When to go Tips for New York

Coney Island gets a lot of hate but it's actually fun if you go at the right time. Summer weekends the boardwalk is packed with families, street performers, and good energy.

Nathan's Famous hot dogs are tourist bait but still decent. Real highlight is Luna Park — Check their website for current unlimited ride pricing as it varies by season and day.

Take D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. Don't bother October through March — Half the rides are closed and it's depressing.

April, may, september, october are the sweet spots. Weather is nice (60-75°F), crowds manageable, hotel prices not insane like summer or december.

May is particularly great - central park in bloom, perfect outdoor dining, avoiding winter cold and summer humidity. October gives you fall foliage plus cultural events starting up.

Avoid june-august (sweltering hot, tourist peak) and december (holiday crowds, expensive everything). January-march cheapest but youre dealing with snow and freezing. If you dont mind cold, february has lowest hotel rates.