works best as an evening, once the beach day is done.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, walking the sand and the boards while it is quiet. Then head to the New York Aquarium at the Boardwalk and W 8th St for an hour or two.
Afternoon: Ride the Coney Island Cyclone and spend time at Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, choosing the swinging cars on the Wonder Wheel. Walk west to the Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese Monument at Surf Ave and W 19th St, then out onto Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier for the ocean view.
Evening: If the Brooklyn Cyclones are playing at MCU Park next to the Boardwalk, take in a game. Otherwise head to Sheepshead Bay Piers on Emmons Ave for a dinner cruise or a walk along the bay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Coney Island by subway?
Take the D, F, N or Q trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, or the F or Q trains to W 8th St-NY Aquarium. The B and Q serve Sheepshead Bay for the piers.
Is the beach free to use?
Yes. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk is a sandy beach open to the public and free.
When does Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park open?
In April, May, September and October it opens at noon on weekends only. From June to Labor Day it opens at noon daily, and closing times vary according to weather conditions.
What does it cost to ride the Cyclone?
A ride on the Coney Island Cyclone costs $10.
Pick a date, check the Cyclones schedule and the aquarium's seasonal closing time, and start planning your day on the boardwalk.