Central Park - NYC
Central Park is the world’s most famous park, attracting over 25 million people a year. Located in the heart of New York City, Central Park stretches from 59th and 110th Street and between 5th and 8th Avenue. The 843-acre park is popular with visitors, locals and bird-watchers from around the world.
Central Park Attractions
There are so many fun things to do and see in Central Park. Enjoy free music festivals and events during Summer months. The picturesque park is home to scenic landscaped gardens, thousands of trees, and miles of scenic hiking, biking and running trails. The park also features beautiful fountains, historical monuments and stunning bronze sculptures. Check out these fun Central Park attractions:
- Belvedere Castle
The castle sits high atop Vista Rock, located mid-park at 79th Street in Manhattan’s Central Park. It was originally built in 1869, as a small Victorian-style fantasy castle with an elaborate scenic overlook. Today, the castle is a popular attraction, providing visitors breathtaking views from its tower. Note: Be prepared to walk up narrow, steep, winding stairs to reach the top of the tower. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the green overlooking Belvedere Castle. The view looks like something out of a movie set. - Central Park Bike Rentals, Boats, Kayaks and Gondola Rides
Explore the lake on foot or by bike, following the winding pathways along its shoreline. Rent a Row Boat or Kayak for a fun day on Central Park Lake. Enjoy a romantic Gondola Ride in an authentic Venetian Gondola. Relax with a cocktail at the Lakeside Restaurant’s Outside Bar overlooking the lake. - Central Park Zoo and Tisch Children’s Zoo
Central Park Zoo is located on the park’s East Side, between 63rd and 66th Streets. It’s home to more than 130 species. Popular attractions include the Polar Bears, Penguins, Endangered Monkeys, Tropical Birds and Sea Lions. Tisch Children’s Zoo can be found within the Central Park Zoo. It features a small petting zoo, as well as cows, goats, sheep, and pigs. - Horse & Carriage Rides
Take a leisurely Horse & Carriage Ride. It’s one of the most romantic and popular ways to see Central Park. Spring and Fall are nice when the weather is more temperate. Winter time can be very romantic, cuddling under warm blankets. You don’t need to book in advance. Most rides are available year-round. Rule of thumb is if it’s “one degree above 90” or “one degree below 20” they don’t operate.
- Sculptures in Central Park
Four of our favorite statues are located at Conservatory Water (Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Anderson) and near the entrance of the Delacorte Theater (Romeo & Juliet and Prospero & Miranda, two of Shakespeare’s main characters in his play “The Tempest.” Other popular statues can also be found throughout Central Park. - Shakespeare in the Park
The unique semi-circular outdoor Delacorte Theater is home to New York City’s annual productions of “Shakespeare in the Park.” Watch famous Shakespeare plays under the stars” away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. The theater is located mid-park at 80th Street, on the southwest corner of the Great Lawn. Tickets are free and are usually given out on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the performance, starting at 1pm at the Delacorte Theater. - Wollman Ice-Skating Rink
Wollman Ice-Skating Rink is located at 59th Street and 6th Avenue. Opened in 1950, the rink is a popular winter attraction. - Strawberry Fields and “Imagine” Mosaic
Don’t miss a visit to Strawberry Fields, named after the Beatles’ song “Stawberry Fields Forever,” in honor of John Lennon. The garden oasis is located on the West Side of Central Park, between 71st and 74th Streets. When John and Yoko lived in the nearby Dakota, on 72nd Street and Central Park West, they adopted this beautiful landscape as their favorite oasis in Central Park. Strawberry Fields was dedicated by Mayor Edward I. Koch on October 9, 1985, John Lennon’s birthday. A beautiful circular black-and-white “Imagine” mosaic (pictured below) is located along the pathway, as a tribute to John Lennon.
- Sculptures in Central Park
More Info
Visit Central Park’s website for more info on Central Park Lake, bike, boat and kayak rentals, bike and running paths, Central Park Zoo, fountains, statues and gardens.
Book New York Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Enjoy a Private Horse & Carriage Ride through Central Park on this fun 45-minute tour. Avoid long lines at busy times of the year by booking online in advance. See where famous movie scenes from Sex and the City, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Home Alone 2 and other films are shot on a fun Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour. Walk to more than 30 filming locations from your favorite movies and TV shows, guided by a knowledgeable film-buff. Choose from a variety of fun Central Park Tours.
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