Coney Island, sometimes known as “America’s Playground” or “The People’s Playground,” was once one of the most popular resort destinations in the United States. The popular beach area with its boardwalk and nearby world-class amusements drew visitors by the millions to Brooklyn’s seaside. What was once a barrier island was turned into a man-made peninsula allowing easy access that attracted vacationers in droves looking for leisure and entertainment options. Its heyday was in the early part of the 20th century and it hit its peak prior to World War II. Its popularity declined following the war and neglect took its toll. Today, it is not the destination it once was, but new attractions and local interest in helping maintain and promote it have been successful in bringing back tourists.

Jackie Robinson is best known as a hero of baseball. He paved the way for African American baseball players like Hank Aaron, CC Sabathia, and more. Jackie was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919, and was the youngest child. On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier on his way to a ten-year Hall of Fame career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He faced a lot of hatred with death threats, games being cancelled because he was on the field with his white counterparts. A man named Pee Wee Reese helped Robinson and help him get through tough times during this period. During Jackie's rookie year, the crowd targeted Robinson with racial slurs. Reese approached Robinson on the field and put his arm around him. This showed respect and acceptance to the public for an African American in Major League Baseball. This act is depicted in the monument in Coney Island, New York.

This marker at the Cyclone's MCU stadium in Coney Island honors the 416 first-responders from all boroughs of New York City who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. It was created by Brooklyn resident Sol Moglen.

The Wonder Wheel was designed and built from 1918 to 1920. It opened on May 31, 1920. The designer of this Ferris Wheel, called a Dip-the-Dip at the time, was Charles Hermann, but the Wheel was built by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company. The Wonder Wheel is constructed with Bethlehem steel and stands 150ft tall. It has a seating capacity of 144 people with 24 different cars to ride in. The Wonder Wheel has run continuously over the years, missing only one day in 1977 when the Great NYC Blackout occurred.

Completed in 1927, the Coney Island Cyclone offered thrills to New Yorkers for $0.25 when it opened. The Cyclone replaced the Switchback Railway, which was the first roller coaster in the United States and built in 1884. The track for the ride is nearly 3000 feet, and the cart can hold up to 24 people. The length of the ride is just under two minutes. The Cyclone has experienced years of up and down success, almost closing in the '70s. However, it has survived nevertheless. In 1991, the iconic coaster was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The New York Aquarium is home to approximately 350 aquatic species, 8,000 specimens and 1.25 million gallons of water. Approximately 60.5 million people visit this aquarium each year to see dolphins, sharks, and non-native species. The New York Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction, but an organization that promotes conversation. The primary objective is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic jewels, and to fulfill the broader goals of wildlife conservation society by educating the public about environmental issues facing the ocean and ecosystem.