Coney Island is one of the most popular places to spend your free time, not only among tourists, but especially for New Yorkers. Although you'll find this area completely outside of the city center and just south of the borough of Brooklyn, it is very easily accessible by several subway lines.
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Head to Coney Island for a nice beach and a large amusement park that will keep kids and adults alike entertained.
Luna Park Coney Island
The history of Luna Park in Coney Island dates back to 1903, when it was one of America's first modern amusement parks until 1944. At that time, it was destroyed by fire and the current Luna Park Coney Island only opened in 2010.
You can enjoy nearly 40 attractions spread over 14.5 acres.
Some of the most popular include several roller coasters, a scenic Ferris wheel, and a haunted castle. You'll also enjoy a variety of rides, centrifuges, bumper cars and shooting galleries. Of course there are the ubiquitous refreshment stands.
Luna Park is usually open from May to October, but it depends on the specific weather conditions. Opening hours vary from day to day, but usually during the summer it is open between 12:00 and 22:00 for 7 days a week. A detailed schedule can be found on the official website.
Admission to the area is free, you will always pay for each individual attraction, ranging from 3 usd to 15 usd.
Official website: lunaparknyc.com
Coney Island Beaches
Coney Island Beach along with the adjacent Brighton Beach are the closest and most accessible beaches from Manhattan. You can enjoy a beautiful, spacious beach more than 4 miles long and up to 170 feet wide in places.
The beach is covered in fine, light sand and access to the Atlantic Ocean is gradual and safe. Artificial breakwaters protect you from the waves. Access to the beach is free along its entire length.
Please note that the water in the Atlantic is quite cold, reaching a maximum of 22 to 24 °C in the hottest months (July and August).
Along the entire length of the beach you can stroll along a beautiful wide promenade ideal for jogging, walking, skating or cycling.
New York Aquarium
Right on the beach and next to Luna Park, don't forget to visit the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the US. Opened in 1896, you can now admire over 300 species of marine life on 5.5 hectares.
In the indoor hall you will find several aquariums with colourful marine fish and sharks, while the outdoor areas are dedicated to tanks with otters, sea lions and penguins, where regular shows are held.
The park is open all year round, specific times vary according to the season and can be found on the official website.
Ticket prices also vary by season and range between 27 usd and 30 usd. Senior citizens and children have discounts, see information on the website nyaquarium.com
How to get to Coney Island?
Right in the middle of the beach, next to Luna Park and a short walk from the aquarium, is the terminus of the "Coney Island-Stillwell Av" 4 subway lines, which provide quick access to downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan.
All subway lines to Manhattan and Brooklyn are accessible from here, namely the orange D, F and yellow N, Q lines. There's also the express Orange Line B to Brighton Beach station at the east end of the beach.
It takes about an hour to get to downtown Manhattan.
For more on getting around New York City, see Transportation and Subway, Coney Island is within the New York City limits, so you don't have to pay any special fares.
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