Animals, rowboats, model boats, museums, castles, amusement parks, marionette theatres, ice skating rinks…you never know what you will find in Central Park. There are over 25+ things to do in Central Park, some you may not even know of. How many have you done?
Central Park, or what I like to call my backyard. Having lived on the Upper West Side since moving to New York, I’m surprised I haven’t written about it yet. I spend half of my time in it, exploring every nook and cranny, listening to every jazz artist, performing group, watching every rollerblading outing, artist, squirrel, horse (or rat) go by…but I’ve never actually taken my camera out and spent a whole day capturing content in it–hence why you’ll notice a lot of the content is a mix of pictures I’ve taken over the last 10 years. Maybe I haven’t dedicated time to it because I feel so comfortable in Central Park, almost like it’s my second home, or maybe because there’s so much to cover, it seemed like a daunting task putting it all on one page. Out of all my friends, I’m probably the person who spends the most time in it. In fact, most of my friends who live downtown make it up here once a year if even. Either way, I recently find myself longing for my Central Park so decided to create a guide for the over 15 million visitors per year that see the park, which makes up 6% of the island of Manhattan.
There are over 25+ things to do in Central Park alone. I’ve narrowed it down and created this ultimate guide to Central Park according to what I’ve done or like to do in my free time. Word of advice: You may need more than one day if you decide to tackle them all! I’ve separated Central Park into how I see it in three sections: South End (Central Park S 59th St to 72nd St), Mid-Park (72nd to 79th St), and North End (79th St to Central Park N 110th St). Each section is accompanied with an interactive map unit that guides you through each section so you don’t get lost. Let’s take a stroll…
South End: Central Park South 59th St to 72nd St
1. The Pond
The Pond can be found at Central Park’s entrance on Fifth Avenue. Right next to the Ritz Carlton, famous for being the scene for Home Alone 2. It’s a lovely place for a stroll. You’ll find ducks, swans, turtles, and more frequently in the water. In the early 1900s, people used to ice skate over The Pond, but since then people have been told to ice skate at Wollman Rink (safety reasons). There also used to be a swan boat that would peddle people around the pond. Now it’s more of an escape from one of the busiest streets in the world.
2. Central Park Zoo
I’m honestly not a big fan of zoos, so I’d put this on the bottom of my list of things to do in Central Park. I get very sad and gloomy at the sight of animals confined to small spaces in habitats that are not there home. BUT, there is something to be said about the Central Park Zoo. And if you’ve ever watched Madagascar, I’m sure you’ve had your own curiosities about the place as well. Central Park Zoo is small and well-kept and hard too miss. The entrance to the zoo is home to a large pool which can be seen by the public, pictured above, where you are entranced by sea lions swimming around and around in circles. Watching them pop up out of the water and back down, like a merry go around. Central Park Zoo is primarily home to many birds and reptiles, but it also has a few larger animals such as grizzly bears, snow leopards, pandas, monkeys, and otters. Like the rest of New York, it’s a small zoo compared to any neighboring zoo, but it’s an interesting escape in the middle of the ‘concrete jungle’ of Manhattan.
3. Wollman Rink – Central Park Ice Skating (Winter)
A romantic New York winter-time activity. You either ice skate in Bryant Park or at Wollman Rink in Central Park, the latter has more space but also comes at a price. Skating to the sound of cheerful Christmas music while gliding by one of New York’s most beautiful skyline views can cost you up to $30+, that doesn’t include locker rental for your shoes (another $10) or the hot cocoa you’ll want to grab post skating. Skating during public hours can get very crowded and sometimes dangerous, so it’s not my go-to activity in New York in the winter unless I see the rink is less empty. If, like me, you’d rather sit out the crowds. You can still sit above the ice rink in the free spectator area and watch the ice skaters below you skate around in circles, with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Occasionally, ice skaters, hockey teams like the New York Rangers, or hockey aficionados like Justin Bieber have been seen skating the rink in the winter.
4. Victorian Gardens Amusement Park
Many tourists don’t know that in the summer, between the months of May to September, Wollman Rink actually transforms into Manhattan’s only amusement park. The Victoria Gardens amusement park has 11 rides and several traditional carnival and amusement park games. Unlimited rides cost around $25 for a ticket. The place is usually a hot spot for younger children in the summer, but who doesn’t like to take a trip down memory lane and occasionally go back to being a kid?
5. Umpire Rock
Umpire Rock is one of those hideouts I frequent in Central Park. I usually find myself perched on the rocks under the shaded canopy of trees post-workout class with a sandwich or juice in hand, taking in the skyline views on Central Park South. You’ll occasionally find kids and adults trying to ‘rock climb’ the boulder that is Umpire Rock. From the top you have a nice birds eye view of Hecksher Baseball fields as well, were most New York City community baseball games are played.
