Coney Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coney Island which includes rides and night scenes
Coney Island
Coney Island featuring shopping, night scenes and street scenes
Coney Island showing signage and shopping
Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc

Once the largest amusement area in the U.S., you’ll still find plenty of entertainment for the young and young at heart here.

With its sandy beaches, gently rolling waves and breezy boardwalk, Coney Island feels a world away from frenzied Manhattan, but there’s still action aplenty on this peninsula thanks to its exciting amusement park.

A beachfront area in southern Brooklyn, Coney Island was home to several competing amusement parks during its pre-war heyday. It was popular with hard-working New Yorkers who relished the opportunity to escape the stifling Manhattan heat on weekends.

After World War II, the parks fell out of favor with visitors, who occupied themselves with films and Broadway shows in Manhattan, and the island suffered from neglect. Today, as the area continues to be redeveloped, visitors and thrill-seekers come in droves to try the modern theme park rides at the iconic Luna Park, which was reopened after extensive renovations in 2010, and soak up the island’s grand history.

A 45- to 60-minute subway ride from Manhattan, Coney Island is at its most lively during the sticky summer months, and many attractions only operate from April to October, including special events like outdoor concerts, film screenings and Friday night fireworks on the beach. The island is still worth a visit in winter, though, if only to see the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, a group of brave men and women who take to the icy January waters bare-chested or in only a swimsuit, invoking wild cheers from onlookers. Coney Island’s food vendors are on hand year-round to serve up nostalgia — think classic cotton candy, old-fashioned hot dogs and traditional New York-style pizza.

While the infamous Thunderbolt rollercoaster — immortalized in countless postcard pictures and the Woody Allen classic movie “Annie Hall” — has been laid to rest. Today’s Luna Park is amusement park heaven, with 19 fabulous rides. Among them is the Cyclone, originally built in 1927 and one of the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters still in use. Try your luck on the bumper cars, take a spin on a pretty carousel or scoop a prize or two in the lively game arcade.

Coney Island’s re-emergence as a modern amusement destination makes it an entertaining day trip for tourists. The best way to get here is by subway from any part of Manhattan.

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £215 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
£215
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
The price is £198 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£198
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Arlo Midtown
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
The price is £140 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£140
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Hotel St. James
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Radio City Apartments

Radio City Apartments

3.5 out of 5
142 West 49th Street, New York, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Radio City Apartments
31 Street Broadway Hotel

31 Street Broadway Hotel

2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in New York. Enjoy room service, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
31 Street Broadway Hotel
Starlight Hotel

Starlight Hotel

2.5 out of 5
40-40 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in Flushing. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Starlight Hotel
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