Things To Do in Coney Island and Brighton Beach

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New York City’s Coney Island has become one of the best in New York City. There are a lot of things to do at Coney Island and Brighton Beach. In the 19th century, the peninsula has become a recreational spot for the urban population of New York. Locals escape the summer heat and cool off at the Atlantic Ocean on Brighton Beach. There are not many outdoor pools in New York City.

The few parks with pools are often hopelessly crowded. In this guide, we will provide you with recommendations for things to do in Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Getting to Coney Island and Brighton Beach

Coney Island Stillwell Avenue Station MTA

Coney Island and Brighton Beach is very easy to get to and you can not really miss the stop. It’s the very last station on the D F N  and Q  trains. You basically just hop on one of these trains and just enjoy the ride to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. From there you can enjoy the many restaurants and carnival attractions or you can go straight to the boardwalk and Brighton Beach.

Walking through Coney Island and Brighton Beach

Coney Island and Brighton Beach is located on the southern tip of Brooklyn, right on the Atlantic coast and is a great place to check out. There are tons of restaurants and places to go for day-drinking. It’s just a relaxed area where the main goal is to get away from the stress of the city places on you.

Coney Island and Brighton Beach is home to the finish line of the Brooklyn Half Marathon as well. But, the park is most famous for its amusement park. Coney Island has a long past with many ups, but some traces of decline. Some parts of the peninsula have already passed their best times, but they still exude a sympathetic charm and nostalgia. With that being said, there are many things to do in Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Top 5 things to do at Coney Island and Brighton Beach

Top 5 sights

  • Luna Park  – Located in Coney Island, Luna Park is the replacement of the infamous Astroland amusement park. Here, tourists and locals flock this amusement park and enjoy the many attractions. One of them is the United States’ historic wooden roller coaster, the Cyclone.
  • Coney Island Boardwalk  – In the summer months, thousands of people on the boardwalk. You’ll have access to the water, you can enjoy seafood and even enjoy drinks.
  • Brighton Beach – Coney Island and shares the same beach and boardwalk as Coney Island. The people here are mostly locals that have ties to the Russian and Eastern European communities. It’s very laid back and many restaurants so spread out through the neighborhood.
  • The Coney Island Museum – Here, guests want to learn about popular American culture through creative exhibits and performances. It’s a great place for families to check out.
  • Nathan’s Famous – The most popular hot dog in the world started off in Coney Island. It’s definitely a place to pay a visit, but make sure it’s ready for long lines, especially during warmer months.

Other Things To Do at Coney Island and Brighton Beach

Nathan's Famous location on the boardwalk in Coney Island

If you have all the time in the world, these are some other things to do in Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Coney Island and Brighton Beach Restaurants and Bars

  • Nathan’s Famous  And yes, we recommend going here since this is the most famous hot dog in the world. (Address: 1310 Surf Avenue I)
  • Totonno’s Pizza – It’s an old-school pizza that opened in 1924. They specialize in thin-crust oven coal pizza. (Address: 524 Neptune Ave I)
  • Ruby’s Bar & Grill – If You Want Great American Food Then Check Out The Oldest Bar And Grill On This Boardwalk. (Address: 1213 Reigelmann Boardwalk I)
  • Grimaldi’s  – This pizzeria is a classic. There’s a location at DUMBO and there’s one at Coney Island as well. (1215 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224)

Ride the Cyclone

The roller coaster Cyclone in Luna Park, Coney Island

The famous Cyclone roller coaster on Coney Island is one of the city’s landmarks. The rollercoaster is a great memory of the old Coney Island.

This rollercoaster has been around for over eight decades, but it’s as popular as ever. The wooden roller coaster today, as well as what a thrilling ride. The rickety cars rock and vibrate which makes it seem like it’s not the most trustworthy ride.

The Cyclone was designed in 1926 by the entrepreneur Jack and Irving Rosenthal after they had a small piece of land between Surf Avenue and the boardwalk. Holders of the New York Pass will receive a four-hour wristband so you can access Luna Park.

Get Tickets for Luna Park

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

TOP 50 Things to Do in NYCWe’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!

The Wonder Wheel: The Grandma of the Giant Ferris Wheels

The Wonder Wheel at Coney Island

Another reminder of the “good old days” is Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The Giant Wheel, now called “Wonder Wheel” is still one of the attractions of Coney Island, New York next to the Cyclone. The ferris wheel was built in 1920 and became an official landmark of the city of New York in 1989.

