8 Things to Experience at Coney Island (From a Native New Yorker)
If you thought Coney Island is some frozen-in-time relic, think again. It’s loud, brash, proudly weird, and full of life. Locals know it for its beach, boardwalk, vintage rides, seaside eats, and museum oddities, and that slightly gritty charm all make it unforgettable.
These are the experiences that define Coney Island—loud, local, and 100% real Brooklyn.
Ride the Cyclone
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It’s wood, it’s rickety, and it’ll shake the fillings out of your teeth. But the Cyclone still holds up as one of the best roller coasters anywhere. It was built in 1927 and remains a Brooklyn legend with 12 drops and a top speed that’ll jolt you awake better than espresso ever could.
Walk the Riegelmann Boardwalk
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This 2.7-mile stretch has seen it all—joggers, break-dancers, sunbathers, and couples yelling over cotton candy. The boardwalk connects Brighton Beach to Sea Gate. It’s perfect for people-watching, grabbing a slice, or just zoning out to the Atlantic’s soundtrack with salt air in your lungs.
Ride the Wonder Wheel
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This is not your average Ferris wheel. The Wonder Wheel mixes stationary cars with swinging ones that slide as you rise. It’s been part of countless summer dates, family trips, and slightly panicked Instagram stories. The view from the top is concrete, Coney Island chaos, and the ocean stretching for miles.
Hit Luna Park
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Luna Park mashes up nostalgia and neon in the best way. It’s got everything: high-tech thrill rides, kiddie coasters, carnival games, and vintage throwbacks like the B&B Carousell. It’s where you lose your voice on a loop-de-loop, then win a stuffed bear you’ll immediately regret carrying all day.
Catch the Mermaid Parade
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Every June, Neptune’s kingdom takes over Surf Avenue. Glitter, fishnets, seaweed crowns, and DIY floats parade through the heat. The Mermaid Parade is a homemade, artsy rebellion against seriousness—and it’s been kicking off Coney’s summer season since 1983. Basically, anything goes, as long as it sparkles.
Watch the Sideshow
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Sword swallowers, fire breathers, human blockheads—yes, it’s still a thing. The Coney Island Circus Sideshow is raw, live, and unapologetically weird. It’s located just off the boardwalk and is one of the last permanent freak shows in the country.
Visit the Coney Island Museum
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This museum isn’t about quiet halls and marble busts. It’s stuffed with vintage funhouse mirrors, old-time photos, and artifacts from Coney’s wild past. Exhibits cover everything from amusement roots to sideshow culture.
Lounge on the Beach
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This beach is packed once the temps hit 75, which makes sense considering that it’s free and open all summer. You’ll find volleyball games, karaoke on portable speakers, and families digging like it’s a construction site. Lifeguards are on duty, and cold drinks are never more than a few feet away.
Visit the New York Aquarium
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Right next to the boardwalk, the aquarium holds sharks, sea otters, and some surprisingly poetic jellyfish tanks. The Ocean Wonders: Sharks! The exhibit alone is worth the visit. It’s compact but packed with charm.
Walk the Steeplechase Pier
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The long wooden pier extends out into the water and is good for fishing, zoning out, or catching sunset photos that’ll make your feed look fire. If you’re looking for fewer crowds than the beach and a nice sea breeze even on swampy days, this is your spot.
Spot the Parachute Jump
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It doesn’t function anymore, but this 262-foot tower—built for the 1939 World’s Fair—is Coney’s unofficial landmark. Lit up at night, it’s hard to miss and easy to love. Locals just call it “the Eiffel Tower of Brooklyn.”
See a Cyclones Game at Maimonides Park
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Minor league baseball doesn’t get more scenic. Maimonides Park sits right by the ocean, and the Brooklyn Cyclones serve up games with fireworks, food, and that classic New York heckling. There are cheap seats, salty air, and the occasional foul ball.
Visit Coney Island Creek Park
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If you want a break from the bustle, this hidden gem on the western edge of Coney Island has quiet trails, waterfront views, and migratory birds. It’s more wild marshland than boardwalk circus, and it gives you a completely different view of the area—literally and metaphorically.
Ride the B&B Carousel
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This carousel, dating back to 1906, was lovingly restored and reopened in 2013. All 50 horses are hand-carved originals. The polished wood and a spinning blur have been part of New York summers for over a century.
Eat at Nathan’s Famous
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The original stand has been slinging dogs since 1916. Tourists line up for the name, but locals keep coming back for that perfect snap. There’s nothing ironic about a hot dog here. It’s messy, mustardy, and probably dripping onto your paper tray. Just the way it should be.