First Landing State Park
- 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing
- (757) 412-2300, +1 757-412-2300
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Coney Island Beach is New York City’s most famous seaside playground — a legendary stretch of sand and surf where old-school amusement meets modern urban energy. Located in southern Brooklyn along the Atlantic Ocean, it attracts millions every year seeking summer fun, carnival rides, concerts, and that unmistakable NYC vibe by the sea.
With 3 miles of sandy shoreline, a historic boardwalk, and iconic attractions like the Cyclone roller coaster, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and Luna Park, Coney Island remains a beloved destination that perfectly captures the city’s mix of nostalgia, culture, and excitement.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Coney Island’s roots date back to the 1820s, when it became America’s first seaside resort.
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By the early 1900s, it was the entertainment capital of the world, home to the original Luna Park, Dreamland, and Steeplechase Park.
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The Coney Island Boardwalk, completed in 1923, remains one of the largest in the U.S., stretching 2.7 miles along the shore.
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The Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster built in 1927, is a National Historic Landmark.
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The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade celebrates art, creativity, and the start of summer with a quirky NYC twist.
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Today, the area continues its renaissance with new restaurants, attractions, and beachfront redevelopment.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June – August): Peak season; full rides, fireworks, and entertainment.
Spring (April – May): Warm, quiet, and perfect for boardwalk walks.
Fall (September – October): Cooler, calmer atmosphere; great for photos.
Winter (November – March): Off-season serenity and Polar Bear Club swims.
Spring (April – May): Warm, quiet, and perfect for boardwalk walks.
Fall (September – October): Cooler, calmer atmosphere; great for photos.
Winter (November – March): Off-season serenity and Polar Bear Club swims.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Swim & Sunbathe: Enjoy lifeguard-protected swimming areas across multiple sections of beach.
- Luna Park: Ride the Cyclone, Thunderbolt, or Wonder Wheel at NYC’s premier amusement park.
- Coney Island Boardwalk: Stroll, bike, or grab a snack while soaking up Atlantic views.
- Nathan’s Famous: Taste the original hot dog from the stand that started in 1916.
- New York Aquarium: Explore ocean life right by the beach.
- MCU Park: Catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game (MiLB).
- Concerts & Fireworks: Free Friday night fireworks all summer, plus live music at the amphitheater.
- Mermaid Parade: NYC’s most colorful beach event every June.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Public restrooms & showers
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals
- Food vendors, cafés, and restaurants along the Boardwalk
- Amusement parks and arcades
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances
- Paid parking lots and subway access nearby
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
While Coney Island has limited beachfront hotels, nearby neighborhoods offer convenient options within minutes.
Top Stays:
The Coney Island House Hotel: Boutique-style stay near the Boardwalk.
Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn: Modern comfort, close to Surf Ave.
Aloft Brooklyn: 25-minute subway ride; urban style & amenities.
The Rockaway Hotel (Queens): Beach resort feel within NYC limits.
Downtown Brooklyn Hotels: Dozens of options within 30 minutes.
Top Stays:
The Coney Island House Hotel: Boutique-style stay near the Boardwalk.
Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn: Modern comfort, close to Surf Ave.
Aloft Brooklyn: 25-minute subway ride; urban style & amenities.
The Rockaway Hotel (Queens): Beach resort feel within NYC limits.
Downtown Brooklyn Hotels: Dozens of options within 30 minutes.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (lifeguard hours)
Boardwalk: Open 24 hours for walking and biking.
Luna Park: Typically open April–October (check seasonal hours).
Aquarium: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
Boardwalk: Open 24 hours for walking and biking.
Luna Park: Typically open April–October (check seasonal hours).
Aquarium: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free (no passes required)
Luna Park Wristbands: ~$40–$70 depending on package
New York Aquarium: $30 adults | $25 children
Parking: $10–$25 per day
Chair Rentals: ~$20/day
Luna Park Wristbands: ~$40–$70 depending on package
New York Aquarium: $30 adults | $25 children
Parking: $10–$25 per day
Chair Rentals: ~$20/day
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Brighton Beach (2 min east): Quieter, local favorite with Russian eateries.
