Coney Island Museum

Five bucks don't usually go far these days, but here they'll buy a worthwhile peek into Coney Island's rich amusement heritage. The ever-changing exhibition includes a hand-carved Steeplechase Man figure, The Cosmorama of the Great Dreamland Fire (a huge cyclorama, or panoramic painting, commemorating that park's burning in 1911) and The Great Coney Island Spectacularium (an exhibit revolving around 1800s Coney Island attractions). The museum also hosts a full slate of lectures and film screenings—and, as the official website notes, serves as a visitor center to boot (with, they're quick to point out, a clean bathroom).