Since at least the mid-1800s, Coney Island has been a popular summertime destination for visitors eager for a day of sun and sea air, recreation and relaxation, and thrills and amusements. Several of the boardwalk's most popular attractions, including the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, and Nathan's Famous, have all been around for close to 100 years or more.
Beaches are open during the summer along the Atlantic Ocean between Ocean Parkway and West 37th Street. The boardwalk is open year-round.
Getting there
There are two subway stops within walking distance of the beach: Coney Island-Stillwell Av, and West 8 St-NY Aquarium.
Coney Island-Stillwell Av is an accessible station, but West 8 St-NY Aquarium is not.
Several bus lines also travel to Coney Island. Get more details below.
Take the subway
- Take a Coney Island-bound , , , and train to Coney Island-Stillwell Av. Follow the signs to the exit at Stillwell Avenue and Surf Avenue; or,
- Take a Coney Island-bound or train to West 8 St-NY Aquarium. Follow the signs to the exit at Surf Avenue and West 8th Street.
Take the bus
1. Take the B36 toward Coney Island-West 37 St.
Exit at any of the stops between Surf Av-W 5 St and Surf Av-West 37 St.
2. Take the B64 toward Coney Island-Mermaid Av.
Exit at either Coney Island-Stillwell Av or Coney Island-Mermaid Av.
3. Take the B68 toward Coney Island-Stillwell Av.
Exit at any of the stops between Neptune Ave-W 5 St and Stillwell Av-Neptune Av.
4. Take the B82 toward Mermaid Av-Stillwell Av.
Exit at Mermaid Av-W 17 St or Mermaid Av-Stillwell Av.
All MTA buses are accessible.
While you're there
- The landmark Coney Island Cyclone is up and running for its 98th year on the corner of Surfwell Avenue and West 10th Street, and the old wooden roller coaster is as rickety-sounding and shriek-worthy as ever.
- If your tastes run a little tamer, Deno's Wonder Wheel provides gorgeous aerial views of Coney Island from its 150-foot apex. Daredevils can opt for one of the Ferris wheel's swinging cars.
- Coney Island's 2.7-mile boardwalk is lined with food stands, tchotchke shops, comfort stations, and more; it's also an excellent venue for people-watching come summertime.
- The New York Aquarium boasts more than 500 species of marine wildlife here, spread out over 14 acres, and the crowd-pleasing Sharks! exhibition stars nearly 20 different types of sharks and rays.
- If you time your trip to coincide with a Brooklyn Cyclones home game at Maimonides Park, you may end up at one of the team's various promotional nights, including Bark in the Park (dogs very much allowed) and Seinfeld Night.