The trick to visiting Coney Island, I just learned, is not to take the train to the end of the line. Get off at West 8th, the aquarium stop. It’s closer to the beach, is less crowded, and no one in your group can get the gimmes when they see the gigantic lollipops at the candy store or get a whiff of Nathan’s fries. The sand was remarkably clean, and though the water was murky, when you got home you felt like you needed a shower, not a tetanus shot. The city has done good work at Coney, the most visited beach in the five boroughs.
Pix and other images 
I love the warm weather. Im going to Montauk Point this month again. I hope this time for sunny weather. All my pictures are of a cloudy day last time.
I grew up in Sheapshead Bay, in the ’70s. Went to the beach all the time. That was a great analogy with the shower / tetanus shot.
Yeah, I was shocked how clean the beach was. It wasn’t that long ago I’d refuse an invitation to go swimming at Coney Island.
Good work, true.
But Riis still Rocks.
Cleaner water, more space.
And there are some great, hidden bars not far away!
Art you are so correct. I spent the morning at Riis Beach. Huge empty clean….There were even surfer dudes.