A Visitor’s Guide to Central Park

New York City’s Central Park is the most popular park in the United States with over 25 million visitors every year. Here is a selection of things to do when visiting Central Park!

Photo of Central Park from Rockefeller Center © Alfred Hutter

Sports

People play many different kinds of sports in Central Park. Tennis and volleyball courts are popular in the summer and fall, while cyclists and in-line skaters use Park Drive all year round. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, swimming, fishing, handball, ice skating, and more.

Photo of jogging – Central Park © Gruban

There are even good spots for bouldering in Central Park, like Rat Rock.

Photo of Rat Rock – Central Park © benssss

Sunbathing

Central Park is a great place to celebrate the coming of summer by catching some sun. Unroll your blanket at one of the popular areas or find a more secluded spot.

Photo of sunbathers in Central Park © Joe Shlabotnik

Carriage Rides

The first horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park were in 1935 and remain a popular pastime for couples. You can hire a carriage for about $35 per hour on the south side between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Photo of sunbathers in Central Park © Paul Songco

Entertainment

Summer is the season for concerts in Central Park, when the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera put on free shows for everyone. Other events to check out are Summerstage and Shakespeare in the Park.  (See also our list of free things to do in New York City.)

Photo of opera in Central Park © Joe Shlabotnik

Zoo

See animals from around the world at the Central Park Zoo. Whether you are interested in rainforest sanctuaries or polar animals, this zoo has something for everyone.

Photo of Central Park Zoo © Stig Nygaard

Central Park Reservoir

This massive reservoir covers 106 acres of the park and is a popular place for joggers and birdwatchers. Try and visit in April when the Japanese cherry trees are in bloom.

Photo of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park © Ken Chow

Strawberry Fields

Pay your respects at this memorial to John Lennon on October 9th, his birthday, or December 8th, the day he was shot. Music sessions and vigils are often held throughout the year.

Tavern on the Green

Tavern on the Green in Central Park is one of the most popular restaurants in the United States with over 500,000 visitors every year!

Central Park Photos

Here are some more images of Central Park…enjoy!

Photo of Turtle Pond – Central Park © Daniel Schwen

Photo of Central Park lake at sunset © joiseyshowaa

Photo of Central Park lake © joiseyshowaa

Photo of Bethesda Arcade in Central Park © joiseyshowaa