Tickets for Luna Park

The Finish Line of the Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon

As of right now, Coney Island and Brighton Beach is where the Brooklyn Half Marathon ends their race. It has been this way for a while now. If you’re in Coney Island in the beginning of May, make sure you check out thousands of runners crossing the finish line on the Coney Island Boardwalk. Better yet, you can help them out by cheering them on.

Take a Stroll on the boardwalk

If you’re on a tight budget then this is one of the best things to do in Coney Island and Brighton Beach. The boardwalks are all connected. During warm months, you can enjoy fresh seafood, popular American finger foods. Even the famous Luna Park is located right next to the boardwalk. And, if you get too hot, you can always jump into the ocean to cool off.

Enjoy the New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium is located on the boardwalk on Coney Island as well. It is one of the oldest aquariums in the US, first opening in Battery Park in 1896 and moving to its current location in 1957. To learn more about the aquarium please visit their website here.

Little Russia, Brighton Beach

Summer in New York: The days can be very hot and the humidity can be incredibly high. The breeze between the skyscrapers in Manhattan does not help either. This is where Brighton Beach comes in.

The community of Brighton Beach is located on Coney Island in the south of the New York City of Brooklyn is the largest Russian enclave in the United States. Just as Little Italy is for the Italians and Chinatown for Asians, Brighton Beach is for the Russians. In reference to the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, Brighton Beach is also known as Little Odessa. The beach section is very popular especially on weekends and attracts countless visitors.

Coney Island Bike Tour

Explore Coney Island with a bike. It’s so much fun riding your bike along the coast with a nice breeze from the ocean.

Home of the Really Awkward, But Interesting Things

Coney Island is famous for having really awkward events, such as the annual and legendary “Mermaid Parade” or the New Year’s Swim. The Mermaid Parade celebrates the beginning of summer and the dazzling history and myth of Coney Island. Participants dress up as sea creatures during the Mermaid Parade. For more information and online registration,  visit the Mermaid Parade website  .

A special highlight on Coney Island New York is the annual hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous . Since 1972, people meet each other on the fourth of July to find out who can eat the most hot dogs in ten minutes. Welcome to America!

The Art and Museum Scene at Coney Island and Brighton Beach

Coney Island Museum

The Coney Island Museum provides valuable information about the past of New York Coney Island with a miniature version of the original Luna Park. Built in 1917, the building exudes the typical Coney Island charm. The urban and sometimes crazy culture of Coney Island life is so here. (Address: 1208 Surf Avenue)

Coney Art Walls

Art Wall in Coney Island

This colorful set of walls is pretty much at the outdoor museum of street art. It’s pretty famous for the Wynwood Walls in Miami. To learn more about this outdoor museum, please visit their site here.

Living in Coney Island and Brighton Beach

The southernmost tip of Brooklyn, right on the Atlantic coast, has been published for its amusement park and popularity with the Russian immigrants. Here, you’ll experience light organs and musical clutter. The sea breeze carries scents of western grilled foods, Mexican tortillas, things being fried in oil, popcorn popping and cinnamon from sugary treats throughout the air.

Coney Island has gone through many different stages. It is not always the greatest place to visit. This location is for tourists and locals to visit during warm months. You have the New York Aquarium, Luna Park and the boardwalk. Many others are here and it’s a great place to take social media photos as well.

Coney Island and Brighton Beach hotels

We do not really recommend finding a hotel in Coney Island and Brighton Beach. It’s pretty far from Manhattan and everything else in general. We suggest looking for hotels near Downtown Brooklyn or Park Slope if Coney Island is a priority for you. That way, you’ll be close to Manhattan and Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Brighton Beach and Coronavirus

Coronavirus in NYC has been challenging for every New Yorker and people are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing. Brighton Beach can get very busy during the summer so the city put out rules and guidelines to make your visit safer for others and for you. You’re required to wear a mask and gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted. You’re allowed to walk and run on the beach and boardwalk, but it is closed for swimming. The city council has asked for beaches to be open for swimming once the weather gets a lot warmer. Drinking fountains and grilling of food is prohibited.

Neighborhoods near Coney Island and Brighton Beach

We suggest checking out these Brooklyn Neighborhoods below since you’re in the vicinity.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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