6. Carousel
While Victoria Gardens Amusement Park is only in Central Park for a short period of the year, the Central Park Carousel is a staple that stays here all year round. There’s an interesting story behind this Central Park staple. There have been four different carousels in Central Park since it first opened in 1871. The first carousel, and in my opinion the coolest, was in Central park till the mid-1920s and was powered by a mule and horse who walked in a hidden compartment underground below the attraction. The animals were trained to start and stop with a foot tap from the ride’s operator above ground. So cool! The following two were steam powered and the last carousel, and the one you see today, was an abandoned carousel found in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. It was crafted in 1908 and has 57 regal and hand-carved horses and two ornate chariots. The ride only costs $3.25.
7. Sheep Meadow
Sheep Meadow is probably the most popular and crowded area in all of Central Park, particularly during the summer months. As soon as a hint of warm weather arrives, young New Yorkers rush to Sheep Meadow with their picnic blankets, wine, beers, speakers, bikes, spike balls, foosball, paddles and the list goes on. It’s the popular thing to do in Central Park. It’s a hot spot because of its central location and most importantly views of Manhattan. My favorite time of day to visit is actually after work right before sunset. The sky turns a pink, purple color and the buildings change color to match the sky. Plus there’s typically less people there at this time. Sheep Meadow also has a small dog park next to it as well as a small soccer area where community teams or groups of young guys usually spend their afternoons playing skins vs shirts.
8. The Mall (Literary Walk)
Fun fact, Central Park was purposefully designed in curves. The Mall is the only area that was designed purposefully to be in a straight line. The quarter mile is lined with stunning trees on either end. As you walk through it, you’ll be surrounded by artists. Violinists playing music, artists selling their work, and entertainers putting on a show. The Mall is also known as Literary walk, which is why you’ll find statues of Shakespeare among others throughout the walk, and why so many creatives decide to spend their time right here. To the side you’ll also find volleyball courts and man-made roller blading rinks. You’ll always find people roller blading to music and dancing around with strangers here, it’s one of my favorite things to watch actually!
9. Naumburg Bandshell
At the end of The Mall is Naumberg Bandshell. The original bandstand built in 1862 was used for free concerts held on Saturday. Crowds of up to 45,000 people would attend! The area was eventually expanded to the Naumberg Bandshell you see today where free concerts are still held in the summer.
10. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Located just below The Mall is Bethesda. Oh Bethesda…whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re covered in snow, you’re beauty is ensnaring. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Bethesda, just like Bow Bridge, you will most likely see a bride and groom taking wedding pictures in this beautiful setting. You’ve seen this setting a thousand times in movies like Enchanted, Home Alone 2, Elf, The Producers, Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Hair, and so on. Bethesda Terrace is located at the top and has views of the fountain below as well as the woods and lake. While the lower level is home to a beautiful architectural marvel–not the fountain, although also beautiful–but the arches tunnels that lead to a staircase that takes you back to The Mall. The tiled ornate details make me feel like I’m back in Spain.
Mid-Park: 72nd St to 79th St
1. Wagner Cove Boat Landing
Just like there are multiple bridges throughout Central Park, each with their own character, there are five gazebo-like structures encircling the lake, each with their own unique architecture. One of those five is Wagner Cove Boat Landing. The landings originally served as a pick up and drop off point for passengers who wanted to hop on boats and be transported on the lake. Now you can rent your own boat at the Boat House.
2. Strawberry Fields: John Lennon Imagine
Strawberry Fields is the entrance I take the most from my home to Central Park, so I’ve walked by it more times than I can count. It’s located right next to the Dakota buildings where John Lennon was killed in 1980. Strawberry Field was created as a memorial service as a reminder of his contribution to world peace. A circular mosaic has been carved into the ground that reds Imagine. It was made and gifted by Italian craftsmen from Naples. Although it’s supposed to be a Quiet Zone, you will always find people here singing John Lennon music and leaving flowers by the Imagine mosaic as a tribute to his memory and the mark he left on the world.
3. Hernshead Boat Landing and Hernshead
Hearnshed Landing is another one of those boat landings I spoke about earlier. It’s not as hidden as the other four but is one of my favorites. I usually stop by Hernshead Landing after visiting the Farmers Market at the American Museum of Natural History on Sundays. Apple danish and a coffee in hand, I sit here and watch the ducks casually swim by while people fluster in row boats trying to figure out how to use paddles. But there’s a secret part to Hernshead Landing that many overlook or haven’t noticed. Hidden right next to the landing is a small dirt path along that leads you to this rock area, great to watch the sunset or boats go by on a sunny day.
