This unique tour takes you to a one-of-a-kind destination where thrilling amusement and rich cultural heritage sit side-by-side.
Part 1: Coney Island – The People’s Playground
Begin your journey at the legendary Coney Island, a historic seaside destination known for its classic amusement park attractions and iconic boardwalk. Feel the nostalgic energy as you:
Walk along the famous Coney Island Boardwalk, a historic stretch of wood that runs along the ocean.
Get your thrills at Luna Park, home to the historic and exhilarating Cyclone roller coaster and the serene, panoramic views from the Wonder Wheel.
Taste a classic American tradition with a world-famous Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog, an essential part of the Coney Island experience.
Explore the colorful sideshows and games that give the area its carnival-like atmosphere.
Part 2: Brighton Beach – “Little Odessa”
As you walk east along the boardwalk, the atmosphere gradually changes. The sounds of roller coasters fade, replaced by the flavors and culture of Brighton Beach. Known as “Little Odessa,” this neighborhood is home to a large Eastern European immigrant community, primarily from Russia and Ukraine.
Discover a vibrant culture as you stroll through the streets lined with Russian bakeries, delis, bookstores, and souvenir shops.
Enjoy an authentic Eastern European meal at one of the many traditional restaurants, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Relax on the quieter, less crowded Brighton Beach, where you can take a moment away from the buzz of Coney Island and enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere.
A seamless journey: The beauty of this tour is that Coney Island and Brighton Beach are adjacent, connected by the boardwalk. This makes it easy to experience both the high-energy, classic American amusement park and the authentic, culturally rich neighborhood right next door.
What Included?
The New York Aquarium at Coney Island is a compact, lively marine destination that blends history, conservation, and hands-on learning. Nestled on the southern edge of Brooklyn, it offers an accessible slice of ocean life amid the boardwalk bustle, inviting visitors to explore sea creatures, watch feeding sessions, and learn about efforts to protect threatened species.
A stroll through the aquarium begins with approachable exhibits that showcase both familiar and surprising animals. Touch pools let children and adults feel the rough backs of skate or the soft bodies of sea cucumbers, turning abstract facts into memorable sensory moments. Tanks of colorful reef fish and playful jelly displays provide visual contrast: shimmering schools that dart in synchronized patterns, and translucent jellyfish that float like living sculptures.
The centerpiece is a series of larger habitats designed to mimic coastal and open-ocean environments. These enclosures house seals and sea lions whose acrobatic routines are a visitor favorite, especially during keeper presentations that explain their behaviors and the challenges they face in the wild. Nearby, cold-water exhibits highlight species from the North Atlantic, reminding visitors that local waters are home to diverse ecosystems worth protecting.
Conservation is woven into the aquarium’s mission. Programs focus on rehabilitating stranded marine mammals, rescuing sea turtles, and restoring beach and marsh habitats. Educational outreach extends beyond the aquarium walls through citizen science projects and partnerships with local schools. These efforts make conservation tangible: visitors learn not only what lives in the sea, but how everyday actions—like reducing plastic use and supporting clean-water policies—can help.
Seasonal programs and special events add variety. Summer often brings extended hours and family-oriented activities, while themed talks and behind-the-scenes tours deepen the experience for curious adults. The aquarium’s relatively small size makes it easy to explore in a single visit, yet attentive signage and staff interactions ensure there’s always something new to discover.
Visiting the New York Aquarium is as much about place as about animals. Located on Coney Island, it pairs naturally with a day at the boardwalk—mixing the spectacle of amusement rides and seaside snacks with quieter moments spent watching marine life. Whether arriving with young children, visiting solo, or joining a school group, the aquarium offers an upbeat, educational outing that sparks curiosity and encourages stewardship of coastal environments.
Our tours go beyond just walking. We combine guided walks through both famous and hidden neighborhoods with the use of public transportation, providing an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of New Yorkers. Furthermore, we include a unique photography and web developer service to prepare an internet gallery for you, featuring unlimited photos and videos from your tour.
The tours include visits to some of the city's top museums, parks, and exhibitions. Depending on the season and specific tour, you might also have the opportunity to attend special concerts or performances.
It is not included. You will use OMNY. It offers a 7-day fare cap where the 13th ride within a 7-day period is free after reaching $34 in fares by using the same tap-to-pay method. You can use credit card or phone with the OMNY system, as the system automatically calculates when you've reached the $34 weekly cap and then provides free rides for the rest of the week.
Yes! We capture photos and videos for you throughout the tour. We'll send them to you directly via email or upload them to your preferred online platform, such as Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, your personal website, or YouTube. Additionally, we offer a specialized service to prepare a private internet gallery with unlimited photos and videos from your experience.
Your comfort and safety are a priority. We also ensure that your travel insurance is purchased for you once you book a tour. This covers you in case of any medical emergencies or unforeseen events.