Do you know Coney Island Beach? When people think of New York, not many imagine “beaches.” Of course, Manhattan is full of attractive tourist spots and shopping areas, but “Coney Island” is also a place beloved by New York locals.
Because there are fewer tourists, a trip to the ocean at Coney Island Beach makes you feel almost like you live in New York. You’ll catch a glimpse of a deeper side of the city that you won’t see on the usual tourist trail. From Manhattan, it even feels like a little getaway, so if you’re tired of the typical tourist attractions, why not head to Coney Island?
1. What kind of place is Coney Island?
Coney Island is about an hour away from Manhattan by subway. It’s a sightseeing spot located at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn. Centered around the beach stretching east to west, you’ll find a boardwalk, an aquarium, amusement parks, a ballpark, restaurants, and many other facilities perfect for sightseeing and leisure.
Rather than a mainstream tourist destination, it’s more like a local outing spot for New Yorkers. Famous events held at Coney Island include the hot dog eating contest hosted by the hot dog shop Nathan’s (every year on July 4th) and the Mermaid Parade (around mid-June), where participants dress up in mermaid costumes.
For those curious about how locals enjoy their holidays, this is definitely a hidden gem of a sightseeing spot.
2. A retro American amusement park! Luna Park
If you come to Coney Island, make sure to check out the free-admission Luna Park. Luna Park is an amusement park right next to the beach, offering a wide variety of attractions. The wooden roller coaster “Cyclone” is especially popular—so if you’re brave enough, give it a try! This coaster boasts a 90-year history, and while it’s perfectly safe, the age itself brings a different kind of thrill.
There are also gentle attractions like a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel, so families with small children can fully enjoy themselves too.
3. The new shark hall is popular! New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is said to be the oldest aquarium in the United States. Among its distinguished exhibits, the most popular is the hall dedicated to sharks.
Thanks to creative display techniques, the sight of sharks swimming gracefully is powerful and impressive. There are also sections that explain the ecology of sharks in detail, so whether you’re confident in your English or not, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of sharks. Enjoy the beautiful tanks and the majestic appearance of these creatures.
Elsewhere, you’ll find sea lion shows and exhibits of fish other than sharks, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
*The photo is for illustrative purposes.
4. A walk along the boardwalk in the sea breeze
When you come to Coney Island, even if you don’t go swimming or visit the amusement park or the aquarium, just walking along the boardwalk is refreshing. There are also restaurants and food stalls along the boardwalk, so a leisurely stroll can be quite fun.
When traveling abroad, it’s common to spend the whole time rushing around sightseeing and shopping, but sometimes it’s those slow, relaxed walks that leave the deepest memories.
Taking a stroll while feeling the sea breeze at Coney Island will surely become a wonderful memory.
5. Swimming in the ocean during summer
There are several beaches accessible from Manhattan for a day trip, but among them, Coney Island is one of the few you can enjoy free of charge. The sandy beach is wide, so you won’t feel too crowded, and you can relax with sunbathing or swimming. There are also food vendors, so there’s no need to bring your own meals. Of course, showers are available too, so you can freshen up before heading back. Since the atmosphere changes completely between day and night, it’s best to head home earlier in the evening.
◎ Lastly: Lunch or a snack with Nathan’s hot dogs
Nathan’s, famous for its hot dogs, has its original store here in Coney Island. In America, and especially among fans of competitive eating, you may have seen it on TV at least once. In addition to several types of hot dogs, they offer a variety of fast-food-style menu items, so if you get hungry during your visit, enjoy a meal at Nathan’s.