4. American Museum of Natural History
Remember Night at the Museum? Yes, this is the one. It is home to over 45 Earth and Science exhibits for just $23, additional special exhibits cost more. My favorite part about the Museum is the Hayden Planetarium, which is part of the $23 admission. You could wander about here for hours, especially on a rainy day. If you’re not into art, then this is your go-to museum.
Pay What You Wish is available all year round at the American Natural History Museum, but it doesn’t give you access to special exhibitions, giant-screen films, the space show, or the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
5. Oak Bridge at Bank Rock Bay
Oak Bridge is in my opinion the most romantic bridge in Central Park. It’s more isolated than Bow Bridge, has more shade, and is a perfect spot to turtle and bird watch. It is the grand entrance to the Ramble, the wooded area which you can actually go hiking in.
6. The Ramble/Stone Arch
The Ramble is where you wind in and out of tightly wound walking paths that walk the perimeter of the lake and go deeper into the 38 acre wooded lands of Central Park. It’s a very hilly area so resembles a hike and is definitely a tough run. Many might not know this, but the Ramble is actually an important symbol of New York City’s gay community. Throughout the 1900s, the LGBTQ community would use the Ramble as a meeting place when meeting significant others. You’ll definitely stumble upon a five foot bridge and arch called the Stone Arch.
7. Waterfall and hidden passage
Within the Ramble is a waterfall that leads you back down to the lake. There are steps alongside it so you can walk by it till you reach the base of the Lake. It ends by a bridge with a bench where you can sit and enjoy the sound of the water running by you. Just a few steps from this waterfall is a small opening that has one of the most beautiful hidden views in Central Park. There is no name for this opening, but it can be found between Bow Bridge and The Ramble. This cobble stone path takes you out towards the lake and faces the Dakota buildings, rocketing into the sky. The trees frame the hidden area nicely making for a nice retreat from the busy walking paths of Central Park.
8. Bow Bridge
One of the most famous icons and things to do in Central Park is walk across Bow Bridge. The place where many wedding photos and proposals take place. It is a romantic and beautifully positioned and crafted bridge with 360 views of the lake, the Dakota buildings, the Ramble, Bethesda Fountain, and people rowing the row boats from the boat house. Walking across the bridge can feel a bit busy with all the tourists, but you’ll find that the best views of the bridge actually come from just walking the perimeter of the lake. Fun fact, Bow Bridge is actually the second-oldest cast-iron bridge anywhere in America.
9. Cherry Hill
It’s called Cherry Hill for a reason because in the spring every cherry blossom tree planted in this area blooms covering the hill in white and pink blossoms. You’ll find many people picnicking here just like Sheep Meadow. The only difference is here you have a beautiful view of cherry blossoms and the lake below you.
10. Loeb Boathouse: Rent a Boat or Have Brunch
Loeb Boathouse has an interesting history. Boating on the lake had become a very popular pastime in the 1860s, so the construction of a boathouse became necessary. Loeb Boat house is a go-to for people for two reasons: one to rent rowboats or gondolas (yea, many don’t know you can actually rent the gondolas as well) and two to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner in one of the Boat Houses three facilities: Lakehouse Restaurant, The Outside Bar, and Express Cafe. If you’re just looking for drinks, I recommend you rent a row boat for $15 for an hour then stop at The Outside Bar for drinks post rowing. If brunch and a view is more your vibe, the Lakehouse restaurant has a great selection and views directly on the water. Get there early, they don’t take reservations!
11. Trefoil Arch
The trefoil arch is absolutely stunning during the fall season. Many don’t notice this but one side of the trefoil arch has a trefoil archway while the other, facing the lake, is just a round archway. The round archway facing the lake is draped in a dense layer of ivy that envelops the bridge. In the fall the colors around the bridge turn red, yellow, and orange, a beautiful contrast to the green ivy.
12. Model Boats Conservatory Pond
Inspired by the French once again, just like we were for the high line which was originally created in Paris as the Coulée Verte, the Conservatory pond was inspired by the model boat pond in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. When I was younger I always associated the Model Boats Conservatory Pond with Stewart Little. I always remembered that scene when Stewart hopped into the remote control sailboat and took charge of the ship. Today, you can rent your own remote control sailboat and sail it around the pond for just $11 for 30 minutes. If you don’t think you can handle the boat, no problem, you can watch professionals do it. On Saturday mornings from March to November, Central Park Yacht Club members race their wind-powered boats. Conservatory pond even has a cafe right in front of it with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy the spectacle.
