4. Parachute Jump on Coney Island

Coney Island Parachute Jump and Beach

The Parachute Jump is commonly associated with Coney Island – and rightfully so. The landmarked structure has spent most of its life there. It was built originally, however, for the 1939 World’s Fair and was purchased by the Tilyou family that owned Steeplechase Park. The Parachute Jump has such staying power, it has outlived the original Steeplechase Park and the threat of demolition by Fred Trump, father of Donald Trump.

The renaissance of the Parachute Jump began in the 1980s, when it was designated a city and national landmarked. Rehabilitation of the structure began in the early 1990s, and a complete restoration was completed in the 2000s, under the purview of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).