Coney Island

Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks of Brooklyn, it is no question that when tourists come to visit New York, they are anxious to visit the world-famous Coney Island and Nathans. After an endless train ride to the last stop in Brooklyn, there is no question that visitors are going to be a tad disappointed. Although still fun for kids of all ages, the boardwalk is becoming run-down, you MUST MUST wear shoes on the sand for fear of stepping on glass, needles and other ghastly objects and the residents of Coney Island have unfortunately declined over the years.
In an effort to improve the quality of the area, most of the rides and games have been torn down to be replaced in the upcoming years.
Still a fun place for a day trip, but would not recommend the off-season after dark or residing in one of the high-rises surrounding the area.

Well this past weekend I visited Coney Island for the first time since Astroland closed. The neighborhood is still the same. For those visiting Coney Island it’s best to go when Coney Island is actual open…many can be intimidated by the housing projects surrounding Coney Island. No one will really bother you. People usually act like they are civilized and if they don’t NYPD are always at the Coney Island/Stillwell Ave subway station. Everyone goes to Coney Island...it’s the local amusement park for summertime fun. It can get crowded especially during the weekend and especially as schools let out across the city. The boardwalk is still filled with great food…grilled corn, fried clams and seafood and don’t forget Nathan famous dogs.

I miss Astroland though...for those of you who don’t know Coney Island was composed of more than one amusement park. Astroland provided its own special feeling to Coney Island that I really miss. I miss the Breakdancer ride…but for those traveling to take a ride on the infamous Cyclone rollercoaster don’t worry it’s still there. NYC had sense enough to purchase the Cyclone so you can still ride.

While you’re in Coney Island you also go right across the street to the Aquarium if you want to get out of the sun for a while. And like most places you’d probably be better taking the train than driving although parking is available at Coney Island. LOTS of trains make a final stop here-D, N, F and Q trains.

So if you’re in Brooklyn one hot summer day looking for something to do take the train to Coney Island.

The most famous and legendary neighborhood in all of Brooklyn is Coney Island. From the historic amusement park, the boardwalk, the annual Mermaid Parade, and the original “Nathan’s Famous” hot dogs make this wild neighborhood in Brooklyn a place worth visiting.

Coney Island is located in south Brooklyn and bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. On the west Coney Island is bordered by the gated community known as “Sea Gate.” Transportation is good, but there is a lot of traffic as this is a definite tourist attraction. The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station is the last stop on the Q, D, F, and N subway lines. Altogether, it is about an hours away from Manhattan via subway.

To those who don’t mind the commute, Coney Island offers competitive prices with apartments starting at just $350,000 and studios renting for a mere $1000-$1500. Affordable prices and numerous Coney Island Schools, make this neighborhood great for those on a tight budget.

Coney Island bars and restaurants include the original hot dog stand, Nathan’s Famous, opened in 1916. Every year this hot dog haven hosts a now famous hot dog eating competition. Becoming equally famous as of late, is Totonno’s. Tourists and locals flock to this place for their delicious thin-crust pizza.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Coney Island, tourist or not. Visit the 14-acre New York Aquarium, see a baseball game at Keyspan Park, head over to New York City’s largest amusement park and ride the Wonder Wheel or Cyclone, or just spend the day relaxing at the beach. It is always a pleasure to stroll the boardwalk that stretches three miles. Coney Island truly has something for everyone.

Sea Gate is a fancy-smancy Brooklyn neighborhood on the waterfront – it’s gated, so don’t go unless you know someone or you’re looking into real estate. That being said, it’s actually a lovely neighborhood, but nothing anyone who’s been to any waterfront gated community hasn’t really seen before. It actually is a little weird to see a New York neighborhood that features sand.
Coney Island used to be the Disney World of NYC – before Astroland closed. There are still a few tourist attractions open, though, like Wonder Wheel (the ferris wheel) , the Cyclone (the wooden roller coaster), and the sideshow. It’s still an interesting place to see (as well as do), even if a bit of its history was put to rest recently.