Central Park

Location: 59th to 110th St. between Fifth Ave and Central Park West, New York

Hours: Daily 6am - 1am

Admission: FREE

One of the great pleasures New Yorkers and tourists enjoy is getting away from it all in Central Park. Stretching 51 blocks between 59th and 110th streets, this 843 acre, green rectangle has served its city well since 1859. This 843-acre wooded and landscaped oasis in the middle of the city offers ample room for in-line skaters, runners, joggers, horseback riders, bikers, bird watchers, nature lovers and practitioners of just about every other activity you can think of. The park includes lakes, a skating rink, a miniature golf course, tennis courts, softball fields, a swimming pool and even a carousel.

Among the many offerings, we may site:

Belvedere Castle
Near 79th Street in the center of the park Once a weather station, now an education center with terrific views.

Bethesda Terrace
Near East 73rd Street at the southeast corner of Rowboat Lake Famous for the "Angel of the Waters" fountain.

Buggy Rides
Horse-drawn hansom cabs are for hire at the Plaza entrance on Central Park South and at Columbus Circle.

Central Park Carousel
Mid-Park at 64th St.
Central Park's beautiful carousel

Central Park Sports
Various locations in the park.
Enjoy yourself in any sport that tickles your fancy.

Central Park Zoo
5th Avenue at East 64th Street;
Officially called the Central Park Wildlife Center.

Charles Dana Discovery Center
Inside the Park at 110th St. and Lenox Ave.
Look for the exhibits and concerts.

Claremont Riding Academy
195 West 89th Street
Like to ride? Horses are for hire here for experienced riders, allowing you to explore the bridle paths that wind through the park. Lessons are available.

Conservatory Garden
Fifth Avenue at 105th Street
A wonderfully designed and meticulously maintained formal garden. Our favorite spot in Central Park and the perfect place to escape to when you need a break from your usual routine.

Delacorte Theater
Home of free Shakespeare plays each summer.

Friedsam Memorial Carousel
Near 65th Street in the center of the park
Children love riding this antique merry-go-round. A good place for a child's birthday party, too.

Loeb Boathouse
Near 74th Street, on the east side of Rowboat Lake
Open for lunch and dinner all summer, beginning in May. A nice place to have a drink and enjoy the sunshine.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater
West Side at 79th St.
The only marionette theater left in the US.

Tisch Children's Zoo
5th Avenue at East 65th Street
Just north of the larger Central Park Wildlife Center

Victoria Garden
Wollman Rink in Central Park, 59th and 6th Avenue, Park Entrance
This is a very interesting amusement park with several rides.

Wollman Rink
6th Avenue at 59th Street
Ice skating in the winter; in-line skating at other times.

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