Coney Island

A New York City landmark and "Playground of the World."

I’ve been to New York City thousands of times and each time I try to explore someplace new. Initially, my plan was to spend the afternoon in Central Park because I’d never been but on the way to our hotel, a little voice popped inside my head and said “Coney Island.” Even though I’d been wanting to visit since I’d first seen Beaches, I’d honestly forgotten that it was on my bucket list. I was a little hesitant to go because it was an hour away and despite my many trips to NYC, I’d always seem to get lost while riding the subway.

Finally, I just said “why not?” The summer is coming to an end and it would be nice to visit the beach before it gets cold out. I decided to take the subway from Grand Central Terminal to Coney Island. One hour, $2.90, and one transfer later, I arrived at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station without error. Hallelu!

I was giddy from the moment I stepped off the train and smelled the ocean water. In the distance I could also see several of the amusement park rides, including the world-famous Wonder Wheel. I was so ecstatic, you would’ve thought I’d just turnt off the yellow brick road into Oz.

(Side note: As I walked out the station, I noticed a topless, black woman coming down the crosswalk. At first glance I thought I was tripping but as it turns out, top freedom is legal in the state of New York. I love that for us. Whether I’d ever utilize that right or not, I don’t know. Still, it’s nice to have it.)

At last, I’d made it to Coney Island! The boardwalk is nearly three miles long and consists of a variety of restaurants and shops, an aquarium, and two amusement parks, Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. On the opposite side lies the sandy beach, where you’ll find an outside gym, playground, skate park, and the Steeplechase Pier.

First things first… the Wonder Wheel. The ride required 10 tickets which is $10. I ended up purchasing their reloadable fun card for $20, just in case I decided to ride something else afterwards. The wheel, nicknamed the most romantic ride in the world, consists of two full rotations. You also have the option of riding in a fixed passenger cabin for a more traditional experience, or one that slides inward as the wheel rotates. I like a little razzle, dazzle so I chose the latter. However, in my excitement, I forgot all about the rocking part so that first swing caught me off guard. Still, I very much enjoyed the ride and the amazing view!

After the Wonder Wheel, I walked over to Coney Cones for some ice cream. I opted for the kid’s size of their Cappuccino flavor, which was only $5, but the associate ended up giving me the next size up instead (I don’t know if he meant to do that or not but I wasn’t about to bring it up). Once I finished the tasty treat, I decided to kick off my sneakers and head down to the shore.

I loved how chill it was. There was the usual beach sightings like seagulls flying around, women sunbathing, families laid out on beach towels, and friends simply enjoying each other’s company. It wasn’t super crowded either, which was really nice.

Once I left the beach, I made my way over to the restrooms. Now, here is where I have to take some points off. I know beach restrooms aren’t usually the nicest given the location, but this one was downright disgusting. There were wads of soggy toilet paper on the stall floors. My toilet seat was wet from water leaking from the flushing mechanism behind it. The barrel bolt lock on my stall door was misaligned so I couldn’t lock it. Then, once I got to the sink to wash my hands, there was hardly any soap. The hand dryer worked though. The restrooms could definitely use some TLC from the custodial workers and beachgoers alike.

Next, I made my way over to Steeplechase Pier, where I really got the best view of the boardwalk.

In this moment I felt immense gratitude. I’ve been so fortunate to travel to so many of the places that I used to read about or see on TV as a kid. I know Coney Island isn’t as popular a destination as places like Jamaica or Hawaii, but for me it was a remarkable moment. Any time I get to travel to a place I used to dream about, it fills me with so much joy and gratitude. I’m always amazed by how things manifest in our lives.

After the pier, it was time for me to head back to my hotel. But before I left, I had to stop by Nathan’s. Now, I’d passed plenty of Nathan’s while flying but because I’ve never been a huge hotdog person (at least not outside of cookouts or Boots’ & Sonny’s), I’d never stopped to try it out. I didn't realize that it was a New York staple, so it felt only right that I take the Nathan’s plunge in New York. I ordered a chili dog with raw onions, fresh jalapeños and mustard. I also ordered a bottle of water. The total price? $11. New York does the most. The hot dog was really good but nothing I was blown away by. Still, it felt fitting for the day.

All in all, I truly enjoyed my time at Coney Island. It really is the “playground of the world.”

- Chaz