New York attractions: Coney Island (SLIDE SHOW)

More than 106,120 New Yorkers call Coney Island home year-round, but upwards of 11 million visitors descend on the area's three miles of beach during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Every Friday at 9:30pm through Aug 31, stake out your spot early to get a prime seat for the free fireworks display that lights up the sky between West 10th and West 15th Streets.

In its early days, the Coney Island boardwalk was rife with boxing matches, gambling dens and brothels. These days you’re more likely to see out-of-towners, local beachgoers and novice fishermen casting their lines off the pier.

Designed by Vernan Keenan and built by Harry C. Baker with a $175,000 initial investment, the Cyclone roller coaster debuted on June 26, 1927. The wooden ride comprises six loops and 12 steep drops. In 1991, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The now-legendary Cyclone stretches 2,640 feet and reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. From start to finish, the ride takes only one minute and 50 seconds to complete.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel first spun in 1920. The only time service was ever interrupted was in July 1977, during that year’s infamous citywide blackout. Workers hand-cranked the wheel to keep the wheel going and bring people down safely.

Luna Park opened on May 28, 2010, launching with 19 rides, 10 games (plus an arcade) and 11 food kiosks. See more photos from Luna Park

During its first open season, Luna Park had 450,000 visitors, who took more than 1.7 million rides on the facility’s attractions. See more photos of Luna Park

The Scream Zone is one of the biggest draws in the relaunched park. Among the six thrill rides is Soarin’ Eagle, a flying coaster that suspends adrenaline junkies in harnesses before sending them through barrel rolls and loops at roughly 26 miles an hour.

Nathan’s Famous started out as a simple boardwalk hot-dog stand in 1916. Over the past 90-plus years, the business spawned a full chain of frankfurter-slinging fast-food joints, including Nathan’s original brick-and-mortar location on the Coney Island boardwalk.

Though we like Nathan’s signature beef hot dogs adorned with a simple squirt of ketchup or mustard, we won’t deny that the wieners are also mighty tasty when topped with chili, cheddar cheese, onions or sauerkraut. Don’t skimp on the meal—order a side of crinkle-cut french fries too.

The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest occurs every Fourth of July just off the Coney Island boardwalk. The enormous Wall of Fame chronicles each year’s winners, displays the current record and counts down until the next competition. See more photos from the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut reigns as the current men’s record-holder in the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. His hoovering achievement stands at 68 frankfurters and buns. See more photos from the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Another annual Coney Island tradition, the Mermaid Parade takes place every June and provides both adults and kids with an excuse to outfit themselves in flamboyant, sea-inspired costumes—though many aren’t as wholesome as these folks’ attire. See more photos from the Mermaid Parade

This duo seems to have channeled Jaws for its Mermaid Parade inspiration. A real shark hasn't been spotted close to Coney Island's shore since the 2007 (don't freak out—it was just a baby), but horseshoe crabs are regular visitors. The prehistoric-looking crustaceans lay eggs and hatch their young on the shore every May and June. See more photos from the Mermaid Parade

A metallic vixen embodies the namesake fictional creature. See more photos from the Mermaid Parade

Another offbeat Coney Island event is the annual Beard and Moustache Competition, held in September, which pits bewhiskered folks against each other in such categories as Best Moustache, Best Beard, Best Sideburns, Best and Worst in Show and—for ladies and hairless dudes—Best Fake. See more photos from the Beard and Moustache Competition

History buffs can learn more about the area’s storied past at the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Ave at 12th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn; 718-372-5159, coneyisland.com). The institution’s newest attraction, a wraparound painting called Cosmorama of the Great Dreamland Fire, depicts the Dreamland amusement park as it appeared before it was destroyed in 1911. The installation conveys the tale of the great fire that decimated the park in a single night through a 360-degree narration, complete with light and sound effects.

Even if you’re not inked or riding a chopper, the annual Tattoo and Motorcycle Show offers plenty to admire every September. You can peep custom, stock and vintage cycles, plus a full spectrum of permanent-ink art, from detailed black-and-white portraits to intricate floral motifs that cover the entire upper body. See more photos from the Tattoo and Motorcycle Show

Noisefest, a boisterous celebration of Coney Island’s culture and spirit, heralds the beginning of the season each April. See more photos from Noisefest

Beachgoers erect grand castles, friendly sea creatures and a wide range of other objects inspired by the Coney Island shoreline during the annual Sand Sculpting Contest in July. See more photos from the Sand Sculpting Contest