Coney Island, NY

Travel Guide
Riegelmann Boardwalk which includes rides and a sunset
Once the largest amusement area in the U.S., you’ll still find plenty of entertainment for the young and young at heart here. 

With its sandy beaches, gently rolling waves and breezy boardwalk, Coney Island feels a world away from frenzied Manhattan, but there’s still action aplenty on this peninsula thanks to its exciting amusement park. 

A beachfront area in southern Brooklyn, Coney Island was home to several competing amusement parks during its pre-war heyday. It was popular with hard-working New Yorkers who relished the opportunity to escape the stifling Manhattan heat on weekends.

After World War II, the parks fell out of favor with visitors, who occupied themselves with films and Broadway shows in Manhattan, and the island suffered from neglect. Today, as the area continues to be redeveloped, visitors and thrill-seekers come in droves to try the modern theme park rides at the iconic Luna Park, which was reopened after extensive renovations in 2010, and soak up the island’s grand history.

A 45- to 60-minute subway ride from Manhattan, Coney Island is at its most lively during the sticky summer months, and many attractions only operate from April to October, including special events like outdoor concerts, film screenings and Friday night fireworks on the beach. The island is still worth a visit in winter, though, if only to see the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, a group of brave men and women who take to the icy January waters bare-chested or in only a swimsuit, invoking wild cheers from onlookers. Coney Island’s food vendors are on hand year-round to serve up nostalgia — think classic cotton candy, old-fashioned hot dogs and traditional New York-style pizza.

While the infamous Thunderbolt rollercoaster — immortalized in countless postcard pictures and the Woody Allen classic movie “Annie Hall” — has been laid to rest. Today’s Luna Park is amusement park heaven, with 19 fabulous rides. Among them is the Cyclone, originally built in 1927 and one of the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters still in use. Try your luck on the bumper cars, take a spin on a pretty carousel or scoop a prize or two in the lively game arcade.

Coney Island’s re-emergence as a modern amusement destination makes it an entertaining day trip for tourists. The best way to get here is by subway from any part of Manhattan.

Where to stay in Coney Island

Appetizers

Sheepshead Bay

4/5(67 area reviews)

Noted for its restaurants and beaches, there's plenty to explore in Sheepshead Bay. Top attractions like Gateway National Recreation Area and Plum Beach are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Avenue U Station (E 15th St.) or Neck Rd. Station to see more of the city.

Sheepshead Bay
Very good

Brighton Beach

While in Brighton Beach, you'll enjoy the beaches. Catch the metro at Brighton Beach Station to see top sights like Coney Island Beach while you're in the area.

Brighton Beach
This isn't exactly John Dewey HS, but there really is no name for this location other than the train yard.  Ride any train to Coney Island and you'll pass through here and behind J.D. High School.  I was on the N when I snapped this on my phone.  Another taste of home.  

#enroute #Train #NewYork #NY #NYC #Brooklyn #Brooklynite #RealBrooklyn #trainyard #bw #CeliaLuzPhotography #Homesweethome

Gravesend

3.5/5(43 area reviews)

When in Gravesend and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like New York Aquarium or Luna Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Avenue U Station (McDonald Av.) or Avenue U Station (W 8th St.).

Gravesend
A Sunday afternoon stroll on 86th. Brooklyn is so lively and captivating.

Bath Beach

If you're spending time in Bath Beach, check out sights like Bensonhurst Park or Adventurer's Family Entertainment Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at 25 Av. Station or Bay 50 St. Station.

Bath Beach
Default Image

Manhattan Beach

While Manhattan Beach isn't home to many top sights, New York Aquarium and Luna Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Manhattan Beach
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Sea Gate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sea Gate and surrounding area, you can visit Coney Island Beach and Bensonhurst Park.

Sea Gate
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,096 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥20,096
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
5.4/10 (4,265 reviews)
"It was great!"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥27,199 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥27,199
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,377 reviews)
Great stay at The New Yorker
"My stay was good. The room was comfortable and considering the hotel's age, it's still fit for purpose. The only thing that concerned me was the photos of the room posted on this website were not the same as what I got. But it was still a good room, a bit small though. The hotel had good access to ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
The price is ¥25,081 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥25,081
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,262 reviews)
"Was close to places you could walk to and also train stations to go to other parts of the city."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Paramount Times Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
31 Street Broadway Hotel
31 Street Broadway Hotel
2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in New York. Enjoy room service, WiFi (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
5.2/10 (820 reviews)
"Middle of Manhattan. Had a kitchenette do could have home made breakfast . But please carry your towels and soaps if staying for a long duration"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

31 Street Broadway Hotel
Radio City Apartments
Radio City Apartments
3.5 out of 5
142 West 49th Street, New York, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in New York. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,407 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay, would definitely stay again due to the convenience"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Radio City Apartments
Starlight Hotel
Starlight Hotel
2 out of 5
40-40 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in Flushing. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and slippers. Popular attractions Citi Field and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (119 reviews)
"Close to subway. Reasonable rates. Very clean. Excellent customer service. There was a parking garage across the street that I felt safe parking in and at a reasonable price."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Starlight Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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