Coney Island Comeback: Must-See Rides, Food Hotspots, and Insider Tips for Summer 2025

A Splashy Start to Summer The 43rd annual Mermaid Parade turned Surf Avenue into a shimmering sea of shells, sequins, and body paint on June 21, 2025. More than 500,000 revelers lined the sidewalks as marching bands, vintage cars, and glitter-drenched “mer-folk” officially signaled the start of beach season in Brooklyn’s most famous playground. Local businesses report a 25 percent sales bump compared with last year, crediting post-pandemic tourism and the parade’s global livestream. Heat Wave Crowds—and Concerns With city temperatures hovering near 95 °F, crowds have surged past 100,000 on peak days. The NYPD added extra patrols after a June 24 beach brawl led to 17 teen arrests. Officials say new mobile command units and more visible lifeguards are in place every weekend. Visitors are urged to stick to designated swim zones and keep valuables out of sight. July 4th Fireworks Guide Coney Island’s Independence Day fireworks return Thursday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m., launched off the beach at West 10th Street. Luna Park will keep rides open until midnight, and the B&B Carousell spins free for kids under 12 after 8 p.m. Arrive before sunset to claim a boardwalk spot; last year’s show drew 150,000 spectators. If you miss the holiday, Friday-night fireworks continue weekly through Labor Day. Cleaning Up the Coastline A viral photo essay calling the beach a “garbage heap” sparked outrage this week and prompted a multi-agency cleanup blitz. Parks Department crews have added 50 new trash barrels and doubled overnight sweeping. Community groups host monthly “Carry In, Carry Out” volunteer days—next one is July 6 at 10 a.m. What’s New in 2025 • Phoenix Rising, Luna Park’s new 140-foot coaster, debuts July 12. • Deno’s Wonder Wheel celebrates its 105th birthday with half-price rides every Tuesday. • Nathan’s Famous opens a boardwalk pop-up featuring its first vegan chili dog. • Coney Island Brewery releases “Beach Bungalow Lager,” available only on the pier. Getting There • Subway: Take the D, F, N, or Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Av; overnight service runs every 12 minutes July 3–5. • Ferry: NYC Ferry’s Coney Island route departs Pier 11/Wall St. every hour. • Parking: Municipal lots at West 17th and Surf Avenue often fill by noon; reserve in advance via ParkNYC. Planning Tips 1. Hit the beach before 10 a.m. for prime umbrella space. 2. Buy Luna Park wristbands online to skip ticket queues. 3. Pack reef-safe sunscreen—lifeguards may confiscate aerosol cans on windy days. 4. For Instagram shots, the best sunset angle is from the ramp at West 15th Street. 5. End your night with a nostalgic stroll to Totonno’s on Neptune Avenue for a coal-oven slice. Whether you come for the Mermaid Parade memories, Fourth of July fireworks, or a simple day of sand and surf, Coney Island’s mix of old-school charm and new attractions is set to dominate New York City’s summer 2025 bucket lists.