Brooklyn may be known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and art scene, but this borough is also rich in history. Coney Island is one of New York City’s most treasured neighborhoods and is teeming with diverse people, attractions, and history. Our Brooklyn workers’ compensation lawyers love spending time here when the weather is nice and thought we’d share some of our favorite destinations.
Luna Park
In operation since 2010, Luna Park is built on the former site of Astroland – another park which had been in operation for 46 years. Astroland closed at the end of the 2008 season, and Luna Park was part of the “Coney Island Revitalization Plan” of 2005.
The park features a combination of new rides and old rides from Astroland which have been incorporated into the new park, including the old park’s centerpiece ride “Astrotower”. The famous Cyclone roller coaster as also transferred to this park.
Luna Park offers a unique combination of the old and new in Coney Island. You can enjoy newer, high-quality rides while taking in the history of one of Brooklyn’s most colorful neighborhoods. Always a fun summer day trip that the whole family can enjoy.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Deno’s is a small, family-owned and operated amusement park in Coney Island. The park features 5 adult rides and 16 rides for kids, including about a dozen family rides that parents and children can enjoy riding together. The park’s main attraction is the Wonder Wheel – a 150-foot eccentric wheel built in 1920 and still in operation today. The park offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean and Coney Island beach. In 1989, Deno’s Wonder Wheel was designated an official New York City Landmark.
This park is the best option for families with small children, but if you’ve got a group of adults looking for thrills, we recommend checking out Luna Park instead.
Beach
Coney Island has two beaches. The sand beach at the west end of the island at Sea Gate is private and only accessible to Coney Island residents. There is another sand beach which is public, beginning at Sea Gate at West 37th Street, stretching through central Coney Island and Brighton Beach, and finally trailing off at the beginning of Manhattan Beach. In total, this public beach covers 2.5 miles.
The city regularly cleans and maintains the public beaches. Sand no longer naturally deposits there, so there are regular beach nourishment projects which replenish the sand. These beaches are all free to enter and without restrictions.
Escaping to the beaches of Coney Island is one of our favorite ways to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
New York Aquarium
Coney Island is home to the New York Aquarium – the oldest operating aquarium in the United States. It’s been in operation on the boardwalk since 1957. The Wildlife Conservation Society operates the aquarium, along with four zoos. The Aquarium’s mission is saving wildlife and wild places throughout the globe through science, conservation, education, and inspiring people to appreciate the value of nature.
In 2018, the massive expansion featuring Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, which broke ground in 2014, is set to open. There are currently a wide range of exhibits to check out, but we’re definitely planning to make another visit to see the new expansion. Always a fun and educational way to spend by yourself, with a friend or loved one, or with the entire family.
