Central Park is one of New York City’s most beloved green spaces and city landmarks. The massive green rectangle running through Manhattan clocks in at just over 1.3 miles, 23 entrances, and an endless amount of sightseeing just in the park alone! Since the park is so big, here are some recommended stops as you make your way through Central Park.
Start with lunch at Tavern on the Green
Originally built as a sheepfold in the late 1800s, Tavern on the Green officially became a restaurant in the 1930s. The restaurant underwent renovations and changes in management over the years, but in 2013 it officially reopened with décor and design that paid homage to the original sheepfold and embraced seasonal, local ingredients from the Greater New York region.
Lunch menu highlights include raw bar items such as oysters and shrimp cocktail, seasonally prepared entrees featuring local grains, vegetables, meat, and fish, and much more.
Walk through Sheep Meadow
After lunch, take a stroll through one of Central Park’s most iconic spaces, Sheep Meadow. The sheep that lived in the Tavern on the Green grazed in this field, hence the field’s name! Enjoying an escape from the busy city streets of New York while heading toward Bethesda Terrace.
Soak up the beauty of Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is at the heart of Central Park and features a large, multi-level plaza; perfect for watching street performers and admiring the architecture of the terrace. The terrace also features the Bethesda Fountain which features a bronze statue titled Angel of the Waters.
Rent boats from The Loeb Boathouse
Between April and November, you can rent a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse from 10 AM until dusk. Enjoy the views of Central Park’s Lake and get in some brisk exercise by rowing your way across.
Visit the Alice in Wonderland statue
One of the most famous works of art in Central Park, the Alice in Wonderland statue is located at the northern end of the Conservatory Water. It’s a large bronze statue depicting the beloved characters from the cult classic children’s novel. Just as donator George Delacorte’s children did, kids today still climb up onto the statue to get up close to Alice, the Mad Hatter, and more!
Wander through The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Lovingly known as the Met and located right next to Central Park, this museum is one of the world’s largest collectors and curators of over 5,000 years of art through history. The Met is home to famous paintings such as “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze, Van Gogh’s self-portrait with a straw hat, Degas’ “The Dance Class,” and many, many more pieces of fine art and sculpture. Be sure to go behind the museum to see The Obelisk!
End your day at Shakespeare Garden
Head back into Central Park to unwind and relax from your busy day at Shakespeare’s Garden. This charming green space captures the essence of an English countryside or garden, perfect for people watching and capping off a great day in Central Park.
