5 of the Best Things to do on Coney Island

Located in New York’s Brooklyn borough, Coney Island is one of the most famous amusement parks across both New York State and the country. Accessible by subway from New York City, Coney Island features classic amusement park rides, games, food and plenty for tourists to enjoy.

The area where Coney Island is today was once inhabited by Native American tribes in the 17th century, however, it was later converted to a popular amusement park in the 19th century. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Coney Island became a New York icon, symbolizing leisure and recreation for Americans.

Today, Coney Island still hosts millions of visits annually. While summer is the most popular time to visit, Coney Island is open year-round. Below, explore this guide to help ensure you don’t miss the best things at Coney Island, including top Coney Island rides, places to eat and more. After reading this guide, you’ll have the tips and tricks you need to ensure a perfect Coney Island visit.

1. Luna Park

Opened in 1903, Luna Park is one of Coney Island’s most popular amusement parks, featuring family-friendly attractions, shopping and dining. Luna Park is the perfect family-friendly amusement destination, complete with rides, games, shopping and dining locations. Luna Park houses a few of the top Coney Island rides, including the 'Coney Island Cyclone', known as the "Big Momma" of Coney Island. This roller coaster has been operating since 1927 and is the second-steepest wooden roller coaster in the world!

For tourists who don't love rides, Luna Park's extensive collection of games also hours of fun to explore, such as classics like ring toss and whack-a-mole. While you're there, don't miss the chance to get a bite at Luna Park's boardwalk-themed food stands, such as Nathan's hot dogs and funnel cake stands.

Luna Park Highlights:

• Pay per ride or purchase a wristband
• Wristbands include four hours of fun and are date-specific
• Games, rides, food and shopping all in one location
• Appeals to visitors of all ages

2. Deno's Wonder Wheel

Deno's Wonder Wheel is a famous NYC icon, built in 1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company. Once called the "dip-the-dip", this popular Ferris wheel stands an impressive 150 feet tall and has been ridden by over 40 million people since its debut. Known as the best thing at Coney Island, this iconic Ferris wheel has also been used as inspiration for other Ferris wheels around the world, such as a Ferris wheel at Disney's California Adventure.

Deno's Wonder Wheel Highlights:

• Open on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
• Weather permitting only
• Wonder Wheel costs 10 credits (credits purchased at the front ticket booth)
• Iconic NYC landmark/ride

3. Coney Island Circus Sideshow

Looking for what to do at Coney Island that doesn't involve amusement rides? Visit the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, a modern version of a traditional circus. This family-friendly circus show is both unique and entertaining for visitors of all ages, featuring New York's most talented fire eaters, aerial walkers and other unique artists. Since this circus show takes place in an air-conditioned theatre, it's also a great must-do attraction for those hot summer days.

Coney Island Circus Sideshow Highlights:

• Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for children
• Last permanently housed circus sideshow in the USA
• Has been operating since 1923
• Engaging and unique entertainment

4. New York Aquarium

Located on Coney Island's boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is the oldest operating aquarium in the U.S. Featuring plenty of species of marine life, a visit to the New York Aquarium can surely fill an entire day when looking for what to do at Coney Island. In addition to traditional browsing of the many species, guests can also schedule unique animal encounters, offering a chance to pet and meet animal species up close such as the sea lions and penguins.

The New York Aquarium also has a 4-D theater and aqua theatre shows, providing entertainment and learning all-in-one. Before visiting, be sure to check the aquarium's daily schedule to view showtimes included with your ticket admission. The changing exhibits at this aquarium, such as the PlayQuarium, are great opportunities for hands-on fun and learning for visitors with young children.

New York Aquarium Highlights:

• Ticket prices vary depending on peak or off-peak season
• Includes one visit to the 4D theatre
• Wild encounter upgrades are available
• View penguins, sea lions, sea otters

5. Rieglemann Boardwalk

A visit to the Coney Island area is not complete without a stroll down the 2.7-mile Rieglemann Boardwalk. Along this strip, you'll pass by many of Coney Island's top attractions, food stands and shops. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, this popular boardwalk is a great place to visit year-round, although you will find it to be extremely busy during the summer months.

As you walk along the boardwalk, stop by Nathan's Hot Dogs, an iconic eatery that originated in Coney Island. The original Coney Island restaurant hosts a Hot Dog Eating Contest annually. Luna Park mentioned above, as well as the New York Aquarium, are accessible from the Rieglemann Boardwalk.

Rieglemann Boardwalk Highlights:

• Center of all attractions in Coney Island
• Plenty to see, eat and explore
• 2.7 miles in length
• Great exercise/place to casually stroll
• Ice Cream, Hot dogs, Funnel Cakes and other Boardwalk favorites

Planning an Iconic Coney Island Visit

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family, or with friends, there's always something new and fun to explore at Coney Island. With many advancements over the years, this popular NYC attraction remains one of the best-known amusement piers to explore.

During your next visit to Coney Island, experience thrilling amusement park rides, iconic boardwalk-themed food and unique entertainment and shows. Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Coney Island today. Keeping in mind these best things to do at Coney Island, you'll find no shortage of things to keep you occupied and excited throughout your vacation to Coney Island.

Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.