Central Park is undoubtedly my favorite park in the city. Whether you’re basking in the sun on the lawn during summer or enjoying a playful romp in the December snow, the park provides countless activities and stunning photography spots all year round.
Spanning over 800 picturesque acres, Central Park can be challenging for first-time visitors to navigate. Continue reading to discover 11 must-visit photo-worthy locations while you’re in NYC, presented in no particular order. If you’re looking for insider tips, consider joining NYC tours. This way, you can chat with your guide about the best photography spots and their favorite areas of the park.
1. Sheep Meadow
Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre field located in the southwestern corner of Central Park. Designated as an official “quiet zone,” it’s an ideal retreat for relaxation, meditation, or a picnic with friends.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to take a stunning panoramic shot of the skyline in the background.
2. The Loeb Boathouse
People often ask me, “Sure, Times Square is iconic, but where can I rent a rowboat?” I always point them to the Loeb Boathouse, where a 150-year-old tradition of boating lives on in Central Park.
Visitors can rent rowboats at reasonable rates to enjoy a serene escape and some exercise in the heart of the city. This location is particularly spectacular in the fall when the foliage begins to change color.
3. Shakespeare in the Park
Every summer, the Public Theater presents critically acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays at the Delacorte Theater. Notable celebrities, including Meryl Streep, John Lithgow, Natalie Portman, and Al Pacino, frequently perform in these productions.
The best part? It’s completely free to attend.
4. Belvedere Castle
Believe it or not, there’s a castle in Central Park! Nestled behind the Delacorte Theater is the impressive Belvedere Castle, an official weather station accessible to the public. Although it’s technically a “folly”—a large decorative structure—it offers one of the best views of the park.
Fun Fact: The term “Belvedere” means “beautiful view” in Italian.
5. Central Park Zoo
Central Park is large enough to house a zoo! Located near 68th Street and 5th Avenue, the Central Park Zoo showcases a variety of exotic animals, including sea lions, snow leopards, and grizzly bears.
This family-friendly destination is not just for kids; adults can also enjoy exploring the zoo, snapping pictures, and reconnecting with their inner child.
6. Central Park Conservatory Garden
Known as an “oasis within an oasis,” the Central Park Conservatory Garden is a 6-acre formal garden that draws inspiration from Italian, French, and English landscapes.
This stunning garden features a grand fountain, a picturesque pergola, and a gate that once adorned the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue. There are countless natural and artistic details perfect for capturing in photos or using as a backdrop for family portraits.
7. “The Mall” in Central Park
While it may sound like a shopping destination, “The Mall” in Central Park is actually a quarter-mile promenade featuring the only intentional straight path in the park’s design. Stretching south from Bethesda Fountain, it offers classic Central Park vistas shaded by mature trees, making it an iconic Instagram backdrop.
8. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, named after the former First Lady, is also known for its appearance in the movie “Marathon Man,” featuring Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier.
Once the largest man-made lake in the world, it served as a backup water source for New York City until it was decommissioned in 1993. A 1.58-mile track surrounds the reservoir, making it a popular spot for amateur and professional runners, as well as celebrities like Bill Clinton and Madonna. It’s also an excellent place to snap that classic skyline reflection photo.
9. The Arcade at Bethesda Terrace
The Arcade at Bethesda Terrace might be misleadingly named, so don’t expect to find video games here. Located at the center of Central Park, this grand space boasts some of the best acoustics in the city, making it a favored spot for buskers and performers.
10. Bethesda Fountain
Often mistaken for the fountain from the show “Friends,” Bethesda Fountain is a popular photo spot for tourists exploring Central Park.
Its central feature, a statue titled Angel of the Waters, stands gracefully overlooking the lake. Created by artist Emma Stebbins, this statue marked the first time New York City awarded a public art commission to a woman.
11. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Although it may not be a traditional park attraction, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is technically situated within Central Park. Spanning a large area along 5th Avenue between 80th and 84th Streets, the museum houses an incredible collection of global treasures, from rare Greek artifacts and Egyptian sarcophagi to vintage guitars and an entire living room from a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.
The Met is vast, so a visit could easily take an entire day, especially on a rainy afternoon.
Insider Tip: Be sure to set aside some time to visit the Met’s rooftop for breathtaking views of Central Park. Don’t hesitate to ask staff members for directions.
Local Insights on Central Park
How long does it take to walk around Central Park?
As mentioned, Central Park is quite expansive. Some attractions, like the zoo, may require one to two hours for a complete visit, while others, such as Bethesda Terrace and The Mall, are conveniently located near each other and can be checked off quickly.
If you’re planning to explore the entire park, you could easily spend a whole day wandering around. However, if you’re simply looking to walk from one end to the other—from the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center at the north to Hallett Nature Sanctuary in the south—it could take about an hour. The park stretches approximately three miles in length. Allowing around three hours will let you visit various highlights for quick photos, without engaging in any deeper exploration like the zoo or the Met.
Is it free to visit Central Park?
Yes! While some attractions—like boat rentals or certain shows—might have an additional cost, entry to Central Park is completely free. The only expense involves your time spent enjoying the park’s many natural and man-made wonders. It ranks high among my top free activities in NYC, along with the Staten Island Ferry and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Discovering an Urban Oasis
Many people believe that Central Park is a naturally preserved area, but it’s actually a completely man-made landscape. Landscape architects Olmsted & Vaux moved tons of earth and rock to create America’s first public park.
Their vision was to design a park where visitors could forget they were in the middle of a bustling metropolis like New York City. In some areas, the towering skyline disappears from view, while in others, it creates a breathtaking backdrop. Central Park is located in the heart of New York City, yet somehow transports you miles away from the urban hustle and bustle.
