Central Park Favorites: Things to See & Do
This week we’re taking a look at my Central Park Favorites!
These are a few of my favorite things to see and do in the 843-acre park within the concrete jungle of New York City.
Central Park is like a gigantic maze…you can easily get lost.
I use the Central Park NYC Lite app to help navigate and combine it with Google Maps so I can head directly to certain locations if need be.
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Central Park Favorites: Things to See & Do
These aren’t in any special order…just random locations I’ve sought out or stumbled upon during my trips that have become my favorite in Central Park!
We’ll start with the well known Central Park Zoo…
Polar Bears, Penguins, and Leopards…Oh, My!!
Who would have thought…a zoo in the concrete jungle!
It wasn’t quite what I expected when we walked through, but is definitely one of my favorite locations in the park.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Alex the Lion
(If you haven’t watched Madagascar
On to the gorgeous bridges of Central Park.
There are so many it’s hard to pick a fave…
but if I had to it would be Bow Bridge…
It’s crazy how many bridges and archways you will come across while exploring Central Park.
Here are a few runners-up…
Would you believe there is a hidden castle inside Central Park??
There is!
Belvedere, meaning “beautiful view” in Latin, Castle sits atop Vista Rock and is the highest point to take in views of the park and city surrounding it.
On my April Trip to NYC, it was closed and I later found out the city closed it for refurbishment on February 26, and it will reopen to the public in 2019. Definitely add it to your future plans!!
Moving on to the Statues of Central Park.
…and I’m not talking those people painted in silver and gold standing still for hours while you pose with them…
although I’m sure you’ll find those in Central Park as well.
These statues are the real deal and honor authors like William Shakespeare and Hans Christian Anderson…
and storybook characters like Romeo and Juliet
One of my favorites is the Angel of the Water statue found at Bethledusa Fountain…
Be sure to check out the Terrace located here as well…
You’ll find musicians, balloon artists and more…
Right above the Terrace at Bethledusa Fountain, you will find the famous “Mall“…
seen in moves like Friends with Benefits
I did do a little twirl while singing…
?How does she know that you love her? How do you show her you love her? How does she know that you really, really, truly love her??…
until my friend threatened to leave me where I stood. 😆
I’m a Disney dork what can I say…
Moving on…
Another favorite of mine in Central Park is Sheep Meadow…
it’s the perfect picnic location and even though I haven’t had one yet, a picnic in Central Park is on my NYC bucket list for my next trip!!
Speaking of food…
a place I would love to have lunch at is the legendary BoatHouse Restaurant…
Who remembers that famous scene from Sex and the City where Carrie and Big meet at the Boathouse Restaurant and end up falling into the pond?!?!
This is it…
It seems it’s always closed when I go to NYC! It’s on the bucket list too though!
How many of you have heard of a little group called the Beatles
You can find the John Lennon Memorial called Strawberry Fields near Sheep Meadow…
It was here, on December 8, 1980, that John Lennon was murdered. The 2.5 acres of Strawberry Fields pays tribute to the musician and peace activist.
The Imagine Mosaic
Lastly, what would a trip to Central Park be without seeing one of the most famous must-dos in Central Park…
the Carriage Rides…
perfect for a spring or autumn day in the city, or a romantic date night, or just to let your feet rest!
You will do a lot of walking while in New York City, and most definitely while in Central Park.
Honorable Mentions:
During the Christmas season, a Holiday Market is set up near the entrance of Central Park at the corner of Columbus Circle…
and is definitely a must see!
Artists and Craftsmen come from all over the world to sell their goods at this show…
Another honorable mention is the Dairy…
Once a supply store supplying milk to the Upper East and West Sides of Manhattan, now is a gift shop and information center.
You can find all sorts of Central Park souvenirs…
and you can even take home the very flowers that you find in the gardens of Central Park!!
You can also find really cute items for your pup…
and the best thing is…
when you buy something the proceeds go to the Central Park Conservancy, which helps raise 75% of Central Park’s annual budget and is responsible for keeping the park clean and beautiful.
Click Here for more info on how you can help the Central Park Conservancy Organization.
These are just a few of my favorite locations and things to see while visiting Central Park.
The park is huge and there is still so much I haven’t explored yet!
I am planning for a May 2019 trip back to NYC to see the city in bloom!
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Enjoy Your Journey to the Big Apple!!
What’s your favorite spot in Central Park??
Let us know in the comments below!!
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