Coney Island.

Every time I head to Coney Island, I feel like I’ve stepped onto a movie set, and in many ways, I have. From The Warriors to Requiem for a Dream, Uptown Girls to Men in Black 3, this stretch of Brooklyn boardwalk has been immortalized again and again on screen. There’s something about the mix of faded amusement park charm, neon lights, and Atlantic Ocean breeze that makes it the perfect backdrop for drama, romance, or a little chaos.

As a local, I’ve been coming here for years, but it hits differently when you start recognizing the filming spots. I’ve stood by the Wonder Wheel and pictured Ellen Burstyn’s haunting monologue in Requiem. I’ve looked out at the sea and thought about the slow-motion final scene in The Warriors. And yes, I’ve indulged in a hot dog at Nathan’s just because a character once did it on screen. Visiting Coney Island isn’t just a beach day, it’s a full-on cinematic experience. Easily one of the most iconic filming locations in NYC, and a must for movie buffs.

No list of things to do in NYC in summer is complete without a day at Coney Island. It’s chaotic, nostalgic, and endlessly entertaining, equal parts boardwalk kitsch and genuine NYC history. I love taking the D, F, or Q train all the way down and making a day of it, especially when the sun is out and the crowds are buzzing.

The boardwalk has it all. Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, beachgoers in every direction, and the scent of funnel cake in the air. I usually ride the Cyclonea rickety wooden roller coaster that’s somehow still thrilling every time, then walk it off with a stroll along the water.

If you’re visiting New York City in summer with kids, the New York Aquarium is nearby and great for an hour or two out of the sun. And don’t miss the Coney Art Walls, a rotating street art installation that adds a splash of color to the whole scene.

It’s loud, weird, and wonderful, exactly what summer in New York should be. Just pack sunscreen and go with the flow.

Date August

Coney Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during New York City’s summer months. You can spend an entire day eating delicious food and riding some fun rides and still be itching to come back for more.

That’s why one of the most entertaining things to do in NYC this August is to gather all your friends and make way to Coney Island in Brooklyn.

This vibrant neighborhood holds a lot of history and has fun things to do for all ages. Peruse the boardwalk and see if you can win a prize playing a carnival game or ride the nearly 100 year old wooden roller coaster named the Cyclone. You’re never short of fun summer activities in this New York City neighborhood.

Coney Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during New York City’s summer months. You could spend all day here eating fried foods and riding all the rides and still be itching for more. But since Coney Island is about an hour away from Midtown (on the subway) not that many folks make the trek. That why we consider going to Coney Island for the day one of the more unique things to do in NYC.

Coney Island is a legendary amusement park in Brooklyn, New York. A place steeped in nostalgia and brimming with thrill-seekers, this iconic destination has been a local hotspot for decades. Known as the site of America’s first roller coaster (the “Switchback Railway” which opened in 1884), Coney Island is home to the famous Cyclone roller coaster, a landmark since 1927.

The area draws millions of visitors each year, not just for its rides, but also for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, a quirky Fourth of July tradition since 1916. Besides the adrenaline-pumping amusement parks, Coney Island is home to the New York Aquarium, a famous boardwalk, and sandy beaches. If you have the time to spare, spending a day at Coney Island is one of the most iconic things to do in Brooklyn.

Beyond its historic amusement parks, the Coney Island boardwalk beckons with free spectacles. The Atlantic Ocean’s waves, colorful costumed characters, and the allure of a sun-soaked beach are all free hidden-gems in New York City. If weather allows pack some beach towels and your family, and claim a plot of sand, hanging out at the beach is one of the best free things do in New York City with kids.

Coney Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during New York City’s summer months. Stroll the boardwalk and see if you can win a prize playing a carnival game, or ride the nearly 100 year old wooden roller coaster named the Cyclone.