A Summer Whirl on Coney Island’s Cyclone
For some, it’s the Jitney to the Hamptons. For one New York family, it’s the egalitarianism of Coney Island
Brooklyn, N.Y. — The salty breeze off the Atlantic mingles with the scent of fried dough and sunscreen, a sensory cocktail that screams summer at Coney Island.
For my family, this Brooklyn peninsula isn’t just a destination; it’s a tradition, a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and unbridled joy. While some New Yorkers escape to the Hamptons, we embrace the egalitarian chaos of Coney Island’s Boardwalk, where every ride on The Cyclone feels like a rite of passage.
A Boardwalk Melting Pot
Coney Island’s Boardwalk is a microcosm of New York’s diversity. On any given summer day, you’ll hear a symphony of languages—Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and more—as families, friends, and solo adventurers stroll its weathered planks.
Muslim families share space with Latino dancers, Black teens laughing in groups, and Italian American vendors hawking fried clams.
The Mermaid Parade, held annually in June, is a kaleidoscope of glitter, costumes, and pride, drawing thousands to celebrate art and individuality. It’s a place where everyone belongs, no matter their background or identity.
My partner and I, a Thai American couple, find ourselves at home here. We’ve wandered these boards for years, marveling at how Coney Island remains a democratic space.
Unlike the exclusive enclaves of the Hamptons, Coney Island welcomes all with open arms—whether you’re a local or a tourist, young or old, queer or straight.
The New York Aquarium, just steps away, adds to the charm, its ocean-themed exhibits a nod to the peninsula’s coastal roots. We’ve spent hours watching jellyfish float and sharks glide, each visit a reminder of the area’s connection to the sea.
The Cyclone: A Timeless Thrill
Photo credit: The Stewardship Report.
The Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that’s been a Coney Island staple since 1927, is the heart of our visits. Its rickety climbs and heart-stopping drops are a test of courage and a link to the past.
At 65, I braced myself for my birthday ride, my new knee giving me the confidence to tackle its 85-foot drop.
The coaster’s creaks and groans only add to its charm, a testament to its enduring place in Brooklyn’s history.
My older sibling asked recently when I’d stop “pretending to be a kid.” My answer? When I can no longer ride The Cyclone.
Two years ago, knee pain nearly sidelined me, but a replacement surgery in April 2023 changed that.
Now, I’m already dreaming of conquering The Slingshot, a newer ride that catapults thrill-seekers into the sky.
With each new part I replace—knee, hip, whatever it takes—I plan to keep riding, keep living, keep embracing the rush that Coney Island delivers.
Nathan’s Famous and Culinary Nostalgia
No trip to Coney Island is complete without a stop at Nathan’s Famous, the iconic hot dog stand that’s been serving frankfurters since 1916. On July 4, 2025, we watched the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, where competitors devoured dozens of dogs in minutes, a spectacle that’s equal parts absurd and captivating.
For us, though, it’s the simple pleasure of a hot dog slathered with mustard, eaten on the Boardwalk, that defines summer. The stand’s neon sign and bustling counter are as much a part of Coney Island’s identity as the rides themselves.
Beyond hot dogs, the Boardwalk offers a culinary mosaic. Russian dumplings from a nearby stall, tacos from a Latino vendor, and even Thai-inspired street food reflect the area’s diversity. My partner and I often share a plate of fried shrimp, savoring the crunch as we watch seagulls swoop overhead. It’s a reminder that Coney Island isn’t just about thrills—it’s about community, where food brings people together.
A Legacy of Joy and Resilience
Coney Island’s history is one of reinvention. From its early days as a seaside resort in the 19th century to its heyday as an amusement mecca in the early 20th century, it’s weathered fires, economic downturns, and urban decay. Yet, it endures.
The Luna Park area, home to The Cyclone and newer rides like The Thunderbolt, keeps the spirit of old Coney Island alive while embracing modern attractions.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel, a 150-foot Ferris wheel from 1920, still spins, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Manhattan skyline.
For my family, Coney Island is a place of personal resilience as well. Each visit is a chance to defy age, to embrace life’s ups and downs like the loops of a roller coaster.
My partner and I talk about bringing future generations here—nieces, nephews, or maybe even our own kids someday—to share the magic.
The Boardwalk’s egalitarian spirit, where no one is turned away, mirrors our own values of inclusion and joy.
As we plan for summer 2026, I’m already eyeing The Slingshot. It’s a bucket-list ride, a symbol of pushing limits. Coney Island, with its blend of nostalgia and vitality, reminds us that life is about taking risks, celebrating diversity, and finding joy in the simple act of being together.
Summary
At 65, I celebrated my birthday with a stomach-lurching ride on The Cyclone, a roller coaster that’s been thrilling New Yorkers since 1927. Coney Island’s blend of nostalgia, diversity, and adrenaline keeps my Thai American partner and me coming back, year after year, to explore its history and revel in its modern vibrancy. From the Mermaid Parade to Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, this is our summer sanctuary.
One Family’s Love for Brooklyn’s Timeless Coastal Gem on the Boardwalk (July 29, 2025)
