Written By: Ben Cosgrove
Not many places in America have, for so long, been so dedicated to the pursuit of fun as the mile-long stretch along the southern edge of Brooklyn known as Coney Island. Luna Park, Astroland, the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster — for well over a century, these names helped define what amusement parks were, while their attractions and thrills still inform what summertime entertainment looks, feels and sounds like.
Here, on the anniversary of the Cyclone’s 87th birthday — the legendary wooden coaster opened for business on June 26, 1927 — LIFE.com presents a series of pictures that celebrate the unique, messy, vibrant energy of Coney Island. Even today, after decades of ups and downs, there’s no place else quite like it.
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
Coney Island 1944
Marie Hansen The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1944
Marie Hansen The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1951
Margaret Bourke-White The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island
William Vandivert The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1943
Ralph Morse The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1942
William Vandivert The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1949
Andreas Feininger The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Coney Island 1942
William Vandivert The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
