Coney Island in Brooklyn is one of those NYC MUST DO's for every New Yorker...and for visitors it's even more a must-do, because it is simple, kitschy fun, with the added benefit of greasy carnival food and the imperative to eat it--simply because you are in Coney Island.
It's a bit of a pain to get to--just in terms of length of subway ride from Manhattan (45 min to an hour) but you definitely can spend most of the day here, as there is a lot to do and even more to look at. You can even lay on the beach, if you are brave (I find it dirty and crowded and loud, but for some that's part of the...charm). It's definitely a crucial destination for any visitor with a sense of adventure-because it is out of the way, it is more a place for New Yorkers than tourists. And if you live in NYC and haven't been here yet--shame on you! Get going...you only have to go once, but it is a must-do.
They have tons of interesting events that are well-kept secrets, and many that are not: some, like the wacky Mermaid Parade, have already occurred this summer. But there is still a lot left to do. Here are a few:
Circus Sideshow- ( as much performance art as sideshow). Open Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day. After Labor Day, the Sideshow returns to Weekend-only operation "SIDESHOWS BY THE SEASHORE is located at the corner of Surf Avenue & West 12th Street in the heart of the Coney Island amusement park. The sideshow seats 99 people and there is a FREAK BAR (serving beer) and a GIFT SHOP in the lobby. Both the inside and the outside of our historic 1917 building are decorated in canvas sideshow banners painted by Valerie Haller or Marie Roberts. The building was originally Child's Restaurant which employed singing waiters. In the 1950's and 60's it was home to Dave Rosen's Wonderland Circus Sideshow where such legends as Sealo the Seal Boy, JoJo the Dogfaced Boy, tattooed man Jack Dracula and talker Bobby Reynolds once worked and performed."
Astroland Amusement Park - Do NOT miss the World Famous Cyclone ("one of the most famous attractions in Brooklyn, New York. The first rides of the historic roller coaster began on June 26, 1927. Over 80 years later, the Cyclone is still thrilling thousands of riders each year. An official New York City Landmark since July 12, 1988, Cyclone was listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places on June 31, 1991." )
Seaside Summer Concert Series -FREE
Aug. 13: Blondie + Pat Benatar + The Donnas
Aug. 20: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons + Connie Francis
Aug. 27: Donna Summer
Fireworks on the Beach - Astroland and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park sponsor fireworks at 9:30 every Friday night during the season. Fireworks generally start the last weekend in June and conclude the Friday before Labor Day
Burlesque on the Beach Kitschy performance art.
ABOUT CONEY ISLAND
Coney Island is a New York City neighborhood that features an amusement area that includes 35 or more separate rides and attractions.
DAYS AND TIMES OF OPERATION
Coney Island is a seasonal center operating roughly between Easter and Labor Day. Rides and attraction are generally open on weekends from Easter until Memorial Day, all week long from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and then weekends from Labor Day until the end of September. The beach and boardwalk are open all year round (although lifeguards are only on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and Nathan's Hot Dogs and the New York Aquarium are open almost every day of the year.
HOW TO GET THERE BY SUBWAY: Take the D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue (last stop). This takes about 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan.
