Less than an hour away by train from Manhattan a very different world awaits. Coney Island has been engraved in collective memory though countless films, songs and popular culture references. Its famous amusement park and indeed the whole area fell into decay in the 1990s, but a over the past decade it has been spruced up and given a new lease of life.

It is during summer of course that Coney Island comes alive, as New Yorkers head to the Atlantic Coast to find some relief from the sweltering city. The famous Barnum and Bailey Circus sets up camp here every summer, this year with a show inspired by Coney

Coney Island in NY

Coney Island in NY

Island itself. Another big attraction is New York’s Aquarium and its walrus feedings. On Thursday evenings during summer free concerts will be held opposite the aquarium complex featuring top artists including Brenda Lee and The Beach Boys.

Coney Island has traditionally been known for its oddities and even in the politically correct 21st century many of them are still around. ‘Shoot the Freak’ invites you to knock down, well human misfits. For more fun park nostalgia, check out Coney Island Arcade where original amusements such as Skee Ball and Pokeroo can be played. More memorabilia can be seen at the Coney Island Museum, which also shows old sci-fi and fantasy films and hosts talks on the history of Coney Island.

Of course the bracing Atlantic air is often good enough reason to head to Coney Island. Its famous boardwalk has been pleasing crowds for generations, and has earned its rightful place as a true New York icon.