10 Best Things to Do at Coney Island, NYC

With so many fun things to do at Coney Island, it’s worth including to your New York itinerary. Coney Island is about an hour from Manhattan by subway, and it’s worth the journey, particularly considering it’s one of the top attractions in Brooklyn.

During the warm summer months, the Coney Island Boardwalk comes alive with its amusement attractions, shops, food vendors, and other activities for visitors to enjoy. People can spend an afternoon strolling along the walkway or bring children along for fun at Luna Park. Guests also have the option to go swimming in the ocean and soak up the sun`s rays while relaxing on the sand, as this location is one of the must-see spots on Long Island.“

There`s no uncertainty that the attractions in Coney Island will suit all ages, along these lines it`s an outstanding spot to visit as a family or with companions. I suggest arranging your excursion for the late spring months with the goal that you can appreciate all that this renowned area has to bring to the table.

To help you make the most of your time here, I’m sharing the top 10 things to do in Coney Island, from thrilling activities to free events and everything in between.

1. Visit Luna Park, the most popular thing to do in Coney Island

One of the most popular attractions in Coney Island is Luna Park, and I highly recommend going here if you’re visiting NYC with children (or you want to indulge your inner youth).

The unique Luna Park was worked in 1903, and while the current stimulation stop is a copy, it has some old-school rides like the B&B Carousel and the Cyclone rollercoaster. You’ll discover an assortment of family unit and youngsters rides here, just as more daring attractions, so there is something for everybody.

If rides aren’t your thing, check out the arcade or try your luck at traditional carnival games like ring toss, whack-a-mole, and water gun racing. There are also food stalls like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, so you can grab a bite to eat after investing a few hours here.

Without a doubt, Luna Park is a must-see at the Coney Island pier, and you can get your ticket in advance here. The park is open 7 days a week from April to October.

2. Ride Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the best thing to do in Coney Island with kids

Located beside Luna Park, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park has more attractions for you to explore. The legendary Wonder Wheel is one of the most renowned rides at Coney Island, standing 150 feet lofty and including stationary and traveling cabins. The Ferris wheel was built in 1920 and remains one of the most popular sights in Coney Island. While admission to the amusement park is free, the rides require tickets, although the Wonder Wheel is incorporated in the New York Pass.

In addition to the Ferris wheel, there are several family-friendly rides like rides for young children, bumper cars, and a carousel present in the park. The rollercoaster known as the Phoenix draws in many individuals, but those who dislike thrilling experiences will still delight in spending time here.

The park is next to the Coney Island Boardwalk and overlooks the beach, making it one of the top amusement parks in New York. Along with various community events and festivities, it holds fireworks shows during the summer. You can also get typical boardwalk fare like pizza, hot dogs, funnel cake, and more.

The amusement park with attractions on land and sea known as Deno’s Wonder Wheel is open daily from April through October, though I suggest visiting during the summer months for optimal conditions.

3. Stroll the Coney Island Boardwalk, a fun thing to do on Coney Island

The Coney Island Boardwalk, additionally known as the Riegelmann Boardwalk, numbers among the premiere sights to see in NYC since most diversions, shops, and eateries can be found along its length. Over a century old, it extends 2.7 miles from West 37th Street to Corbin Place.

As travelers traverse the boardwalk, various attractions will be passed, such as Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Coney Island Amphitheater, and Maimonides Park. Toward the end of the boardwalk lies the notable New York Aquarium, which a striking external sculptural wall adorns.

The boardwalk also runs parallel to Coney Island Beach, and there are restrooms and pavilions where you can take a seat and observe people. There are also boardwalk games and food stalls here, so it’s a great spot to spend time with family or friends on a leisurely summer day.

4. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, an iconic place on the Coney Island Boardwalk

A staple in Coney Island is Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and procuring a bite to eat here is virtually a rite of passage for New Yorkers. The hot dog has long been one of NYC’s most famous foods, and the first Nathan’s Famous stand opened here in 1916.

In addition to hot dogs, Nathan’s Famous also offers hamburgers, french fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and more. It also hosts the annual hot-dog eating competition every 4^th of July, which you can watch directly in Coney Island.

During your visit to Coney Island, apart from enjoying the rides and attractions, there are numerous snacks and treats worth sampling. One such spot is Williams Candy Shop located at 1318 Surf Avenue. This shop offers a variety of delicious sweets like handcrafted fudge, candy apples on a stick, marshmallow sticks and other items to satisfy your taste buds.

For a savory snack, check out Doña Zita for some of the top dishes in Coney Island. Here, one can dine on a Mexican feast including tacos, flautas, quesadillas, and more. I also advise sampling theaguas frescas or melons filled with fresh fruit. The restaurant is located at 1221 Bowery Street, near Luna Park.

