NYC’s 10 Best Reasons to Go to Coney Island

NYC’s 10 Best Reasons to Go to Coney Island

5. Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball. KeySpan Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Cyclones are a triple A minor league farm team for the New York Mets. Want to watch a professional baseball game but do not want to spend your whole paycheck? Come see the Brooklyn Cyclones for around 10 to 15 dollars a ticket.

4. The New York Aquarium. 502 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn. The New York Aquarium, opened in 1896, is the oldest aquarium still in operation in the US. Over 350 species are on display on their 14 acre property. To fully experience the museum you need around 2+ hours. Kids frequent the aquarium so expect screaming children and baby strollers to be present. Arrive early for less crowds. Highlights include the sea lion show and Glover’s Reef. Take walk on the boardwalk, ride the Cyclone, and eat a hotdog at Nathan’s after visiting the New York Aquarium.

3. Mermaid Parade. Surf Avenue and the boardwalk, Coney Island, Brooklyn. In June, Coney Island embodies the spirit of Mardi Gras in their Mermaid Parade which kick starts summer. The marine costumes and festivities celebrate the beginning of summer. Great entertainment for the whole family. The parade can reach 1,000s of participants and 100,000+ spectators. See: NYC’s Best Parades

2. Nathan’s Famous. 1310 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn. In 1916 a Polish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker opened a hot dog stand in Coney Island to sell hot dogs from his wife’s recipe. They were an instant success and became the most famous hot dog in the world. The hot dog was so good it is still in existence 90 years later. The most popular hot dog eating contest in the world is held here annually on July 4th. In 2009, Joey Chestnut won the contest and $50,000 grand prize by eating 68 hot dogs in ten minutes. See: 10 Best Foods Originated in New York City

1. The Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster. Coney Island, Brooklyn. Ride the old wooden Cyclone coaster originally built in 1927 making it one of the oldest coasters still in existence. The coaster goes over 60 miles per hour and the ride lasts about 2 minutes. The Cyclone is fun to ride, however be aware that this coaster in not like the smooth steel coasters of today. If you have a lose filling it could be rattled out.

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