Manhattan Beach (10 min): Family-friendly with picnic areas.
Rockaway Beach (30 min): Surf-friendly vibe in Queens.
New York Aquarium: Educational and family-friendly.
Coney Island Museum: Retro exhibits celebrating beach history.
Manhattan Beach (10 min): Family-friendly with picnic areas.
Rockaway Beach (30 min): Surf-friendly vibe in Queens.
New York Aquarium: Educational and family-friendly.
Coney Island Museum: Retro exhibits celebrating beach history.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Nathan’s Famous: Iconic NYC hot dogs and fries.
Ruby’s Bar & Grill: Classic Boardwalk bar since the 1930s.
Tom’s Coney Island: Breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes.
Paul’s Daughter: Fried clams, beer, and classic seaside snacks.
Place to Beach: Trendy open-air spot for cocktails by the water.
Totonno’s Pizzeria: Historic coal-oven pizza joint (est. 1924).
Ruby’s Bar & Grill: Classic Boardwalk bar since the 1930s.
Tom’s Coney Island: Breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes.
Paul’s Daughter: Fried clams, beer, and classic seaside snacks.
Place to Beach: Trendy open-air spot for cocktails by the water.
Totonno’s Pizzeria: Historic coal-oven pizza joint (est. 1924).
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Mermaid Parade (June): NYC’s most famous beach celebration of art & freedom.
Friday Fireworks (Summer): Weekly beachfront shows.
Coney Island Film Festival (September): Indie films and local culture.
New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim: Legendary icy plunge into the Atlantic.
Luna Park Opening Day (Spring): Parade, music, and giveaways.
Friday Fireworks (Summer): Weekly beachfront shows.
Coney Island Film Festival (September): Indie films and local culture.
New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim: Legendary icy plunge into the Atlantic.
Luna Park Opening Day (Spring): Parade, music, and giveaways.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Arrive early on weekends to secure beach space.
Fireworks every Friday night at 9:45 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day).
Bring cash — some boardwalk vendors are cash-only.
The Cyclone is still wooden — prepare for a bumpy (but thrilling!) ride.
Don’t miss the free outdoor movie nights and live boardwalk performers.
Fireworks every Friday night at 9:45 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day).
Bring cash — some boardwalk vendors are cash-only.
The Cyclone is still wooden — prepare for a bumpy (but thrilling!) ride.
Don’t miss the free outdoor movie nights and live boardwalk performers.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Lifeguards on duty 10 AM – 6 PM.
Swimming prohibited when lifeguards are off-duty.
No alcohol or glass containers on the beach.
Pets allowed only in off-season (Oct–May).
Fires, BBQs, and amplified music not permitted.
Swimming prohibited when lifeguards are off-duty.
No alcohol or glass containers on the beach.
Pets allowed only in off-season (Oct–May).
Fires, BBQs, and amplified music not permitted.
FAQs
Is Coney Island Beach free?
Yes — beach access is completely free for everyone.
Can you swim here?
Yes, swimming is allowed during lifeguard hours (10 AM – 6 PM).
Is it safe?
Yes, heavily patrolled by NYPD and lifeguards; always swim in flagged zones.
Is Coney Island open year-round?
Yes, the beach and Boardwalk are open all year, but rides and shops are seasonal.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Luna Park, 1000, Surf Avenue, West Brighton, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, 11224, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA
Getting There:
By Subway: D, F, N, or Q trains to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave Station (last stop).
By Car: Belt Parkway Exit 6 or Ocean Parkway South to Surf Avenue.
By Bike: Ocean Parkway Greenway leads directly to the beach.
Parking: Paid lots near Surf Ave and West 17th Street (~$10–$25/day).
1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA
Getting There:
By Subway: D, F, N, or Q trains to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave Station (last stop).
By Car: Belt Parkway Exit 6 or Ocean Parkway South to Surf Avenue.
By Bike: Ocean Parkway Greenway leads directly to the beach.
Parking: Paid lots near Surf Ave and West 17th Street (~$10–$25/day).
Luna Park, 1000, Surf Avenue, West Brighton, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, 11224, United States
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