Summer Has Begun With Opening of the Beach at Coney Island

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 its shores.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 or locals — for those looking to spend the day riding attractions, sunbathing, or dining in a famed restaurant.

[Photos by Arthur De Gaeta]

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

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