One of the biggest advantages of living in Brooklyn is that it takes me only about 10 minutes to get from my apartment to Coney Island or Brighton Beach. And that means, when it’s hot outside and I feel like going to the beach, I am there about 15 minutes later, instead of having a long trip all the way from the city. Plus, Coney Island has so much more to offer than only the beach!
Coney Island Luna Park
I have to admit that, up to now, I didn’t even try any of the rides that the luna park at Coney Island offers, but it looks great and I will do for sure before I leave to California. The park opened in 1895, but obviously, many of the attractions have changed, closed down and opened in the mean time. One of the most famous ones is Deno’s Wonder Wheel, and I will definitely let you know on Snapchat (alexschokokamel) when I try it somewhen in the next weeks!
And then, of course, there are several rollercoasters, one of these bungee things that I always found too scary to even consider trying it, and other attractions you expect to find in any amusement park.
Also, the annual Mermaid Parade takes place in Coney Island. I actually went there last weekend, but it was just too crowded to see anything at all, or take out my camera to take some good photos. So in case you are planning to go there next year: bring plenty of time, claim a spot early in the morning and don’t forget your patience at home.
Enjoying the beach at Brighton Beach
Of course you can just directly walk to the beach from the subway station Coney Island, but Brighton Beach is an alternative that might be slightly less crowded. At least that was the case when I was there the last weekends! It is also a nice walk from Coney Island to Brighton Beach, and you might be surprised how few people are claiming some space on the beach between those two subway stations – so if you are willing to walk for about 10 minutes, and are not planning to get food and drinks at Coney Island or the restaurants at Brighton Beach all the time anyway, this might be the perfect solution for a more quiet day at the beach!
You can be sure that I’ll be in Coney Island every time I have some minutes to just relax in the sun this summer, and I am sure I’ll try some of the rides at the Luna Park – and of course, I’ll keep you posted!
