This summer, enjoy a new Coney Island

Summer in the city can be noisy and hot and humid. But at Coney Island in Brooklyn there are sun and sand and surf. Not to mention a brand-new amusement park, the circus, a parade, great baseball - and one of the best pizzas around. Here's how to spend a day at New York City's favorite beach.

1. LUNA PARK

The new Luna Park is open for the summer, with 19 rides - including the world's only Air Race, which allows you to do barrel rolls at top speed. If that's not enough of a challenge, try the Tickler, with its switchback curves. For the more sedate, there are family and kiddie rides, plus comic and magic shows.

When: Friday noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight. 1000 Surf Ave.

Info: Four-hour unlimited ride pass for $26 (weekdays) and $30 (weekends/holidays), 718-373-5862, lunaparknyc.com

2. RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY 'ILLUSCINATION'

The Greatest Show on Earth comes to Coney Island with all kinds of thrills, including aerialists who hang suspended by their hair; the Kung Fu Kings with their ring of fire, and more.

When: Friday, June 18 night at 7, Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. (through Sept. 6). Surf Avenue at West 21st Street.

Info: $10-$50, 800-745-3000, ringling.com

3. THE MERMAID PARADE

One of Coney Island's favorite events kicks off summer with a blaze of color, plenty of local characters and outrageous costumes. This year's King and Queen: Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson. The after-party, the Mermaid Ball, takes over the New York Aquarium.

When: Parade starts Saturday, June 19 at 2 p.m. at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. Mermaid Ball starts at 6 p.m. at 602 Surf Ave.

Info: Parade is free, Mermaid Ball is $20 in advance, $25 at door. 718-372-5159, coneyisland.com

4. TOTONNO'S PIZZA

Can't stand another hot dog or burger? Head over to Totonno's for a Margherita pizza with handmade mozzarella. Is it the best in the borough? We're not getting into that fight. But it's been around since 1924, which certainly makes it one of the city's pizza landmarks.

Where: 1524 Neptune Ave.

Info: Pizzas $19.95-$20.95 (no slices), 718-372-8606, totonnos.com

5. BROOKLYN CYCLONES

Opening Day is Saturday, June 19 and they're playing the Staten Island Yankees. Plus fireworks. What more could you want from a summer evening?

When: Saturday at 6 p.m. MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave.

Info: Tickets are $8-$16, 718-449-8497, brooklyncyclones.com