Explore Coney Island: NYC’s Ultimate Summer Destination

Intro

It’s so good to finally get to write about my hometown of New York City. It’s been a while since I do not do a post focused on NYC. The last one was the stop on the Ultimate World Cruise back in 2024. Remember that? And before that, I wrote a post about Gunnison Beach, and did some recommendations for eating and what to do back in 2023.

But this time, I am coming with a 3-post series of the best activities in the Big Apple, especially the ones I was able to do in this last summer of 2025, and that are still very possible to do until at least the end of September. So let’s start with one of my favorite Summer destinations in the city, just because it feels so different from the rest of it, and I was so excited to visit after a couple of years I was not able to: Coney Island!

New York Aquarium

Located along the Coney Island boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is a vibrant blend of ocean conservation and family-friendly fun, offering visitors a chance to get up close with marine life right in the south of Brooklyn. From mesmerizing sharks gliding through the expansive Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit to playful sea otters and penguins captivating crowds, the aquarium creates a perfect mix of education and entertainment. Interactive experiences, like touch pools and feeding demonstrations, make it engaging for all ages, while the aquarium’s focus on ocean advocacy reminds guests of the importance of protecting our waters. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s a refreshing seaside escape that connects the magic of the ocean with the energy of New York City.

As soon as you enter, there’s no preamble. You’re immersed in the many different aquatic environments from all over the world, not only from the waters close to New York.

For example there are species from the fresh waters like the Amazon River.

But many come here to see the Sharks, and oh boy! They do have a plethora of species of sharks to show, including in this sort of tunnel. Really cool! Reminded me of the one in Orlando.

Not only fishes, and fully oceanic creatures can be found here, but also sea birds like African penguins, and mammals like Harbor Seals, otters and Sea Lions too.

There are multiple shows a day in the Aquatheater. Although this is not a SeaWorld kinda show, it is very entertaining. But Spoiler Alert, it is very short, and there is no shade, so you better wear those hats and use sunblock.

It is a very famous show tho, as it gets full, but again, I think the process of seating everyone down lasts longer than the actual show, so be mindful of that.

Tucked kinda away from everything else is the Atlantic Sturgeon where there were different species including a shark. Around here there was a tent with puppet shows happening at some times, and I was able to eat a delicious and kinda cheap meal I got at a Russian supermarket, very recommended by the way: Tashkent Supermarket – Brighton Beach.

After exploring the overpriced Seaside Cafe, and the entertaining Playquarium, it was time to leave the main area of the Aquarium, and go see the movie at the 4-D Theater, included in the admission. Located outside, this experience is pretty cool, and the movie is entertaining. I believe it’s been the same movie since the last time I came to the New York Aquarium since before the pandemic.

Luna Park

Just steps from the beach on Coney Island, Luna Park is New York City’s ultimate playground, mixing classic boardwalk charm with thrilling rides and carnival-style fun. Home to the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, the park buzzes with excitement as visitors race from high-speed attractions to whimsical family rides, midway games, and delicious boardwalk eats. Bright lights, lively music, and the ocean breeze create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and electric, making it a must-visit for anyone craving summer thrills. Whether you’re screaming on the Thunderbolt, winning a stuffed prize, or savoring a hot dog after a spin on the carousel, Luna Park captures the timeless joy of amusement park magic in true Brooklyn style.

Walked around Luna Park, just to feel the vibes, and maybe get on a ride. Yes, this is not Disney World or Universal, but this park being in NYC is just so iconic. Seeing the skyline from up the ferris wheel or the roller coasters makes it super attractive.

And talking about Ferris Wheel, I was going into the Wonder Wheel, built in 1920, and being an icon of the entire city. You can just pay for this one ride, but there are daily passes as well.

Of course I picked the steady/stationary cart, opposite to the Swinging carts, which I picked in the past and almost died lol. They are so scary, just like the ones in Disney California Adventure.

The views from up here are amazing. You get to go around a couple of times. The beach was full, the boardwalk was livid, Luna Park had its attractions and rides going. Everything felt super kinetic.

From up here, I was also able to see the rest of the park, including other roller coaster I would probably not do today, but also the Coney Island skyline, and from afar, the Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline.

Once down, next to the wheel, I was reminded of the not so scary haunted houses I did in the past, and the upcoming trips to see the both coasts Halloween Horror Nights. So excited! Stay tuned for those posts coming up!

The Boardwalk

Stretching along the sandy shores of Coney Island, the Riegelmann Boardwalk is a lively seaside promenade where the energy of Brooklyn meets the calm of the Atlantic. Lined with iconic attractions like the New York Aquarium, Luna Park, and the historic Wonder Wheel, it’s the perfect place to stroll, bike, or simply people-watch while enjoying ocean views. Street performers, food stands serving up hot dogs and funnel cakes, and the salty breeze all add to its classic charm. Whether you’re catching a summer concert, dipping your toes in the sand, or savoring the neon glow of amusement rides at night, the Coney Island boardwalk captures the essence of a timeless New York City getaway.

One thing I always have to do when coming here is going to Nathan’s Famous and get a hot dog, probably the most famous of these stores since it opened in 1916, even in the world.

This is how it currently looks inside. There are a lot of options to choose from.

I got the hot dog with bacon and it was actually really good. I thought I was not going to be able to eat it after all the food I ate from the Russian supermarket, but it actually felt good in my stomach.

There’s so much happening on the Boardwalk, and seeing an alive snake is the least surprising thing haha.

As the day went by, and my time to leave came close, I had to get a last treat, and nothing better than a milkshake. I picked Coney’s Cones since I had been here before, but there are many places you could get ice creams and their derivates.

A Chocolate Milkshake was great for the end of the day, and to talk the last part of the Boardwalk and Coney Island, before heading back home.

The Parachute Jump, a 250-foot-tall ride originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair and moved to Coney Island in 1941, still standing tall. Nicknamed the “Eiffel Tower of Brooklyn,” it once lifted riders high into the sky before dropping them gently with parachutes attached to steel cables. The ride was shut down in 1968 due to safety concerns, rising maintenance costs, and declining popularity. Today, it remains standing as a landmark—no longer operating as a ride but lit up at night as a nostalgic symbol of Coney Island’s past.

Coney Island Pier

My last visit of the day was the pier. I wanted to see the people at the beach, but also the people jumping into the water (it is forbidden tho), and to see Luna Park and everything from deep inside the water.

I have never been a fan of the New York water, not only cold but also probably very dirty, but it is nice to see all the people, hear the music playing, the screams from the rides, and all the joy in this area. I always want to bring my family and friends to Coney Island, but since it is very far, and usually only buzzing in the Summer it has not happened yet. I have come with local friends tho, and enjoyed a nice outing, even doing many rides at Luna Park. I will come back next Summer, but in the meantime, do not miss the upcoming posts with other parts of NYC, and beyond.