When you think of summer in New York City, Coney Island often tops the list of classic experiences. Between the beach, boardwalk, hot dogs, and amusement rides, it’s a throwback destination that somehow still manages to hold on to its charm, even if it feels a little like stepping into a permanent state fair.
On one of our visits to the city, my wife Sharon and I had a free day and decided to check a couple of Coney Island bucket list items off our list. We’d already hit the New York Aquarium and made sure to grab lunch at the “real” Nathan’s Famous—not the one on the boardwalk, but the flagship stand at the corner of Surf and Stillwell. (Trust us, there’s a difference.)
But the big items on our agenda were two legendary rides: the Coney Island Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1927, and the Wonder Wheel, a 1920 Ferris wheel with swinging gondolas that offer both great views and a healthy dose of anxiety.
Facing Our Fears… and Making a Deal
Here’s the thing: I love roller coasters. I’ve wanted to ride the Cyclone for as long as I’ve known about it. Sharon? Not so much. Steep drops aren’t her thing.
On the other hand, Sharon loves Ferris wheels, especially the swinging kind. Me? Not a fan of heights or swinging anything 150 feet above the ground.
So we struck a deal: I’d ride the Wonder Wheel with her—in a swinging car—if she agreed to face her fears and ride the Cyclone with me.
The Coney Island Cyclone
We started with the Cyclone. It’s part of the Luna Park complex and is designated both a New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rides cost 10 credits (or $10), and tickets can be purchased right at the ride entrance.
Be warned: riders need to be at least 54 inches tall. There’s a good reason for that. The only restraint is a seatbelt and lap bar, and the track is wild from start to finish.
As we buckled in, the kid in front of us turned around and asked if it was our first time, because this was his favorite ride. Gotta love the confidence.
And while I had a great time, based on Sharon’s face in the on-ride photo (and her comment afterward: “I thought I was gonna die”), I may have enjoyed it more than she did.
Fun twist: I later realized I had unknowingly ridden a clone of the Cyclone years earlier. When we visited Japan, we went to the now-defunct Nara Dreamland, which had a coaster called Aska. I raved about it being the best wooden coaster I’d ever ridden. Turns out it was a nearly identical copy of the Cyclone.
The Wonder Wheel
Next up: my turn to face the music.
The Wonder Wheel is located in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and also costs $10 per person. We waited a bit to get one of the swinging cars—because Sharon wasn’t about to let us opt for the tame stationary ones.
Once the door latched shut, I immediately began questioning my life choices. But I survived, and even (grudgingly) enjoyed the sweeping views of the beach, boardwalk, and ocean.
Still, I remembered why I’ve only ridden the similar Pixar-Pal-A-Round at Disney California Adventure exactly once.
Final Thought
Coney Island might not have the prestige it once had, but it’s still an unforgettable destination. The mix of history, chaos, carnival energy, and old-school charm makes it something you won’t find anywhere else. And whether you’re in it for the hot dogs, the nostalgia, or the thrill rides, it’s definitely worth the subway ride.
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