Coney Island—New York City's legendary amusement district—is not a theme park. Six Flags Great Adventure and Disneyland are nice places to spend some time, but they are gated, hermetically sealed worlds that cut visitors off from reality. This is something different: a seaside playground that's also a real-life, inimitable NYC neighborhood. Its appeal comes not from a single source but from the combined force of its many individual attractions. On a bright summer day, no place feels more electric. It starts with the terrifying wooden Cyclone roller coaster (complete with what may be the scariest first drop in the universe), which remains the area's centerpiece after more than 80 years. In recent years, the folks behind the shiny new Luna Park have taken over management of the Cyclone and opened the Scream Zone, whose rides include a human slingshot (we're not first in line for that one…but it's there!). The carnival atmosphere wouldn't be complete without Sideshows by the Seashore, an outrageous 10-in-one cavalcade of curiosities headlined by stars with colorful names like Serpentina. For those with simpler tastes in summer fun, a dip in the ocean might suffice; the beach is right off the boardwalk. Other essential Coney Island attractions include Cyclones baseball at MCU Park, the New York Aquarium and the original Nathan's Famous, home of the world's most renowned eating competition—the July 4 hot dog–eating contest. With all these sights, architectural landmarks like the Shore Theater and the nearby Russian enclave Brighton Beach—which is just a few wood planks away—you'll soon be saying (ideally in an old-timey carnival barker–esque voice), "Boardwalk? More like entertained-walk!"

Read on for details about our favorite things to see and do in Coney Island. —Jonathan Zeller