Coney Island brings to mind romantic notions of 1930s seaside promenading, rickety wooden roller coasters and visits to the circus sideshow. The delightful thing is that it’s still like that in many ways. There are so many things to do at Coney Island, old and new, which make it a great day trip from NYC. If you want a kitsch-fantastic trip to the seaside while you’re in New York, then head to Coney Island.
Getting to Coney Island
Thanks to the wonderful subway and public transport system in New York, Coney Island is easily accessible by train. Use the Q train from Times Square to the Ocean Parkway station to reach Coney Island in 1 hour. During the summer months, the air conditioning on this train is a welcome relief from the humidity.
I would definitely not recommend driving, unless you’re coming from Brooklyn or the suburbs. The Belt Parkway loops down to Coney Island, and there is plenty of parking, so it is an option if the train doesn’t link you easily.
You can also take a New York Boroughs and Coney Island Bus Tour if you want a guided option.
The best things to do in Coney Island
Coney Island Circus Sideshow
Harking back to the golden days of Victorian seaside holidays in the 1880s, when circus ‘freak’ shows were all the rage; the more politically correct Coney Island Circus Sideshow was part of the area renaissance in the 1980s.
It now works to maintain popular culture through performance and exhibitions, and events such as the Mermaid Parade. The sideshow was everything I’d hoped for – illusion tricks, sword swallowing and yo-yos, plus old fashioned side show shock tactics.
The Famous Roller Coasters of Coney Island
There have been many famous roller coasters built in Coney Island. The 1926 Tornado (also known as ‘Bobs’) was known for having a very small land footprint, and being a hybrid design of both steel and wood. The Tornado was razed by arson in 1977.
There is an example of the old Tornado roller coaster car sitting in exhibit at the Circus Sideshow gift shop. All I can say is that I’m glad there are more safety features on roller coasters now than in the 1930s!
The Cyclone was a wooden roller coaster built in 1927 that had a happier ending. Refurbished a number of times, it is now a Designated Landmark and on the Historic Places list.
The Riegelmann Boardwalk
The Riegelmann Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles from Coney Island to Brighton Beach and was built in 1923. The wooden slats must take a lot of maintenance (and I wouldn’t wear heels on them).
Along the street-side there are seaside fast food shops, and just beyond that, the carnival rides. The beach side has a myriad of buskers, the inevitable instagrammers and a cool mix of outcasts and vagabonds.
Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier
The pier at Coney is a great place to view the boardwalk, fish, hang out, and watch the world go by. On the day we visited, there was an impromptu latin dancing going on – it was a great atmosphere.
The Carnival Rides
Whether you are a thrill ride enthusiast, or go for something a little more gentle like a carousel or ferris wheel; the boardwalk has something for everyone. Luna Park is the big amusement park, but there are also independent rides too.
New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium opened in 1957, and is the oldest aquarium in the US. You can visit the aquarium using the New York Sightseeing Pass if you want to maximise your attraction visits.
Where to eat at Coney Island
Nathan’s! You can’t miss getting a hotdog from the original Nathan’s. If you’re lucky, you might time your visit to see one of their famous hotdog eating competitions! Add a Nathan’s hotdog to your game of food bingo in New York!
Another must is a visit to Paul’s Daughter – one of the oldest establishments on the boardwalk. Get some clams in a half shell, or a lobster roll and wander down the boardwalk, taking it all in.
Don’t miss a walk down to the Ford Amphitheatre, which was once a Childs brand restaurant. You’ll recognise the building as a filming location for the movie Two Weeks Notice.
A day trip to Coney Island from New York
On the day we visited, the boardwalk was heaving with families, free spirits, and jaunty beach police in little electric cars. There were people fishing from the pier, groups dancing, some kind of documentary was being filmed, and there was of course the screams from the punters on the fairground rides. It was frenetic and fantastic. Don’t go expecting a quiet seaside sojourn, go with a hunger for a dose of crazy and an appetite for a famous Nathan’s hotdog!
Only in New York for a short time? Check out my layover guide!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
Haha, I find it pretty easy to ignore the tourist tat shops, and I don’t think there’s EVER a good time to hit up a rollercoaster – but apart from that, Coney Island sounds just how I imagined it. It’s in almost every book I’ve ever read set in NY, so to see – and experience – the real thing would be AMAZING!
It’s crazy, frenetic, weird, run-down, and magnificent! Unlike anything I’ve experienced before – you should definitely visit if you can!
Coney Island is one of those iconic destinations that I’d love to visit, too. Like your husband, I’d say no on the roller coaster. I didn’t realize that the Riegelmann Boardwalk was so long, 2.5 miles! But I did imagine the crowds of families and people out having fun. Glad you enjoyed it.
When I was in New York I kept contemplating on which NY beaches to visit and had narrowed my options to Coney Island and Fire Island, but ended up going to Connecticut. Guess Coney Island wouldn’t have been such a bad option.
It’s certainly an experience! Definitely more for the craziness and oddity of it all, rather than the beach itself!
Looks like a good offbeat destination from NY. I am not aware of old Tornado roller coaster car but it does look scary.
Would a few hours of stroll suffice here?
Yes definitely, it only takes about an hour to get there from Manhattan, and a couple of hours for a stroll, a visit to the circus sideshow and a Nathan’s hotdog is all you need!
Is it bad that I kinda dig the touristy shops, or maybe it is people watching from the comfort of a cafe is what I like most. Your romantic notion of Coney Island sounds just how I always imagined it, although you are alone with the Cyclone roller coaster. Haha! I would love to visit.
Looks like a great excursion into the past! I would have thought Coney Island was much more modern and had done aways with most of it’s history. But this could interest me…
Thank you & happy continued travels!
C
It’s definitely a weird mix of modern rides and tower blocks in the background… but it’s most vital and important era was in victorian times, so it holds on to that hey day!
Its funny because conny island is like the real image we have of 60’s and 70’s USA. So cool with the old theme parks and seaside views. I would just make your pictures a little bit bigger so it is easier to see all the beauty. 🙂
Whoa. This looks like time traveling to a lost era! 🙂 I’d Love to be on the Tornado rollercoaster! My kind of thing:) Illusion tricks, sword swallowing! All these look akin to carnival activities! 🙂
I had never heard of Coney Island before but it looks a very cool place to explore. And I love your “vintage” pictures, they fit very well with the image of Coney Island you had in your mind before visiting it . .
okay, this is definitely making the list! how fun is this place?!
It is SO much fun! Don’t expect classy, but man you’ll have a kitschy fun time!
Such a fun day trip if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, so easy to get there on the subway too. You’ve given me a few ideas and things to look for when I get back there too, great read! 🙂
Thanks Jason! It was one of our favourite days in New York – great getting out of Manhattan and seeing the neighbourhoods too!