North End: 79th St to Central Park North 110th9 St
1. The MET + Rooftop Garden
Central Park is surrounded by Museums on all sides, which is why spending ‘just an afternoon’ in here will never be enough. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located on the East Side and is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. It has over 2 million works of art that span over 5,000 years. While you can find ancient Greek and Roman art in here, my personal favorite is the Egyptian pyramid. I’ll always remember as a child, when I first moved to New York City at the age of 11, my mother took my brother and I to see the MET. We were obviously bored out of our minds not understanding what we were looking at, but as soon as we saw this Egyptian pyramid inside a museum, we went ballistic. We went inside and found what seemed to us, at the time, like cursed ancient diamond jewels on the floor. We were ecstatic and brought them to our mother to show her. She played along, but it was really a simple plastic bracelet that had broken when someone was visiting. My brother and I made up a whole story for these cursed diamonds we found, and that’s my fond memory of the MET. The museum also has a lovely rooftop located above the Central Park trees where you can look out for miles. It’s a popular hot spot for drinks in the summer. The MET also has two additional sites, the Cloisters and Breur. But thos are for another time.
The MET Pay As You Wish policy unfortunately only applies to New York State residents and students all year round. You’ll need to show proof when at the ticket window, so come prepared. I once had to go as far as showing my lease agreement to get in! Visitors outside of New York will need to pay the full $25 adult fee, but the ticket will last you up to three days so you have enough time to explore all three sites and children under 12 still remain free.
2. Belvedere Castle
Yes, there is an actual castle in Central Park. You see? There’s so many things to do in Central Park you didn’t know about! In Italian, belvedere translates to beautiful view. If you’re able to make it up the two flights of stairs to the top of the castle, I promise you a beautiful view. Although many stop at the viewing platform at the base, where you can see the Great Lawn to the North, the Ramble to the South, and the concert hall and lake right below you, the best view is at the top. Now the castle is not a European castle with epic history and countless number of stories to tell, this one is merely decorative. But it still brings a beautiful and intriguing touch to the Central Park.
3. Shakespeare Garden
Right next to Belvedere Castle is Shakespeare Garden. Like many Shakespeare Gardens throughout the world, it was created as an ode to the renowned writer. In the garden you will find a number of plants and flora found throughout his plays and in his own private garden. If you want to get lost in 4 acres of land and flora, all uphill may I add, and don’t suffer from allergies, this is a very quiet escape that many don’t take advantage of in Central Park.
4. Swedish Cottage (Marionette Theatre)
Have you ever seen a marionette performance? I haven’t, Pinocchio has kind of scared me from going to watch one. But I’ve walked by the Swedish Cottage enough times that I should be making an appearance there soon and overcome my fear. The Swedish Cottage was built by Sweden for a competition in the early 1900s, shipped to America, and reassembled in Philadelphia where it caught the eye of the designer of Central Park. He decided to bring this Swedish Cottage here. Today it is home to a marionette theatre, or puppets like Pinocchio controlled from above using wires or strings. It is one of the oldest marionette theatres in America and has performances on a frequent basis including Peter Pan and Cinderella among other classic tales. The venue holds up to 100 people and a ticket is $8 for kids and $12 for adults.
5. The Reservoir
When I think of the Reservoir, I think of myself panting and sweating as I run around the 1.58 mile track. The track is mainly used by local New Yorkers for runs, but tourists should consider a visit here too. Just remember to stay on the right hand side when walking on the path. It’s meant for runners so if you block the entire walking path, you may get yelled at for blocking runners paths. When it was built in 1860, it was the world’s largest man-made lake with a fountain in the center and all.
6. Central Park Conservancy Garden
As if Central Park’s inspiration and obsession with Paris wasn’t already enough, the entrance to the Central Park Conservancy Garden also known as Vanderbilt Gate was actually made in Paris in 1894 and was originally located at Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue. The Conservancy Garden is truly an amalgamation of the best gardens in the world. You’ll find the Italian garden with jet fountains and stairs leading to a wisteria pergola and cherry blossoms in the spring, the French garden with tulips in the spring, the Korean chrysanthemums in the autumn, a German fountain by sculptor Walter Schott, an English Garden with a memorial fountain and a small water lily pool…the list goes on. Needless to say, it’s a must-visit garden all times of year.
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7. Guggenheim Museum
If after all this you still have time and want to fit in one more museum, make it the Guggenheim (my personal favorite in Central Park). Admission is typically $25 for adults, but if you’re a local, you know that the best time to go is during the Pay What You Wish window. This window is open on Saturdays from 5-8PM. You can come in and choose to pay whatever you think is feasible to see the museum. Two limitations: one it’s cash only and two the last ticket is sold at 7:30PM. The Guggenheim is my favorite museum not only for it’s architecture, but because it’s modern and contemporary art. I feel like art is a lot more open to interpretation and reflection than a Roman or Greek Statue or the Eart and Science museum is, but that’s just me.
>> Next: 8 Things to Do in West Village, New York
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