Every New Yorker knows Coney Island exists. Far fewer take the trip on a cool May weekend — which is exactly when it’s worth going. The summer crowds won’t arrive until late June. The amusement parks are warming back up. The boardwalk stretches 2.7 miles along the Atlantic, open and airy in the sea breeze, and you can walk the whole length without fighting for space. This weekend, May 9–10, is close to ideal for a Coney Island waterfront day.
The Riegelmann Boardwalk
The Riegelmann Boardwalk runs from West 37th Street all the way east through Brighton Beach, hugging the Atlantic Ocean the entire way. It’s open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and is completely free to access year-round. In May, the ocean isn’t swimming-warm yet (water temperatures are typically in the low-to-mid 50s this time of year), but that doesn’t diminish the walk. The smell of the salt air, the wide-open Atlantic horizon, and the creak of the wooden boards underfoot are the point.
The full out-and-back boardwalk walk — from the Stillwell Avenue end at Coney Island to the Brighton Beach end and back — is a pleasant 5.4 miles. Most people do half that, walking east toward Brighton Beach and turning back when they’re ready.
Brighton Beach: The Eastern Reward
Walk the boardwalk east and you’ll land in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn’s Russian-speaking neighborhood that runs along the waterfront. The covered boardwalk cafes here start setting out chairs on mild days. Even in early May, a few are open — look for the outdoor restaurants along the Brighton Beach boardwalk section between Brighton 1st and Brighton 6th Streets. This is the right place to stop for tea, Georgian dumplings (khinkali), or a bowl of borscht while looking out at the ocean.
The Brighton Beach Avenue commercial strip is one block north of the boardwalk, running under the elevated B and Q train tracks. It’s worth a detour — the grocery stores and specialty food shops here are genuinely excellent for picking up supplies for a boardwalk picnic.
Coney Island Proper: Amusements and Nathan’s
Back at the Coney Island end, Luna Park opens for the season in spring. In May, the crowds are lighter than July, which means shorter lines for the Cyclone — the historic wooden roller coaster that has operated since 1927. Luna Park: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Check their site for current operating hours and admission pricing, as May weekday hours differ from peak summer.
Nathan’s Famous at 1310 Surf Ave (the original location, open since 1916) is open year-round. A hot dog and fries on the boardwalk is one of those New York experiences that holds up at any age.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Adjacent to Luna Park, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park features the iconic Wonder Wheel — a 150-foot Ferris wheel built in 1920, landmarked by the city, and offering views of the full Coney Island waterfront. Deno’s: 3059 W 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Open weekends in May; call ahead for hours.
Water Safety Note
NYC beaches officially open for swimming with lifeguards on duty starting Memorial Day weekend (late May). Before that date, swimming is not permitted in guarded areas. The boardwalk, beach walking, and the water’s edge are fully accessible — just no swimming yet. The ocean in early May is also cold enough that even brief immersion carries risk. Stay on the sand and boardwalk and save the swim for summer.
What to Bring
- A windbreaker — ocean breezes are real even on 70°F days. Sunday’s forecast high is in the low 70s, but wind off the water will feel cooler.
- Cash — some boardwalk vendors and Brighton Beach cafes are cash-preferred.
- Comfortable walking shoes — the boardwalk surface is wooden planking; fine for sneakers, tough on sandals over 5 miles.
- Sunscreen — the open waterfront offers zero shade and the reflective sand amplifies UV exposure.
Getting There
The D, F, N, and Q trains all run to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave, the main hub at the heart of the amusement district. From Midtown Manhattan, the ride is roughly 50–60 minutes depending on your starting point. The B and Q trains also stop at Brighton Beach station for the eastern boardwalk section. There is limited street parking nearby, but the subway is the practical choice on a weekend.
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk: Surf Ave and Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Boardwalk open daily 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Free admission always.
May is the right time. Go before everyone else remembers it’s there.
