Coney Island Pier to Coney Island Creek

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027

Leader: Rob Jett
Transportation: Carpool Trip: While carpool rides for everyone usually work out, there is no guarantee of enough volunteer drivers to accommodate all participants. The Registrar will work to organize rides and to notify participants when a rental car may be necessary. Registrar will also inform participants of the carpool fee, which is based on the trip location; the cost of any rental cars should be split evenly by those participants.
Meeting Point: After your registration is confirmed, the Registrar will share directions, the exact meeting place, and time with attendees.
Schedule: Half-day, ending in early afternoon.
Relative Difficulty: Much of the walk is very easy, along the hard-packed sand at the shore’s edge. At Coney Island Creek the terrain is level. We will walk from Coney Island Beach to Coney Island Creek along city sidewalks. Overall, expect about four miles of walking.

Trip Description: This casual four-mile loop begins by exploring the shore, water, and jetties of the lower bay along Coney Island Beach. Walking west towards the border between Coney Island and the private community of Seagate, we expect to observe Common and Red-throated Loons, Horned Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and several other species of waterfowl. The overwintering Purple Sandpipers along the rock jetties are always a delight. We may find a rare Lesser Black-backed Gull or an Iceland Gull among the abundant common gulls. The second half of the loop takes us to the tranquil Gravesend Bay and Coney Island Creek. Returning towards Stillwell Avenue, the group may choose to lunch at the charming NYC landmark Totonno’s pizzeria or stop in for a cold one at Coney Island Brewery.

Registration: Registration opens at 9 am on Monday, January 18. After that time, click here to register. Registration closes at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 27. Members (and those who have applied for membership) will be prioritized over non-members.

Please read the About Our Trips page, if you’re going on a field trip for the first time. It details our field trip policies, recommends what to bring on a trip, and offers other useful information, pro tips, and tricks.

If after visiting the About Our Trips page, you still have questions, feel free to contact the Registrar via email.