4 Coney Island Running Routes (Tips from an NYC Run Coach)
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
Runstreet founder
These Coney Island run routes offer beautiful views and an iconic ending along the boardwalk in Brooklyn. Coney Island is one of my favorite running routes in Brooklyn that offers unmatched vibes and endless things to do after your run. Whether you’re running the Brooklyn Half Marathon and want to plan your race day or you’re looking for a unique long run route in NYC that ends with a dip in the ocean and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, you can’t beat the experience of running in Coney Island. It’s the perfect ending point for a spring or summer long run, and you can hop on the subway afterwards, making it accessible for everyone.
Related Post: Where to Run in Brooklyn: A Local’s Guide
A Runstreet Art Run at Coney Island.
From the retro rides like the Wonder Wheel along the boardwalk to the bustling, sandy beach and sweeping street art walls, Coney Island will leave you with more than Strava miles - you’ll go home with a uniquely Brooklyn experience.
Related Post: 25 Best Places to Run in NYC
Best Coney Island Running Route Options
There are many ways to get to Coney Island, and here are the most popular routes and also the most scenic for your next Brooklyn long run:
Route 1: The Direct Ocean Parkway Run (5.5 Miles)
Best For: Casual long runs, 10k runners, or anyone wanting a quick, straight-shot route to the beach without complex turns.
Distance: 5.5 Miles (One Way)
Terrain: Generally flat with a slight, continuous downhill grade toward the ocean.
If you want the full “running to the ocean” experience without the grueling 13.1-mile distance or park hills, this direct route is perfect. You can also adapt it to suit your run distance goals by adding some mileage in Prospect Park if you’d like.
Starting at the southwestern end of Prospect Park at Machate Circle, you’ll hop straight onto the historical Ocean Parkway Pedestrian Path and run a seamless, uninterrupted line directly to the Coney Island Boardwalk.
Route Breakdown & What to Expect:
Mile 0.0 (The Start at Parkside Ave): Begin right where Prospect Park meets Ocean Parkway. You’ll be able to run down the wide, paved pedestrian median running down the center of the boulevard.
Miles 0.5–5.0 (Cruising Ocean Parkway): This entire stretch is a continuous, linear path bounded by residential neighborhoods. It’s impossible to get lost - just keep heading south! Make sure to stay on the path dedicated to runners and pedestrians, leaving the separate right lane open for cyclists. Also obey the crosswalk lights and do not jaywalk (or run!) as there is a lot of traffic along Ocean Parkway.
Mile 5.3 (Crossing Shore Parkway): As you hear the gulls and catch the first hints of ocean breeze, you’ll reach the end of Ocean Parkway. Use the designated pedestrian crosswalk/bridge to safely cross over the highway traffic.
Mile 5.5 (The Boardwalk Finish): Run straight across Surf Avenue, stride up the wooden boardwalk ramp, and let the fun begin! You’ve officially made it to Coney Island!
Coach’s Tips for This Route:
Traffic Signals: While you don't have to navigate cars along the path, you will cross residential cross-streets every block. Keep an eye out for turning vehicles at major intersections like Kings Highway and Avenue U.
Running on the boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Route Variations
If you need a few extra miles, start your run further north at Grand Army Plaza (for about 8 miles total) or run around the Prospect Park main loop (adding 3.36 miles) before exiting onto Ocean Parkway.
Route 2: The Classic Brooklyn Half Route (Prospect Park to Coney Island)
Best For: NYRR Brooklyn Half race day prep, half-marathon runners needing high mileage, and anyone wanting a true tour of Brooklyn.
Distance: 13.1 Miles (Point-to-Point)
Terrain: Rolling hills in the first half, fast and completely flat in the second half.
This classic Brooklyn Half Marathon route includes a loop of Prospect Park and then running a 5.5-mile straight shot down the Ocean Parkway pedestrian path for a total of 13.1 miles.
Route Breakdown & What to Expect:
Miles 1–2 (The Start and Washington Ave): You’ll start near the landmark Brooklyn Museum and Grand Army Plaza. This opening stretch is flat and fast, so try not to go out too hard and settle into your stride before entering Prospect Park.
Miles 2–7 (The Prospect Park Loops): The middle portion of the race loops through Prospect Park. Be prepared for Battle Pass Hill on the park’s east side, which is the toughest incline on the course. Take it easy on the climbs so you save your legs for the second half.
Miles 7–12.5 (The Ocean Parkway Cruise): Once you exit Prospect Park at Parkside Avenue, the entire personality of the run changes. You’ll hit Ocean Parkway for a straight, uninterrupted 5.5-mile shot to Coney Island. It’s entirely flat, open, and perfect for locking into a steady tempo pace.
Mile 13.1 (The Ocean Finish): The grand finale! You’ll make a sharp turn off Ocean Parkway, hit Surf Avenue, and climb the wooden ramp onto the Coney Island Boardwalk to finish with sweeping Atlantic views and cheering crowds.
Coach’s Tips for This Route:
Shade Strategy: Prospect Park offers plenty of tree cover, but Ocean Parkway is exposed to the sun. If you’re running this in late spring or summer, bring a hat, wear sunscreen, and carry hydration.
Pacing Strategy: Treat this as a game of two halves. Don’t burn all your energy fighting the hills inside Prospect Park; save your push for the flat, fast runway down Ocean Parkway.
Route Variations
To run just the final stretch of the route, you can begin running at Machate Circle located at the southwest corner of Propsect Park and run along Ocean Parkway to Sea Breeze Avenue in Coney Island for a toal of 5.5 miles.
Another variation is to start at Grand Army Plaza and run along the Propsect Park loop down the west side of the park to Machate Circle and hop on Ocean Parkway all the way to the Coney Island Boardwalk for a 7.5-ish mile run.
Route 3: Running Coney Island Boardwalk (2.7-Miles or 5.4-Mile Loop)
Best For: Summer beach runs, ocean breeze views, fast tempo runs, or out-and-back boardwalk loops.
Distance: 2.7 Miles (One Way) or 5.4 Miles (Out-and-Back)
Terrain: Completely flat wooden boardwalk, 100% car-free.
If you want a fun, shorter run by the beach, running the Coney Island boardwalk is the perfect option. The iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk stretches from Brighton Beach past the amusement park clear down to the gates of Sea Gate. You get 100% uninterrupted water views without stopping for a single traffic light (just watch your footing).
Route Breakdown & What to Expect:
Mile 0.0 (Brighton Beach Start): Hop off the B or Q train at Brighton Beach Avenue and head one block south to the boardwalk. Start running west toward the Wonder Wheel and Luna Park in the distance.
Mile 1.0 (Brighton Beach to Coney Island Central): You’ll pass quiet beachgoers and local Russian bakeries before transitioning into the vibrant center of Coney Island, running directly past the New York Aquarium.
Mile 2.0 (The Amusement District): The heart of the run! You’ll glide past the roaring Wonder Wheel, Luna Park, the historic Cyclone roller coaster, and the original Nathan’s Famous hotdogs.
Mile 2.7 (West 37th Street / Sea Gate Turnaround): The boardwalk terminates at the gated community of Sea Gate. Touch the fence, turn around, and retrace your steps back to Brighton Beach to round out a 5.4-mile loop, or walk back to the boardwalk to eat or take an ocean dip.
Coach’s Tips for This Route:
Beat the Crowds: During summer weekends, the boardwalk gets packed with tourists by 10:00 AM. Plan to start your run before 9:00 AM to enjoy the open space and avoid running in the heat.
Watch Your Footing: Wooden boardwalk planks can be slippery when wet from sea spray or rain, and there are occasional warped boards.
Beach Option: If you prefer trail or sand training, run along the firm, wet sand at low tide right along the shoreline parallel to the boardwalk.
Route 4: The Scenic Waterfront - Shore Road & Verrazzano Waterfront Route (8 to 10 Miles)
Best For: Runners seeking dramatic water views, bridge photo ops, and a scenic waterfront alternative to city streets.
Distance: About 8.5 Miles (Point-to-Point)
Terrain: Paved coastal running paths, mostly flat with a few gentle rolling hills near Bay Ridge.
If running down a straight NYC boulevard sounds repetitive, this scenic waterfront route offers a visually stunning alternative. Starting in Bay Ridge, you’ll hug the harbor coastline, pass directly under the towering Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (the iconic start of the NYC Marathon route), and wind along Gravesend Bay straight into Coney Island.
Route Breakdown & What to Expect:
Mile 0.0 (Owl’s Head Park Start): Take the N or R train to Bay Ridge and head west to Owl’s Head Park. Hop directly onto the Shore Parkway Promenade overlooking New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
Miles 1.0–3.5 (Under the Verrazzano Bridge): Run south along the wide, car-free waterfront path. You’ll run directly underneath the colossal span of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the iconic starting line of the NYC Marathon.
Miles 3.5–6.0 (Bensonhurst Park & Cropsey Ave): The waterfront path curves east around Gravesend Bay past Bensonhurst Park. You’ll briefly run onto Cropsey Avenue to cross over the Coney Island Creek bridge.
Miles 6.0–8.5 (Entering Coney Island): Follow Neptune Avenue onto West 17th Street, bringing you straight into the Coney Island amusement district, finishing right on the wooden boardwalk near Maimonides Park.
Coach’s Tips for This Route:
Wind Exposure: Because this entire path stretches along open harbor water, expect a sea breeze. On hot summer days, the ocean air is refreshing, but on windy or cold days, you may face a steady headwind.
Sun Protection: Like Ocean Parkway, the Shore Road Promenade offers minimal shade. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
What to Do Post-Run in Coney Island, Brooklyn
One of the reasons I love running to Coney Island is for the experience afterwards. You can stroll and people watch on the boardwalk, take a dip in the ocean to cool off, or just sit in the sand and enjoy the sea breeze. There are also lots of food options to enjoy, from Nathan’s famous hotdogs to giant pancakes at Tom’s, a Brooklyn institution.
If you like amusement parks, you’ll also want to take a spin on some of the rides at Luna Park along the boardwalk.
And of course, one of my favorites - checking out the sweeping outdoor murals by world-renowned street artists at Coney Art Walls.
Logistics: How to Get Home from Coney Island
Subway Terminal: Walk along Stillwell Avenue from the boardwalk to the Coney Island–Stillwell Ave Station.
Train Lines: Pick up the D, F, N, or Q trains for a ride back to your home or hotel.
Restrooms & Water: Free public restrooms and water fountains are located along the boardwalk near West 8th St, Stillwell Ave, and West 17th St.
Have you been to Coney Island? What were your favorite places there? Follow @Runstreet on Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube for more NYC running routes and scenic places to check out. Happy running to you!
Related Posts: A Run Coach’s Guide to Running in Dumbo, An Insider’s Guide to Running in Brooklyn
Marnie Kunz is a Brooklyn running coach, NASM-certified trainer and the founder of Runstreet, a community for runners around the world.
