A Nostalgic Look Into Coney Island Americas Playground

Summertime in Coney Island is a slice of New York Americana. Over the years, it’s been dubbed America’s playground as the surrounding neighborhood morphs into a vibrant wonderland of amusement park rides and sideshow entertainment. Classic carnival fare, such as face-size funnel cakes and Nathan’s hot dogs, boardwalk games and umbrella-studded beaches make Coney Island synonymous with New York summer. The best part? This living playground is only a subway ride away from Manhattan’s concrete jungle.

Perhaps most well known for hosting the popular Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and Mermaid Parade, the four-mile-long (6.4 kilometers) peninsula originally started as a sea resort for New York City’s elite. The introduction of amusement parks broadened Coney Island’s appeal and cemented its international reputation as a cultural hub.

This past summer, the 95-year-old Riegelmann Boardwalk that belongs to Coney Island became a designated New York landmark – an apt homage to the evolution of this long-established national treasure that was founded almost a century ago. With an ever-changing calendar of new events, it continues to attract and delight visitors year-round.

A view of the Wonder Wheel from Luna Park.

The facade of the notorious Coney Island freak show and museum.

Two young patrons enjoying the bumper cars.

A view of the swings amusement park ride from Luna Park.

Nelly on the boardwalk. She came to Coney for the day with her boyfriend Frank; it was her first time in Coney Island.

A mustachioed patron outside Ruby’s Bar and Grill on the Boardwalk.

The view of the iconic Cyclone roller coaster and the Wild River log ride from the Wonder Wheel.

A view of Nathan’s Hot Dog’s location on Surf Avenue.

A portrait of John Rodriguez with his five daughters and his niece. John and the girls were at Coney celebrating the birthday of his daughter in the striped tank top.

A view of the Iconic parachute jump, the Thunderbolt roller coaster, Ruby’s Bar and Grill and the Nathan’s looking west from the Riegelmann boardwalk and West 12th Street.

VJ on the boardwalk. VJ spent the day on the beach working on his screenplay.

The two friends were hanging out on the boardwalk following their gymnastics practice.

Coney Island beachgoers cooling off under the palm tree sprinkler on the beach.

Patrons of the Cyclone roller coaster headed down the first drop on the ride.

A view of the Coney Island beach from atop the Wonder Wheel.

William and Precious right after Precious won a water gun carnival game.

Sweet Treats on the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Coney Island beachgoers cool down after a day at the amusement park.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.