5. Swim at Coney Island Beach, a nice thing to do at Coney Island as a family

Among all the attractions located in Coney Island, it`s easy to forget that it also has one of the prime beaches found in New York City.Coney Island Beach provides three miles of coastline, allowing you to sunbathe on the sand or go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

During the summer season, lifeguards are on responsibility, and the waves are quite controllable, at just a few feet high. So, if you want to bring the kids along for some swimming or boogie boarding, you’re certain to enjoy.

Another place where swimming activities can be engaged in at Coney Island is Brighton Beach. This beach is located right next to Coney Island Beach, so I`ll provide some details about it later.

6. See the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, a unique thing to do in Coney Island

If you’re seeking a unique experience in Coney Island, check out the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. It’s a professional nonprofit theater that honors circus sideshows from past decades and shares their intrigue and mystique.

Indeed, this remains the sole permanently housed circus sideshow remaining in the country. It highlights a ten-act performance featuring all forms of talented contortionists, jugglers, magicians, and more. You’ll hold your breath and gasp in wonder watching fire dancers, stilt walkers, and sword swallowers perfect their art on stage.

You’ll see a variety of performances from strongmen to show girls here, although the Circus Sideshow also hosts special events with guest performers. It also has an Art and Oddities Market where you can browse some interesting items.

Entrance to the sideshow is $12 for adults and $8 for kids, so it represents one of the most affordable activities available at Coney Island.

7. Coney Island Museum, one of the main attractions in Coney Island

The Coney Island Museum is another charming Coney Island landmark worth visiting while there. It’s located between Luna Park and Maimonides Park, so you can easily find it.

The museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Coney Island, contains various unique artifacts and memorabilia chronicling the area`s past within its exhibits. Visitors can view items ranging from photographs and artwork to antique carousel horses and funhouse mirrors.

Among the coolest things here is the antiquated photo booth, which dates back to the mid-20th century. The vintage boardwalk signs and postcards are also intriguing, and it’s fun to compare them to those from the modern period. You should also check out the theater and watch the Sideshows by the Seashore presentation, which features acrobats and circus performers.

The Coney Island Museum is among the leading museums in Brooklyn, and admission costs just $5 for adults and $3 for kids. It’s only open in the summer, but it’s worth waiting for the summer season since it’s when the annual Mermaid Parade takes place. It originates at the museum and proceeds toward Steeplechase Park.

8. Check out the Coney Island Art Walls, a free thing to do at Coney Island

Visiting the Coney Island Art Walls is another free activity one can partake in at Coney Island that people of all ages will find interesting. This outdoor art exhibition features 68 walls that were painted between 2015 and 2018 by local, national, and international graffiti artists.

The subject material ranges from depictions of Brooklyn and the greater New York City region to social commentary and global landmarks. Of course, some of the walls are just pure fun and reflect old-school artistic styles and themes like sailors and mermaids. The entire gallery is a beautiful collection of street art, and it’s freely accessible for the public to appreciate.

The Walls of Art are situated at 3050 Stillwell Avenue, near Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Visiting here is something that really should be done during anyone`s stay in Coney Island, not to mention it makes for great snapshots. In the summer, food vendors set up shop here to keep crowds well fed as they explore the various artworks.

9. See a Brooklyn Cyclones game at Maimonides Park

If you’re a fan of athletic events, or simply want to do something enjoyable with the kids, then add a baseball game to your Coney Island trip. Aside from the shoreline and promenade, this region is home to Maimonides Park, where the lower league Brooklyn Cyclones play ball. It’s one of the most popular athletic teams in NYC.

Situated parallel to the Coney Island Promenade, fans can watch a baseball game while occasionally catching glimpses of attractions like the towering Cyclone rollercoaster in the distance, creating a lively ambiance especially for those who love America`s favorite pastime.

Even if that’s not your interest, you can watch other sports here throughout the year, like football, soccer, and rugby, as well as wrestling events. Maimonides Park also hosts concerts, so it’s worth checking the event schedule before your journey.

10. Go to Brighton Beach, something to do in Coney Island with friends

As mentioned earlier, Brighton Beach is another beautifully scenic destination on Coney Island. The shoreline is directly beside Coney Island Beach, thus providing a quieter alternative with less crowds.

Brighton Beach opens for swimming from the period of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Nearby the beach, you can find playground areas, parks, and courts allowing basketball and handball games. There are also volleyball courts located directly on the beach.

Besides surfing and beaches, Brighton Beach is known for its ethnic community. A large number of immigrants, many from Russia and Eastern Europe, arrived here in the 1970s, establishing shops, eateries, and bakeries still present today. In fact, the neighborhood is sometimes called “Little Russia” because of the wide range of foods and specialty goods found here.

So, for something to do in Coney Island that’s off the beaten path, check out Brighton Beach and potentially try something novel!

Those are all the Coney Island attractions that I recommend, so I’ll leave you with this map that you can download.

If you have any questions about visiting Coney Island, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you out. Until then, have a wonderful trip!