Plan Your Visit to Coney Island
These are my personal recommendations for planning your trip to Coney Island. If you have the opportunity to see the Mermaid Parade in early June each year, definitely do it. It's zany and a lot of fun. Also consider watching Charles Denson's historical video tour and downloading his map in advance, both available at this Coney Island History Project link.
When to Visit & Subway Transportation
The best time to visit Coney Island is during the official 'season', which starts Memorial Day weekend (late May) and ends Labor Day weekend (early September). During this time, everything is open throughout the week and Coney Island is full of people, especially on weekends. Outside of the official season, the major attractions are open on weekends beginning in early April and through the end of October. From November through March, most of the businesses and attractions along the boardwalk will be closed. To get to Coney Island from Manhattan, take the N/Q (Yellow) or D/F (Orange) subways to the last stop, Coney Island / Stillwell Avenue. The trip will take roughly one hour each way from Midtown Manhattan.
The best time to visit Coney Island is during the official 'season', which starts Memorial Day weekend (late May) and ends Labor Day weekend (early September). During this time, everything is open throughout the week and Coney Island is full of people, especially on weekends. Outside of the official season, the major attractions are open on weekends beginning in early April and through the end of October. From November through March, most of the businesses and attractions along the boardwalk will be closed. To get to Coney Island from Manhattan, take the N/Q (Yellow) or D/F (Orange) subways to the last stop, Coney Island / Stillwell Avenue. The trip will take roughly one hour each way from Midtown Manhattan.
What to Ride (click an image for more information)
There are dozens of amusement rides to choose from at Coney Island in Deeno's Wonder Wheel Park and Scream Zone. Many, including the Tornado and Soarin' Eagle, are large, modern coasters. There also are many children's rides. It's free to walk around the amusement areas throughout Coney Island. There also is a large carnival games area between the amusement parks and Surf Avenue. Rides charge on a per-ride basis, with park-specific combination packs available at ticket booths.
Three absolute 'must-ride' classics are the Wonder Wheel, the B&B Carousell and the Cyclone roller coaster. No excuses!
There are dozens of amusement rides to choose from at Coney Island in Deeno's Wonder Wheel Park and Scream Zone. Many, including the Tornado and Soarin' Eagle, are large, modern coasters. There also are many children's rides. It's free to walk around the amusement areas throughout Coney Island. There also is a large carnival games area between the amusement parks and Surf Avenue. Rides charge on a per-ride basis, with park-specific combination packs available at ticket booths.
Three absolute 'must-ride' classics are the Wonder Wheel, the B&B Carousell and the Cyclone roller coaster. No excuses!
What to See (click an image for more information)
Coney Island offers an eclectic mix of things to do and see, mixing the past with the present. Below are selected places and activities that you may want to know about before visiting. Click on an image for more information. Also be sure to stop by the Coney Island History Project located next to the Wonder Wheel, as they have interesting photographs and exhibits.
Coney Island offers an eclectic mix of things to do and see, mixing the past with the present. Below are selected places and activities that you may want to know about before visiting. Click on an image for more information. Also be sure to stop by the Coney Island History Project located next to the Wonder Wheel, as they have interesting photographs and exhibits.
Where to Eat (click an image for more information)
Below are several classic Coney Island establishments to know about before you go. Feel free to explore any places you come across on the boardwalk or Surf Avenue as well. More and more places are opening up at Coney Island with each passing season.
Below are several classic Coney Island establishments to know about before you go. Feel free to explore any places you come across on the boardwalk or Surf Avenue as well. More and more places are opening up at Coney Island with each passing season.
Sit-down restaurants
Classic boardwalk eateries