Parachute Jump Coney Island - Image 1
1 / 3

Parachute Jump Coney Island

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

A towering steel relic from the 1939 World's Fair, the Parachute Jump is an iconic Coney Island landmark offering historical charm and great photo ops...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere & golden hour

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Parachute Jump Coney Island - Image 1

Parachute Jump Coney Island

Best Time

Weekends & Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere & golden hour

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A towering steel relic from the 1939 World's Fair, the Parachute Jump is an iconic Coney Island landmark offering historical charm and great photo ops.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A historic icon of Coney Island, perfect for photos and soaking in the boardwalk atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for sunset shots! Capture the iconic structure against the sky.

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Stroll

Combine your visit with a walk along the Riegelmann Boardwalk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic World's Fair Relic

Historic World's Fair Relic

Coney Island Boardwalk

A towering steel structure from the 1939 World's Fair, offering a glimpse into NYC's past.

Panoramic Boardwalk Views

Panoramic Boardwalk Views

Base of the Parachute Jump

Admire the iconic structure and the vibrant Coney Island boardwalk stretching out before you.

Sunset Photo Opportunities

Sunset Photo Opportunities

Coney Island Boardwalk

Capture stunning photos of the Parachute Jump silhouetted against the colorful evening sky.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Iconic Landmark, Not a Ride

The Parachute Jump is a historic Coney Island landmark, not an active ride. Built for the 1939 World's Fair, it offers stunning views but no longer operates as an amusement. Plan your visit to appreciate its history and the surrounding boardwalk attractions.

Best Views & Photo Ops

While you can't ride it, the Parachute Jump is a prime photo spot, especially at sunset. For panoramic views of Coney Island and the ocean, consider visiting the nearby Luna Park or Deno's Wonder Wheel for a different perspective.

Best Times

When
Weekends & Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & golden hour
Crowd
Medium
When
New Year's Eve
Why
Fireworks & unique celebration
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

they put a tarp so thankfully no one got wet watching the Bachelorette 🫶🏼 (F Devin btw) #glamping #skylight #twink #clairo #lesbianrooftopparty #brooklyn #bushwick #thebachlorette #jenntran @Claire Rosinkranz @parachutedreams
@lebronkamez
135.8K likes • 1.2M views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for sunset shots! Capture the iconic structure against the sky. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Stroll

Combine your visit with a walk along the Riegelmann Boardwalk. Instagram+1

CONEY ISLAND! 🎢🎡🌅🗽 Parachute Jump built in 1939 for the New York World Fair🗽🎟️ In 1941 they moved the 250 foot ride to the SteepleChase amusement park. It was once one of Coney Island’s iconic amusement rides and now a beacon for New Yorkers #nyc #coneyislandboardwalk #djimini4pro #coneyisland #dji #parachutejump #drone #brooklyn
drone.creations1
32 likes • 767 views
"Parachute Jump Coney Island": Link in bio.
imagesforpres
2 likes • 179 views

🎆 NYE Fireworks

See midnight fireworks at the Parachute Jump on New Year's Eve! Reddit

💡 Historical Context

Learn about its 1939 World's Fair origins. It never made money! Instagram+1

The Parachute Jump is one of the defining features of Brooklyn’s Coney Island. @dutchmazz tells us more where it came from. #nychistory #coneyisland
urbanistariel
2.8K likes • 56.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for sunset shots! Capture the iconic structure against the sky. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Stroll

Combine your visit with a walk along the Riegelmann Boardwalk. Instagram+1

🎆 NYE Fireworks

See midnight fireworks at the Parachute Jump on New Year's Eve! Reddit

💡 Historical Context

Learn about its 1939 World's Fair origins. It never made money! Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Parachute Jump as an iconic and historic landmark of Coney Island, offering great photo opportunities, especially at sunset. While it's no longer an operational ride, its presence adds to the nostalgic charm of the boardwalk. Some find it a bit underwhelming if expecting an active attraction, but its historical significance and visual appeal are widely recognized.

What People Like

Iconic landmark status
Great photo opportunities
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Not an active ride

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Parachute Jump is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the D, F, N, or Q subway lines to the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. From there, it's a short walk to the boardwalk where the Parachute Jump is located. Instagram+1

Yes, there are parking lots available near Coney Island, though they can be pricey, especially during peak season. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles. Instagram

Absolutely! The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station is very close to the boardwalk and the Parachute Jump. It's a pleasant walk with plenty to see along the way. Instagram

While the structure itself is not accessible for riding, the boardwalk surrounding the Parachute Jump is generally wheelchair-friendly, allowing you to get close for photos and enjoy the atmosphere. Instagram

Combine a visit to the Parachute Jump with rides at Luna Park, a stroll on the boardwalk, and enjoying classic Coney Island food. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Parachute Jump is a landmark structure on the boardwalk and is free to view from the outside. You don't need a ticket to appreciate its historical significance and take photos. Instagram+1

No, the Parachute Jump is a defunct amusement ride and has not been operational for many years. It now serves as a historical monument. Instagram+1

