Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
A historic 3-mile seaside escape with a lively boardwalk, classic amusement rides, and iconic food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 3-mile seaside escape with a lively boardwalk, classic amusement rides, and iconic food.
"A vibrant, beautiful beach with so much to do and so much to eat!"
🎯 Beat the Parking Hassle
Arrive before 11 AM on sunny days for easier parking. :car:
🌊 Find Your Quiet Spot
Venture away from the train stations for more space and fewer crowds on the beach. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coney Island Beach
Atlantic Ocean shoreline
A classic 3-mile sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
Coney Island Boardwalk
Along the beach
Historic promenade with iconic amusement park rides, food vendors, and lively atmosphere.
+1
Nathan's Famous
Boardwalk
The original location of the legendary hot dog stand, a must-visit for a taste of NYC history.
+1
Deno's Wonder Wheel Park
Boardwalk
Iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic views and classic amusement park fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Trash Talk
Safety First on the Boardwalk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Parking Hassle
Arrive before 11 AM on sunny days for easier parking. :car:
🌊 Find Your Quiet Spot
Venture away from the train stations for more space and fewer crowds on the beach. :ocean:
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Be mindful of litter; many visitors report the beach can be dirty. Bring trash bags.
🌭 Taste of Tradition
Don't miss a hot dog from the original Nathan's Famous on the boardwalk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Parking Hassle
Arrive before 11 AM on sunny days for easier parking. :car:
🌊 Find Your Quiet Spot
Venture away from the train stations for more space and fewer crowds on the beach. :ocean:
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Be mindful of litter; many visitors report the beach can be dirty. Bring trash bags.
🌭 Taste of Tradition
Don't miss a hot dog from the original Nathan's Famous on the boardwalk.
🍦 Squeeze Your Italian Ice
Experience the unique Coney Island way of enjoying Italian ice by squeezing the cup! :ice_cream:
💰 Save Money on Food
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, or explore diverse boardwalk vendors. :moneybag:
📸 Great for Photos
The beach and boardwalk offer fantastic opportunities for photography, especially at sunset.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Recent incidents highlight the need for caution, especially at night. +2 :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coney Island is a vibrant destination offering a classic beach and boardwalk experience with plenty of amusements and food options. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, iconic landmarks like Nathan's, and the fun of the rides. However, some reviews mention concerns about beach cleanliness and safety, suggesting visitors be prepared and aware of their surroundings.
"A vibrant, beautiful beach with so much to do and so much to eat! Aquarium nearby, and the boardwalk had restaurants, arcade, and rides. The water was chilly. Finding parking took a while."
Sneha H S
"First trip on a perfect weather day, unfortunately in-between riding the Cyclone of bureaucracy at two ID centers nearby, but can’t wait to be back many times! Nice midday stroll on the boardwalk and lunch"
Emily McWilliams
"It's one of the most well maintained beaches in the city.
There's ample eateries around. There's changing rooms.
The beach is clean, and there's security around.
There are multiple theme parks around offering a range of rides and attractions.
If you arrive before 11 AM on a sunny day, you can find parking easily.
Great for a beach day, as well as photography."
Saurav
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Coney Island via the NYC Subway, with several lines (like the D, F, N, and Q trains) stopping at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.
Yes, there are parking lots available, but they can fill up quickly. Arriving before 11 AM on a sunny day is your best bet for finding a spot.
The subway is generally the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to Coney Island from Manhattan. The D, F, N, and Q trains all go directly there.
If you are driving, you may encounter tolls depending on your starting point in NYC. However, the subway avoids all tolls.
Travel time by subway from Manhattan can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on your starting location and the specific train line.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The beach and boardwalk themselves are free to access. However, rides at the amusement parks and attractions like the New York Aquarium will require separate tickets.
The beach is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty from 10 AM to 6 PM. Amusement park hours vary by season and specific park, but generally start around 11 AM for kiddie rides and noon for the Wonder Wheel.
While you can often purchase ride tickets or wristbands on-site, buying in advance online might offer discounts or guarantee access, especially during peak times. Check the individual amusement park websites for details.
Yes, walking the boardwalk, enjoying the beach, people-watching, and soaking in the atmosphere are all free!
For the best prices, look for online deals or package offers. Weekday visits might also offer fewer crowds and potentially better deals than weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitor experiences vary. Some reviews mention it's well-maintained, while others note significant litter. It's advisable to be prepared for potential cleanliness issues and to pack out your trash. +1
You can't miss riding the Cyclone, enjoying a hot dog from Nathan's Famous, taking a spin on the Wonder Wheel, and exploring the vibrant boardwalk.
Yes, there are restrooms and changing facilities available for public use.
While Coney Island offers a classic amusement experience, recent incidents have raised safety concerns. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit areas. +2
The boardwalk is packed with food vendors offering everything from classic hot dogs and pizza to funnel cakes, churros, and seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk with its colorful rides, the beach at sunset, and iconic landmarks like the Wonder Wheel and Nathan's Famous are all prime photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The unique blend of beach, boardwalk, amusement park, and city views makes it a photographer's dream.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for both the beach and the boardwalk.
Yes, you can take photos of the rides. Many visitors capture the vibrant colors and nostalgic feel of the amusement park.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or explore the numerous food stands for treats like funnel cake and Italian ice. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 To save money on food, pack your own picnic and drinks, as boardwalk prices can add up quickly. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Don't forget to snap photos of classic eats like Nathan's hot dogs for a true taste of the location. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Coney Island's Beach and Boardwalk
The adjacent boardwalk is the heart of Coney Island's vibrant atmosphere. It's lined with iconic amusement park rides, including the legendary Cyclone roller coaster and the historic Deno's Wonder Wheel.
+1 Alongside the rides, you'll find a plethora of food vendors selling everything from Nathan's Famous hot dogs to sweet treats like funnel cake and Italian ice. +1 The boardwalk is also a fantastic spot for people-watching and capturing memorable photos, especially during sunset. It's important to note that while many visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, some reviews highlight concerns about cleanliness on both the beach and the boardwalk.
+1 Being prepared for this, perhaps by bringing your own trash bags, can enhance your visit. A Taste of Coney Island: Iconic Eats and Treats
+1 This historic eatery is not just about the food; it's about experiencing a piece of New York's culinary heritage, especially during the famous July 4th hot dog eating contest. Beyond hot dogs, the boardwalk is a treasure trove of classic fairground food. Visitors can savor sweet treats like funnel cakes and churros, often sold by local vendors.
For those looking for a more substantial meal or a place to relax with a drink, Ruby's Bar & Grill has been recognized as a top beach/boardwalk bar, offering a classic Coney Island experience.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a meal, Coney Island's food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the destination itself.Safety and Community Concerns at Coney Island
Beyond specific safety incidents, there are also recurring comments about the cleanliness of the beach and boardwalk. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the amount of trash left behind, leading to a less-than-ideal experience.
+1 This has prompted calls for greater respect for the environment and community efforts to keep the area clean. While many reviews praise the beach as well-maintained, the recurring mentions of litter suggest it's an ongoing issue that visitors should be prepared for. Despite these challenges, many still find Coney Island to be a relaxing and enjoyable place, especially when visiting with family and friends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit