The boardwalk was built to accommodate visitors in 1926. Some days, the park was so packed that there were no places to sit, even on the sand.
Source: Luna Park
The amusement areas at Coney Island — Dreamland, Luna Park, and Steeplechase Park — made it the largest amusement area in the nation from the end of the 19th century through World War II.
None of the three original amusement areas are currently there, thanks to several fires and closures. A newer version of Luna Park opened up in 2010.
Many of the roller coasters that were burned down now have newer versions — such as the Thunderbolt, which was originally built in the 1920s and reinvented in 2014.
The beach has always been a place where people flock to during the hot summer days. Here's a scene of a particularly crowded day in August 1948.
The Wonder Wheel is the oldest ride at the park. It's been operating since 1918 and is now known as a national historic landmark.
Source: NY history
Coney Island is also home to many popular food locations, like Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, which opened its first location at Coney Island in 1916.
Frozen custard was invented in Coney Island when ice cream vendors Archie and Elton Kohr found a way to make ice cream stay cold for a longer period of time.
Source: Frozen custard