Coney Island – I first heard about this place from the TV show Castle as the two leads bonded over the shared love for the place. I can only describe it as an absolutely magical and nostalgic trip back to childhood. As soon as you get out of the subway station, you can see sunbathed people busting, and a lingering smell of fried food in the air. Had I come here as a child, I would have been over the moon. Coney Island still was the highlight of New York, taking a nap in the sun, playing in the water, chugging down beer, visiting the haunted house and doing all things silly.
Getting to Coney Island
The best way to get around New York is the Subway, so you can take a train from wherever you are! It is best that you check the weather and visit on a sunny day. From the summer months of June, all the way till early-mid October.
Subway – Coney Island – Stillwell Ave Station / D, F, F & Q Trains
Essentials to Carry to Coney Island
Everything you need for a day at the beach & all the frolic!
- A sheet to lie on
- A snack to munch on while you sunbathe (We took along a rainbow bagel from the Bagel Factory, more here)
- Sunscreen (duh.)
- Flip flops
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Lots of paper towels. There are restrooms and changing rooms built across the island for public use, but they aren’t the cleanest.
- A spare bag to carry your wet and sandy things
- A jacket since it gets chilly towards the evening
Best things to do in Coney Island
NOTHING
Just chill and sunbathe at the beach!
HIT ONE OF THE AMUSEMENT PARKS
There are used to be lots of amusement parks on the island – but has now been reduced to two – Luna’s and Deno’s. Choose your thrilling ride or silly things like fortune-telling!
CONEY ISLAND HISTORY PROJECT
Founded by the Dutch settlers in the 17th Century, Coney Island History Project documents a variety of photographs and such from the archives. They also host history walks on the boardwalk – check more here. Below is a snippet of the miniature scaled-down version of the action that takes place here. Put in 25c to witness this cutesy wonder.
And the shutters made for the coolest backdrop for pictures!
SPOT SOME COOL VINTAGE TYPOGRAPHY
PERFORMANCES ON THE ISLAND
Magic shows, jukeboxes, and Headliner performances – there is plenty to indulge in when it comes to Live performances. Check out more here.
Must Eats
Everything about Coney Island screams Holiday food – thing fried everything, hot dogs, Tiki Cocktails, beer and more!
NATHAN’s
The OG Nathan’s outlet, standing since 1916. The bright yellow sign and the long queues for the famous dogs are reason enough to visit. The legacy stands strong with their fabulously done dogs, a hearty helping of cheese and bacon.
Bacon cheesedog 
TIKI BARS
Tiki bars are romanticised for their decor and selling potent rum-based cocktails. You can’t go to a beach without some beachy stiff ones.
BEER
Grab a cold one after baking yourself in the sun. Almost all the shops sell beer bottles!
PAUL’S DAUGHTER
Think of clams, oysters, lobster rolls and the freshest seafood, think of Paul’s Daughter. I got a fabulously done portion of fried clams. Crispy perfection served with tartar sauce.
Fried Clams