10 Interesting Things to Do in Coney Island (First-Time Visitors Guide) (2024)

This roundup of the best things to do in Coney Island was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).

Coney Island is New York City’s oceanfront playground, an iconic attraction, the amusem*nt park sees an average of 5 million visitors a year. It’ll take about an hour to reach the area from Manhattan, so most folks make a day of it. I thought it’d be fun to roundup some of the best things to do in Coney Island so you can make the most of your visit. Let’s dive in!

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide onWhere to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time?Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC,hands down.

Things to Do in Coney Island

Stroll the Boardwalk

Website: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
Address: Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY

You couldn’t miss it if you tried, the Coney Island Boardwalk (also known as the Riegelmann Boardwalk), spans 2.7 miles along Brooklyn’s southern shore. Built in 1923, it’s peppered with colorful storefronts and offers nice views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walking (or biking) the boardwalk is one of the most iconic things to do in Coney Island.

You’ll have access to tons of casual restaurants, small shops and street performers. If you’re visiting Coney Island in June, try to time you visit with the annual Mermaid Parade (June 22, 2024), the largest parade in the country!

Explore Luna Park

Website: Luna Park
Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Luna Park is probably the most iconic attraction in Coney Island. Hell, it’s not a stretch to call it the main attraction altogether. The amusem*nt park you see today opened in 2010 and was named after the original Luna Park, which operated from 1903 to 1944.

The amusem*nt park features over 40 attractions, but the most popular ride is the Cyclone roller coaster, which is made entirely of wood! If you’re keen to get your heart pumping, pick up a 4-hour unlimited ride wristbands ($40-$65, depending on height) or pay-per-ride. It’s great fun for the whole family (there’s plenty of kid-friendly rides).

Try the (Famous) Hot Dogs at Nathan’s

Website: Nathan’s Famous
Address: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Serving New Yorkers for more than 100 years, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs has been a Coney Island staple since 1916. There’s a few outposts on Coney Island (and NYC) but visiting the flagship at Surf & Stillwell Avenues is one of the best things to do in Coney Island.

You’ll find a variety of classic hot dogs on offer, alongside burgers, fries and frozen custards. Over the course of a century, Nathan’s Famous has become a nationwide brand, largely thanks to the uber-famousFourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, held in Coney Island every year.

Ride the Wonder Wheel

Website: Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusem*nt Park
Address: 3059 W 12th St, Coney Island, NY 11224

A defining landmark of Coney Island, the Wonder Wheel isn’t your average Ferris wheel. Built in 1920, this 150-foot giant features both stationary and swinging cars, making it a thrilling or relaxing ride, depending on preference. From above, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the boardwalk below.

A survivor of Coney Island’s ever-changing landscape, the Wonder Wheel is a piece of history that dates back 100 years. You’ll find it at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusem*nt Park, rides are roughly $10 per person.

Catch a Brooklyn Cyclone’s Game

Website: Brooklyn Cyclone’s Maimonides Park
Address: 1904 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

The Brooklyn Cyclones are a minor league affiliate of the New York Mets! The team plays home games at Maimonides Park, which is centrally located in the neighborhood. Catching a Cyclones game is a budget-friendly option compared to pricier MLB games, and attending a game is a fun activity while visiting Coney Island.

The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for introducing kids to baseball. And who knows, you might catch the next big leaguers (like Matt Harvey or Noah Syndergaard, who both played for the Cyclones before reaching the majors).

Take a Dip in the Atlantic

Taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean is not for the faint of heart! Chilly temps mar the water year-round, but it’s a refreshing Coney Island activity during the scorching summer months.Lifeguards are on duty seasonally from 10am to 6 pm(make sure to swim in designated areas).

Strong currents and riptides are not uncommon, so this Coney Island activity might not be for everyone. But, if you’re a confident swimmer, the Atlantic Ocean awaits! For non-swimmers, sprawling out for a tan, playing beach volleyball or building sandcastles are also fantastic things to do on Coney Island’s beach.

Grab a Slice at Totonno’s Pizza

Website: Totonno’s Pizza
Address: 1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Totonno’s Pizza is a destination site for pizza lovers that dates back to 1924. This cash-only establishment was founded by Antonio “Totonno” Pero, his focus on coal-fired thin crust, tangy sauce and fresh cheese set the standard for classic New York pies.

The historic pizzeria faced foreclosure during the pandemic, but thankfully everything worked out in the end. If you’re a foodie looking for iconic NYC pizza joints, Totonno’s is a must while visiting Coney Island.

Learn Something New at the Coney Island Museum

Website: Coney Island Museum
Address: 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Established in 1980, the Coney Island Museum is a non-profit organization that features some quirky exhibitions. The museumis home to a compelling collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that chronicles Coney Island’s evolution from a tranquil seaside town to a world-famous amusem*nt district.

Exhibits encompass everything from captivating circus banners to the evolution of swimwear, offering a glimpse into the area’s bygone era. Beyond the displays, the museum frequently curates lectures, film screenings, and special events that delve into Coney Island’s past.

Though modest in size, it’s a must-see for those visiting Coney Island for the first time. Not to mention, tickets are only $5 a pop, making this one of the most affordable things to do in Coney Island. The museum is also home to theCircus Sideshows, which (for an extra fee) perform acts like fire-breathing, sword swallowing and acrobatic feats.

Order a Lobster Roll at Paul’s Daughter

Website: Paul’s Daughter
Address: 1001 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Paul’s Daughter is a longstanding, family-owned eatery on the Coney Island Boardwalk. Established in the mid-1960s, the joint offers a variety of quick bites, like hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, ice cream, and — the best lobster roll in Coney Island.

Whether grabbing a quick bite between rides or enjoying a leisurely meal by the sea, take a break with a lobster roll to soak up the ideal version of summer while visiting Coney Island.

Fun fact:Fans ofAnd Just Like That… (Sex and the City’s reboot) will likely recognize Paul’s Daughter. It’s the food stand Steve purchases in season 2, episode 10.

Visit the New York Aquarium

Website: New York Aquarium
Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Established in 1896, the New York Aquarium is one of the oldest (and largest public) aquariums in the country. It showcases diverse marine life from around the world. Explore exhibits like Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, one of the largest shark exhibits in the world, which features over 115 species of marine animals, rays, and other fish.

Other popular attractions include the Sea Cliffs (sea lions and harbor seals), and the Conservation Hall, which focuses on marine conservation efforts. Visiting the ever-adorable PlayQuarium, an interactive exhibit designed for children to learn about ocean life through play, is also one of the best things to do with kids in Coney Island.

Visiting Coney Island (Post Summary)

1. Stroll Down the Boardwalk
2. Explore Luna Park
3. Devour a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog
4. Take a Ride on the Wonder Wheel
5. Catch a Brooklyn Cyclone’s Game
6. Enjoy a Dip in the Atlantic
7. Grab a Slice at Totonno’s Pizza
8. Learn a Little History at the Coney Island Museum
9. Order a Lobster Roll at Paul’s Daughter
10. Deep Dive Marine Life at the New York Aquarium

Coney Island Attractions (Map)

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And there you have it, my friends! I hope you enjoyed my recap of the best things to do in Coney Island. Enjoy the beach, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Also – if I didn’t mention your favorite attractions in Coney Island leave them in the comments for others to read.

Until next time, Alejandro.