This fairly gritty, kitschy little iconic piece of oceanfront is known for its theme parks and hot dog contests, its semi-polluted beaches and bearded ladies, its miles of (mostly) original wooden boardwalk and the colorful locals who tap dance and romance upon it. There are few other places in the city with the most amount of uniquely summertime activities and truly exotic people watching available for your enjoyment.

Here’s the best way to spend a perfect summer day in Coney Island, before the summer leaves us and you’re only option to enjoy this piece of coastline is the Polar Bear Plunge, which only lasts 5 minutes at best. 

Nathan’s Hot Dogs

Get hot dogs at the original Nathan’s, a block off the boardwalk at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Ave. This location of the now iconic hot dog chain is still nearly unchanged since it opened in 1916. Go for the classic, with mustard and onions. I recommend getting 2, but people do get a lot of attention for eating a lot more. So attack at will, just keep in mind those coasters will not take it easy on you. 

Coney Island Brewery

Nearly as kitschy and carnivally as the waterfront, this refreshing brewery doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is very serious about brewing and exploring new recipes. With names ranging from the Mermaid Pilsner, the Freaktoberfest Ale, the Automated Fortune Teller Machine, and the Home Plate Pale Ale, this brewery feels like it’s woven into the deep, colorful history of the area, even after only 4 years. They’ll be expanding into a much bigger space with a stage and tap room, but for now, the cozy bar and ample outdoor space is all you need to indulge in a few funky-fresh brews and steamy rounds of corn hole. 

The Parks and Attractions of Coney Island

Coney Island has been a destination for thrill rides, of varying levels, for over 130 years. And even among the relatively contained area of shoreline, it has always been home to multiple theme parks and independent amusements at a time. Currently, there are two very distinct parks competing for space and attention. It’s easy to traverse from one park to the other, but no one pass will allow you access to everything. Here’s how we did it.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

The north side of the park is more historic, more iconic, and inevitably, and somehow captured in time. Here you’ll most noticeably find the wooden Cyclone roller coaster and Deno’s famous Wonder Wheel. We sprung to hit both of these first, also paying homage to Zandar for a little life advice. We decided on a whim to hit the Spook-A-Rama, which looked like a super cheesy “scary” ride but is NOT for the weak at heart. We spun back into the station sunk halfway into our seats, wide-eyed and breathing heavily, much to the amusement of the very carney-esque workers.

Luna Park

This is the more updated and way more thrilling side of the waterfront. The unlimited pass is a little pricey at $70 per person, but is worth it if you have a few hours to spend. Our favorites were the Steeple Chase, which looks like a kids ride, but very much is not; the Thunderbolt, whose 90-degree drop and 65mph speeds will make you regret all the hot dogs you consumed, and the Zenobio, that spins you 130 feet in the air and leaves you at the top for a few minutes to take in the views. 

The Sling Shot is one of those rides I told myself I would absolutely never do. The theme park equivalent to a medieval catapult, it flings you and a friend into the air at 90mph, spinning and bouncing and not being able to determine which way the horizon line should settle. With a day pass, you only get one chance to ride this one, but trust me, it’s enough.

Nearly every ride we went on that day had us screaming, “I didn’t know it was going to do this!!!” proving that this kitschy little carnival-esque theme park still has plenty of surprises, leaving me with little voice left to cheer on the Cyclones that night.  

The Brooklyn Cyclones

Hailed as the “most fun park in baseball!” this farm team to the farm team to the Mets has a super strong, mostly Long Island following, which means the heckling is truly top-notch. The determinedly entertaining atmosphere will have you out of your seat and participating for more than just the 7th inning stretch and when the wave comes by. 

Stop by the box office on Surf Ave (conveniently, right next to the brewery) to get tickets to the Cyclones game. Check the schedule first here and relish in the beauty of seeing a sporting event in the city for only $12 a ticket… especially because beers, unfortunately, still start at $12. 

If you happen to get tempted to Enter to Win! free VIP Cyclones tickets upon entry into MCU Park, I recommend it. Our entries ended up getting us a free vacation in Las Vegas (no joke.) 

Coney Island is one of the few places in this city that somehow feels unchanged. It still retains that grungy charm that it’s always been known for, luring you in with curious attractions and classic hot dogs and America’s favorite pastime, and of course, the beach. So go, and take in all the weird and wonderful things it still has to offer.