The Parachute Jump is visible 24/7 as it's an outdoor landmark. However, the surrounding boardwalk and amusement parks have their own operating hours, which vary by season. Instagram

While there might not be specific tours solely for the Parachute Jump, many historical walking tours of Coney Island will include it as a key point of interest. Instagram+1

No, the Parachute Jump is not open to the public for entry inside the structure. It is preserved as a historical monument. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos of the Parachute Jump. The warm light makes the steel structure glow. Instagram+1

The Riegelmann Boardwalk provides excellent ground-level views. For a different perspective, consider the nearby amusement park rides (if operational) or even drone photography (check local regulations). Instagram+1

Drone usage in NYC parks and public spaces is regulated. Always check the latest FAA and NYC Parks Department rules before flying a drone near the Parachute Jump. Instagram+1

Try wide shots to capture its scale against the sky and boardwalk, close-ups of its intricate steelwork, and shots incorporating the ocean or amusement park elements for context. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

🎫 💡 History & Significance

The Parachute Jump was built for the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. It was designed to simulate the experience of parachuting from an airplane. Instagram+1

The ride ceased operations in the 1960s after the amusement park it was moved to (Steeplechase Park) closed. The structure fell into disrepair before being preserved as a landmark. Instagram

It's a significant relic of the 1939 World's Fair, representing innovation in amusement park design and a beloved icon of Coney Island's rich entertainment history. Instagram+1

No, it was originally built for the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens, and later moved to Steeplechase Park in Coney Island in 1941. Instagram+1

It means the ride is no longer in operation. The Parachute Jump is now a historical monument and a visual landmark, not a functional attraction. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Parachute Jump itself isn't a ride, it's a fantastic visual landmark for families visiting Coney Island. Kids will be fascinated by its sheer size and historical significance. It's a great spot for family photos with the iconic structure in the background. Combine your visit with the nearby amusement park rides at Luna Park or Deno's Wonder Wheel for a full day of family fun. Instagram+1

Make sure to explore the rest of the Coney Island boardwalk, which offers plenty of entertainment, food vendors, and beach access. The accessible boardwalk ensures everyone can enjoy the sights and sounds of this classic New York destination.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Parachute Jump is a must-visit for any photographer. Its imposing steel structure offers endless creative possibilities, especially during the golden hour for dramatic lighting. Instagram+1 Explore various angles from the boardwalk, and consider incorporating the surrounding Coney Island atmosphere into your shots. For unique perspectives, research drone photography regulations in the area. Instagram

Don't forget to capture the Jump against different backdrops – the ocean, the amusement park rides, or the vibrant boardwalk crowds. It's a subject that rewards patience and creativity, offering iconic imagery that embodies the spirit of Coney Island.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those interested in New York City's rich history, the Parachute Jump is a significant monument. Learn about its origins at the 1939 World's Fair and its subsequent move to Coney Island. Instagram+1 Understanding its past as a once-operational ride adds a layer of appreciation to its current status as a preserved landmark. Instagram

Take time to read any informational plaques nearby and imagine the excitement it once generated. It's a tangible piece of history that tells a story of innovation, entertainment, and the evolving landscape of Coney Island.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Piece of World's Fair History

The Parachute Jump is more than just a towering structure; it's a tangible link to a pivotal moment in American history: the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Originally designed as an attraction to showcase the thrill of aerial descent, it offered fairgoers a simulated parachute jump experience. After the fair, it was relocated to Coney Island's Steeplechase Park in 1941, becoming an integral part of the iconic amusement district. Instagram+1

Despite its initial popularity, the ride eventually ceased operations in the 1960s. The structure, however, was too significant to be dismantled. It stood as a silent sentinel, a reminder of Coney Island's golden age, and eventually underwent preservation efforts to ensure its survival as a beloved landmark. Today, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and the enduring allure of Coney Island. Instagram

Capturing the Icon: Photography Tips

The Parachute Jump is a photographer's dream, offering numerous angles and lighting opportunities. For the most dramatic shots, aim for the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light casts a beautiful glow on the steel lattice, creating stunning silhouettes and vibrant colors. Instagram+1

Beyond the classic sunset shots, experiment with different perspectives. Get up close to capture the intricate details of the steelwork, or step back onto the boardwalk to frame the Jump with the ocean and sky. Consider incorporating other Coney Island elements, like the Ferris wheel or the bustling boardwalk, to add context and life to your photos. Remember to check local regulations if you plan on using a drone for aerial shots. Instagram+1

New Year's Eve Spectacle

For a truly unique New Year's Eve celebration, Coney Island offers a spectacular event centered around the Parachute Jump. The landmark serves as the backdrop for a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the night sky at midnight. This offers a less crowded alternative to the Times Square ball drop, while still providing an unforgettable experience. Reddit

Beyond the fireworks, several local establishments in the area host New Year's parties, including the Coney Island Brewery and Gargiulo's. This makes the Parachute Jump area a hub for festive activities, combining historical appreciation with modern celebration. It's a chance to ring in the new year with a view of a historic icon and a sky full of color. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2