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Summertime gladness! Coney Island beach opens for the season

Coney Island Beach celebrated opening day over the Memorial Day
Coney Island Beach celebrated opening day over the Memorial Day weekend.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

Brooklynites can finally celebrate warm weather and soak up some sun at the Coney Island Beach, which opened for the summer season over the weekend with hundreds of revelers descending on the shores of America’s Playground.

A carefree crowd enjoyed the opening day floating in the waves, lounging on the sand or seeing some of the popular sites along the boardwalk. 

Fun in the sun, waves or boardwalk -- these beachgoers had their pick for a warm, relaxing weekend.
Fun in the sun, waves or boardwalk — these beachgoers had their pick for a warm, relaxing weekend.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta 

While not too many folks enjoyed the water just yet, the boardwalk was crowded with young and old visitors taking advantage of the sun and grabbing a bite at one of the beloved eateries on the block like Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Tom’s Coney Island or Rudy’s Bar and Grill. 

A family spent the day in the sand with waves to the left and the Wonder Wheel to the right.
A family spent the day in the sand with waves to the left and the Wonder Wheel to the right.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

The Coney Island Beach opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  and swimmers can enjoy the water as long as a lifeguard is on duty. The ocean site and surrounding neighborhood will become the venue for many summertime scenes including the annual mermaid parade and  Sideshows by the Seashore.

 

Shrills of laughter and excitement fill the air at The People's Playground as little ones enjoy the rides.
Shrills of laughter and excitement fill the air at The People’s Playground as little ones enjoy the rides.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

Beachgoers can also venture over to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, just steps away from the sand and waves.

“I hope to see many people enjoying themselves, relaxing on the beach and strolling the boardwalk,” said Dennis Vourderis of Deno’s Amusement Park.

Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park opens weekends and holidays at 11 a.m.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park opens weekends and holidays at 11 a.m. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

This summer may add some difficulty to beachgoers, as the MTA is limiting service on the F train in southern Brooklyn most weekends — but the Q and D trains will still run to the area, as will many bus lines. 

And when you do get there, Coney Island offers plenty of activities for a day off whether tourists and locals are looking to spend the day riding attractions, sunbathing or dining in a famed restaurant.