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Neighborhood in New York City
Photo: David Reilly, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Coney Island and Brighton Beach are in Brooklyn. In addition to those two neighborhoods, this article covers Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and Sheepshead Bay.
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Opened in 1927, the Coney Island Cyclone or (the Cyclone) is one of the world's oldest and still operating wooden roller coasters and was declared a New York City Landmark on July 2, 1988. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 1991. Although in 1927 the roller coaster cost only 25 cents to ride, it now costs $10.
Although it looks small, the New York Aquarium is a nice place for children and adults to spend an hour or two. Highlights include a shark tank, a sea lion show, sea cliffs (with penguins, sea otters, and harbor seals), and a conservation hall (rays and eels).
Statue of Jackie Robinson, first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Pee Wee Reese was a strong supporter of his. These two Hall of Fame players were on the Dodgers together from 1947 to 1956.
Sandy beach, open to the public.
Fishing pier with views of the ocean.
You can catch a fishing excursion or a dinner cruise from one of the ten piers on the bay.
New York Mets single-A minor league team, which plays in Coney Island right next to the Boardwalk at MCU Park. They were established to fill the void of Brooklyn's old Major League Baseball team the Dodgers, who left for Los Angeles after the 1957 season.
This amusement park for younger children is in the Gravesend neighborhood. Attractions and rides include bumper cars, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, fun slide, merry-go-round, tea cups, tilt-a-whirl, go karts, mini golf, and others.
The Wonder Wheel itself is the main attraction here. Choose the swinging cars for an extra thrill. There are numerous other adult and kiddie rides.
Named after the original 1903 Luna Park, this amusement park is bringing thrills to Brooklyn.
Great roast beef heroes.
Really flavorful, inexpensive Uyghur food, big portions, friendly service. The personnel are observant Muslims, so no alcoholic drinks; consider washing your meal down with ayran (yogurt drink) or green tea.
Consistently rated by many as one of the best pizzerias in the city. Talk to any Brooklynite and they will tell you to get an "L & B Square".
Nathan's original location, opened in 1916, offers great hot dogs, fries, grilled chicken, etc. Prices are somewhat high, with a hot dog costing $3.25. On July 4th, they host their world-famous hot dog eating contest.
This is a classic Italian-American seafood specialist right across the street from the water in Sheepshead Bay, in operation since 1932. It's consistently good, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is informal and convivial. The marinara sauce comes in mild, medium and hot varieties.
This Russian restaurant has beach-view tables on the boardwalk. There's a Vegas-style floor show. Tatiana's Grill is a few doors down.
A family pizzeria that's been continually operating since 1905. The crust produced in their coal-fired oven is one of the very best around - thin, crisp, and charred with a sweet sauce. Whole pies only, no slices. A few blocks from the Coney Island boardwalk. Cash only.
Wheeler's has creditable food, with a fairly extensive menu and many mains below $20, but it's also a sports bar with a good and well-priced drink selection, including some excellent whiskeys, and friendly bartenders and clientele. Look for their bar hours to be extended again as the pandemic ebbs.
Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking.
Wi-Fi, free breakfast.
Free full breakfast, free WiFi, free daily newspaper, free coffee and free parking (first come, first serve basis).
Trinkets from Russia and elsewhere in the world.
Russian films, books, music, and more.
Russian books, CDs, DVDs, and more.
By car
The Belt Parkway serves the district from I-278, which continues north towards Gowanus and Red Hook, Downtown and Southwest Brooklyn.
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New York · International · JFK
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