Coney Island, New York - all you need to know

Coney Island is one of the most popular places to spend your free time, not only amongst tourists but especially amongst New Yorkers.

Although this area is located well outside the city centre, in the southern part of Brooklyn, it is very easily accessible via several underground lines.

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Head to Coney Island for a lovely beach and a large amusement park where both children and adults can have a great time.

Coney Island Amusement Park

The history of Luna Park on Coney Island dates back to 1903, when one of the first modern American funfairs operated here until 1944. It was then completely destroyed by fire, and the current Luna Park Coney Island did not open until 2010.

You can look forward to nearly 40 attractions spread across 14.5 acres.

Among the most popular are several roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and a haunted house. You’ll also enjoy a wide variety of carousels, centrifuges, bumper cars and shooting galleries. Of course, there are snack stalls everywhere.

Luna Park is usually open from May to October, but this depends on the specific weather conditions.

Opening hours vary from day to day, but during the summer it is usually open between 12:00 and 22:00, seven days a week. You can find a detailed schedule on the official website.

Entry to the park is free; you’ll pay for each individual attraction, with prices ranging from 5 usd to 30 usd.

Official website:lunaparknyc.com

Coney Island amusement park

Luna Park on Coney Island

Beaches on Coney Island

Coney Island Beach, together with the neighbouring Brighton Beach, are the closest and most easily accessible beaches from Manhattan.

You can look forward to a beautiful, spacious beach stretching over 4 km in length and up to 170 metres wide in places.

The beach is covered in fine, light-coloured sand, and access to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is gentle and safe. Artificial breakwaters protect you from the waves.

Bear in mind that the water in the Atlantic is quite cold and reaches a maximum of 22 to 24 °C even in the warmest months (July and August).

You can stroll along the beautiful, wide promenade that runs the entire length of the beach – it’s ideal for jogging, walking, skating or cycling.

Access to the beach is free along its entire length.

Coney Island Beach

New York Aquarium

Right on the beach and right next to Luna Park, don’t miss a visit to the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the USA.

It opened back in 1896 and today, across 5.5 hectares, you can admire some 300 species of marine life.

In the indoor hall, you’ll find several tanks containing colourful marine fish and sharks, whilst the outdoor areas are dedicated to tanks housing otters, sea lions and penguins, where regular shows are held.

The park is open all year round; specific opening times vary depending on the season and can be found on the official website.

Ticket prices also vary depending on the season and range from 30 usd to 35 usd. Discounts are available for senior citizens and children; please see the website for details nyaquarium.com

How do you get to Coney Island?

Right in the middle of the beach, next to Luna Park and a short distance from the aquarium, is the ‘Coney Island–Stillwell Av’terminus for four metro lines, which will take you quickly to the centre of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

All underground lines run from here to both Manhattan and Brooklyn: the orange D and F lines, and the yellow N and Q lines.

The express Orange Line B also runs to Brighton Beach station at the eastern end of the beach.

The journey to central Manhattan takes about an hour.

For more information on getting around New York, see the Transport and Metro sections. Coney Island lies within New York City limits, so you don’t need to pay any special fares.