Coney Island Fireworks 2019

This was the first year I’ve gone to watch the fireworks at Coney Island since I was in high school. I had the honor of sharing the experience with one of my best friends Adam, who came all the way from Illinois to spend his birthday week in NYC with me. My boyfriend was also with us and the fact the it was both of their first times seeing the light show made the day all that more special. Together we decided to make a list of activities that we wanted to do on this day trip, and the goal was to get them all done.

We spent the day together from beginning to end, making every minute count. I totally recommend others to participate in these activities next time you travel down to Coney Island!

1. The New York Aquarium -

First thing’s first! The aquarium! Another first for both of them, and although it is a small place, we got to enjoy what it had to offer. From cute penguins flying underwater to sea otters sleeping on the surface while holding paws. We also entered the new shark exhibit that was built after hurricane Sandy. They had an underwater tunnel where you could see the fish and sharks swim over your heads. I must admit that was my favorite part!

2. Temporary Tattoos -

Last time Adam was in town, we had gotten temporary tattoos from a very charismatic man which made the experience memorable. The shop was located in the section of Luna Park that is under the Ferris wheel once you pass through the underpass tunnel. We had sworn to make it a tradition to get these tattoos each time we visited so we hunted down the spot once again and all three of us got tattoos, keeping this new tradition alive.

3. Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs -

Yes, it is a major cliché, but isn’t that the point of being a tourist? Standing in line under the sun really sucks, but once you finally have the food in your hands..... you only get pissed that you spent too much money on hot dogs that look nothing like the pictures! But hey, checked it off the list! Eventually we all went out to find proper substance at a pizzeria, where we successfully filled our tummies along Neptune Avenue.

4. The Boardwalk -

What is Coney Island without exploring and walking along its famous boardwalk? We window shopped, took selfies with the ocean view from the pier, caught some Pokémon in between conversations, and then finally took a break in the shade while burying our tired feet into the warm sand. The boardwalk has also been used as the primary path for the Mermaid Parade if you’re ever in town for that!

5. Watch the Sunset -

How can you be at the beach and not enjoy the sunset? The sky lit up with beautiful colors, hues of pink and orange stretching across the horizon until the dark blues of the night consume the last of the light. Then everything comes to life in a different way. All the lights turn on, turning the amusement park and boardwalk into a beacon. People started to gather like moths to a flame.

6. Coney’s Cones Ice Cream -

With 30 minutes left before the first fireworks, we satisfied our sweet tooth by getting some delicious ice cream. We took advantage that the line was short and collected our prizes before making our way through the crowd like fish swimming against the current. Eventually we found a spot with a good view for the fireworks and dig into our ice creams.

7. The Fireworks -

3....2....1....*Boom* the sky filled up with stars and sparkles, loud noises and endless shooting stars that dissipate into the night sky like phantoms. A half hour of awes and oohs surrounded us, ending in a crescendo of lights and explosions. A last hoorah from the eventful day we all shared together.

Everything we set out to accomplish that day was done. Mission complete. Hopefully you get to see all these things one day too! Summer is almost over so let’s all make the most out of the time we have left! Next year, let’s aim for the Mermaid Parade!