The best things to do in Coney Island, NY

There's one thing that neither Yankee Stadium nor Citi Field have: a view of the ocean that spans the distance of the outfield. MCU Park, home to the minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones, is mere steps from the beach and boardwalk and is a fun and affordable way to enjoy a summer afternoon.

Purchase any seat (tickets start at $20) and enjoy a beers for $6–$7. The season starts in April and goes through the first week of September. Bonus: Many of the night games conclude with oceanfront fireworks.

Quite fittingly, Coney Island is home to the only major aquarium in NYC. The 14-acre water world is open year-round with more than 300 marine species to visit. Current exhibits include outdoor touch pools where you can handle sea stars, turtles and more. And forget the Shamu show—acrobatic (and adorable) sea lions take center stage here, as they dance, dive and vie for your attention.

One of the surest signs of summer each year: NYC's largest amusement park opens for another season of rollicking good times. The Coney Island institution boasts more than 50 attractions, including the iconic Cyclone, the high-flying Air Race and a log flume water ride. After trying your luck at dozens of carnival games, refuel with a sandwich at Salt & Sizzle or cool down with a sweet treat from Coney's Cones.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is a Coney Island institution. The eponymous wheel was built in 1920. In addition to the beloved wonder wheel, there's also a thrilling roller coaster, bumper cars, and some scary themed rides like Stop the Zombies. Little adventure seekers will find a bevy of kiddie rides, including a carousel, the Rio Grande Train, Sea Serpent Roller Coaster, and the Tilt a Whirl.

On Surf Avenue, the main drag of New York’s most famous beach, you’ll find this colorful museum dedicated to America’s playground: Coney Island. Here, the Brooklyn neighborhood’s past is celebrated with fun house mirrors, vintage bumper cars, a collection of coolers and thermoses from the ’50s and ’60s and examples of particularly unique postcards. Check out a 3-D printed scaled model of the original Luna Park (1903–1944) and other special exhibits.

The vintage vibes at Coney Island are part of the charm, and there's no better way to experience that than at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. It's the last permanently housed Circus Sideshow in America, and you can find it inside the Coney Island Museum.

These family friendly shows feature classic sideshow acts and cirque feats presented by New York's finest and most talented sword swallowers, fire eaters, glass walkers aerial and variety artists. As event organizers put it, "We carry on the best of the Sideshow's long standing traditions, but with a postmodern twist."

Every June, mermaids, mermen, and other glittering creatures strut down Surf Avenue during the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Dressing up like merpeople, fish and other oceanic wildlife, New Yorkers use this quirky and often sparkly event to show off their love for the sea, Coney Island and off-the-beaten-path revelry. 

It's a spectacular sight to see—or march in yourself!

Cap off a day at the beach at the best restaurants and bars in Coney Island, from hot-dog stand to boardwalk watering holes, including Ruby’s, Totonno’s and more.

Chances are you’re not going to down dozens of hot dogs in one sitting, but you can watch others descend into hot dog hell. It’s a spectator sport for those with a strong stomach!

It's typically held on July 4—an American classic.

We cooked up a minute-by-minute itinerary for how to have the most awesome day there ever.