Know Before You Go: Visiting Coney Island

Coney Island is an entertainment hub with a range of sights and activities to suit different people. If you came to New York City to indulge in its “high” culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or to shop Fifth Avenue’s luxury boutiques, then Coney Island might not be right up your street. But it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to spend time on a city beach, stroll along a boardwalk, ride a roller coaster or Ferris wheel, and experience a more carefree side of the city.

Coney Island—not technically an island but on a peninsula—is on the coast of southern Brooklyn. It’s west of Brighton Beach (nicknamed Little Odessa), a community with many Russian and Eastern European residents, and south of the Belt Parkway that encircles much of Brooklyn.

It’s easy to reach from other parts of New York City, especially from central parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. There are two subway stops within a short walk of all Coney Island attractions: Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue and West 8th Street–New York Aquarium. The ride takes about 30–40 minutes from Prospect Park in Brooklyn, or 50–60 minutes from Lower Manhattan.

Consider the weather when deciding what to wear to Coney Island, as many of the main attractions are outdoors. New York City typically experiences hot, humid summers, so choose summer clothing and a hat if you’re visiting during that season, and pack a bathing suit if you plan to take a dip in the ocean.

For the amusement park, bring a light sweater as it may get cooler on the Ferris wheel or other rides, and closed-toe shoes that won’t slip off. As New York City experiences cold winters, opt for warm layers from November to March.

Again, this depends on what you want to do here. To hang out at the beach, bring a blanket or beach towel, a bathing suit, slip-off shoes, and perhaps a picnic. Note that you’re not allowed to erect tents or shelters on the beach, and you can’t use snorkels, fins, rafts, or floatation devices in the water.

If you want to spend most of your time at the amusement parks, pack light as you’re not allowed to take bags or loose items on rides; locker space is limited, and cubbies for use while on the rides aren’t totally secure.

You can enjoy Coney Island’s boardwalk attractions and beach area for free, but other attractions are ticketed. The amusement parks are free to enter, but you need a wristband or credits for rides at Luna Park, and individual ride tickets at Deno’s. Admission prices for the New York Aquarium vary depending on whether you visit during peak or off-peak hours.

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour—whether a cycling tour or a walking tour—to learn more about the history of Coney Island, or combine a stop at Coney Island with other NYC highlights.

There’s plenty to do here besides visiting the amusement parks. The boardwalk and beach at Coney Island are part of the New York City Parks network, and offer many recreational activities, including beach volleyball, handball, basketball, and playgrounds—as well as ocean swimming and beach lounging. There’s also the New York Aquarium, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink from October to March, and the Maimonides Park baseball stadium, where the minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones play. There are plenty of dining options in Coney Island, too.

Coney Island is generally accessible to wheelchair users and people with disabilities, but this varies between destinations. There are several accessible entry points to the beach, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed (book online via the NYC Parks website).

The New York Aquarium features accessible restrooms, quiet zones, and offers accessories for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Coney Island’s amusement parks are less accessible, as some rides cannot accommodate wheelchairs; however, visitors with a companion who can help them comfortably transfer between their wheelchair and the ride may have more options.

• When’s the best time of year to visit Coney Island? Summer is the best time to enjoy most of Coney Island’s activities, such as the beach, the boardwalk, and the outdoor amusement parks. However, there are also cold-weather activities, such as the indoor New York Aquarium and the seasonal Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink (October to March).

• Does Coney Island have seasonal events? Yes, there are many seasonal events at Coney Island throughout the year. Some highlights include the Coney Island Film Festival in early May, Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, and Halloween events in late October and early November.

• What kind of food and drink can I get at Coney Island? You can find a range of food and drink at Coney Island, including classic New York City fare and modern American dishes, such as hot dogs, pizza, tacos, and burgers. Head to craft breweries and beachside bars for drinks. All Coney Island food guides feature the original branch of Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand, and with good reason.

• What ages is Coney Island suitable for? Coney Island is suitable for travelers of all ages. Enjoy wholesome family fun at Coney Island; kids and young adults will especially enjoy the amusement parks, and you’ll find New Yorkers of all ages taking advantage of the beach and outdoor sports facilities.

• What are the best rides at Coney Island? That depends on what kind of rides you’re looking for: Luna Park has more options than Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, so you may find the best rides here. Some Luna Park highlights include the Sling Shot, Cyclone, Soarin’ Eagle, and Steeplechase.