Crowds flock to Coney Island amid warmer temperatures

CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN (PIX11) -- As the sun beat down mercilessly on Coney Island, turning the iconic boardwalk into a sizzling griddle, locals and tourists alike sought refuge from the sweltering heat. Some flocked to the colorful umbrellas shading the concession stands, while others, like second-grader June, raced from the cooling waves. June, spent her [...]

CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN (PIX11) -- As the sun beat down mercilessly on Coney Island, turning the iconic boardwalk into a sizzling griddle, locals and tourists alike sought refuge from the sweltering heat.

Some flocked to the colorful umbrellas shading the concession stands, while others, like second-grader June, raced from the cooling waves.

June, spent her day building sandcastles with her family and her partner in crime, Mattie. When asked about her favorite way to beat the heat, she exclaimed, "Swimming is one of my favorite things."

Not everyone sought the waves or the shade, however. Some sunbathers, slathered in sunscreen, embraced the sun's rays, reveling in the long-awaited warmth. One such beachgoer simply stated, "Enjoying the sun," when questioned about their strategy for staying cool.

Although city beaches remain closed for swimming until Memorial Day, attractions like Luna Park continue to draw crowds. Joe Keohane, June's father, explained, "We decided we were going to come down here, ride the rides at Luna Park, hit the beach..."

Others took a more cautious approach, staying hydrated and seeking shade when possible. "I'm definitely staying hydrated," one visitor remarked, while another donned a New York cap and carried plenty of water.

After days of on-and-off rain and gloom, some felt a sense of relief as the sun finally peeked through the clouds. "We're ready for this kind of weather," one beachgoer exclaimed. "I'm sorry, but the weather has been horrible. I want nice warm weather."

This sentiment was echoed on the boardwalk, with another visitor declaring, "We're not doing anything to stay cool; we came down here to stay hot."