Central Park
Central Park is one of the world’s most famous public parks, and the first to be landscaped in United States history. Some 700 acres of land were set aside for the undertaking of designing the park in 1853, in order to compete with international cities like London and Paris. Today, the park encompasses a total of 843 acres of land, spanning 2.5 miles long and half a mile wide. More than 42 million visitors travel every year to this iconic park.
The park is taken care of by the Central Park Conservancy which has worked every day for 40 years to keep the park clean and safe for all to enjoy. Over 300 employees work on the Park’s maintenance, restoration, trash management, architectural needs, and so much more.
Things to Do
Central Park has always provided a safe haven for healthy activities in the center of a bustling Manhattan. The park’s 21 playgrounds offer an outlet for children and families to enjoy the outdoors. Regular events like the 5K Core Tour or the 5K Fun Run = make the park a perfect destination for getting motivated to exercise while enjoying the iconic and breathtaking views found inside. With places for yoga, skating, baseball, sunbathing, and even dog walking, the park has something for everyone. Throughout the year, enjoy a variety of self-guided or guided tours including iconic views, a family birding tour, a Central Park behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the organization that keeps Central Park clean, and a family tour of Shakespeare Garden. Also enjoy days with lawn games like bocce ball and cornhole, their rollerblading and in-line skating course, or learn some new chess skills at the restored Chess & Checkers House. Central Park really has something for anyone.
Women’s History Walk
Take a self-guided tour around the park to better appreciate women’s history. Whether it’s Women’s History Month or any other day, this staple of the park can be enjoyed at any time. This one-mile tour takes approximately one hour to complete. Download the tour here.
Things to See
Perhaps Central Park’s most notable attraction is the Central Park Zoo, housing animals from tropical, temperate, and polar regions. Watch sea lions in their tank or stop by other exhibits including snow leopards, grizzly bears, penguins, and more. Other unique destinations within the park are the beautiful Conservatory Gardens, the historic Belvedere Castle, and the Reservoir, a serene body of water that covers over an eighth of the park’s surface. Visitors can pay respects to musical legend John Lennon at Strawberry Fields, birdwatch at the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, and see a concert at Rumsey Playfield on the same day.
Monarch Butterfly Migration
People aren’t the only ones enjoying this marvelous park. Monarch Butterflies reside in the park and migrate to Mexico each year. Upon returning the butterflies reclaim their home and are a colorful spectacle adorning the park. Be sure to keep an eye out for these orange-winged friends.
“You can get the true essence of New Yorkers just by hanging out in Central Park.”
—Andy Roddick
Getting to Central Park
Experience the world-famous Central Park via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Where to Stay in NYC:
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all New York City has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
More to do in New York City
