Discover Central Park’s hidden gems with expert local guides. Enjoy history, nature, and secret spots on a 2-hour immersive walking tour.
Discover Central Park’s hidden gems with expert local guides. Enjoy history, nature, and secret spots on a 2-hour immersive walking tour.
- Central Park - Explore Central Park
- The Pond - “The Serene Oasis” – Start your journey at the Pond, a charming, man-made water feature located in the southeastern corner of Central Park. Relish the tranquil surroundings, feed the ducks and swans, and capture the beauty of the Gapstow Bridge that graces this peaceful area.
- **Hallett Nature…
- Central Park - Explore Central Park
- The Pond - “The Serene Oasis” – Start your journey at the Pond, a charming, man-made water feature located in the southeastern corner of Central Park. Relish the tranquil surroundings, feed the ducks and swans, and capture the beauty of the Gapstow Bridge that graces this peaceful area.
- Hallett Nature Sanctuary - As the smallest of the Park’s three woodland areas, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary provides a close-to-nature experience just a short distance from the bustling streets of midtown. Rustic trails meander up and down the hill, leading to various viewpoints and seating areas near the Pond’s shore. Initially named “The Promontory” by the Park’s creators, the rocky hill was a notable landscape feature, but without paths, it was not accessible to visitors. In the 1930s, it was fenced off and designated as a bird sanctuary. In 1986, it was renamed in honor of George Hervey Hallett, Jr., an activist, nature lover, and bird enthusiast.
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Wollman Rink - Wollman Rink
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Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink is a historic attraction and a favorite event venue throughout the year.
Location: MAP | Enter at 59th Street and 5th or 6th Avenue
Contact: (833) 615-3500
Wollman Rink has been a beloved attraction for visitors since its opening in 1950.
In fall and winter, ice skating at the rink is a top activity for both New Yorkers and tourists. There’s nothing quite like gliding across the ice under a starry sky, surrounded by the magnificent Manhattan skyline!
During the warmer months, when the rink is not used for skating, it transforms into NYC’s most iconic pickleball court location. With 14 new courts as part of a three-year partnership with CityPickle running through 2026, Wollman Rink offers visitors a unique chance to engage in this popular sport!
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Central Park Carousel - Approximately 250,000 people enjoy a ride on the Central Park Carousel each year. This famous attraction has been a hit since 1871 when the original ride opened.
Initially, the Carousel was not well-received; park commissioners opposed commercial ventures in the park. However, due to its success, there have been four different models on the site, each serving as a pastime in Central Park. A favorite among park-goers, the first Carousel operated until 1924. It was powered by a mule and horse walking in a hidden compartment underground. The animals were trained to start and stop with a foot tap from the ride’s operator above ground.
The next two Carousels in the park were steam-powered and both were destroyed by fire. In 1950, the Department of Parks and Recreation sought a replacement model and found one abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. - The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop - The Dairy, a Victorian cottage designed by Calvert Vaux and built between 1869 and 1871, is at the heart of the Children’s District. As its name suggests, this charming structure originally provided fresh milk and snacks for children and their caregivers. Families enjoyed refreshments under the Dairy’s loggia (open-air porch) and cool breezes from the nearby pond. The large rolling lawn in front of the Dairy offered a place for children to play.
The Dairy became Central Park’s first visitor center in 1979 and was one of the first Conservancy restoration projects in the early 1980s. At that time, the building’s historic and colorful loggia was restored, having been removed in the mid-20th century.
- Sheep Meadow - This expansive 15-acre field boasts a rich history and remains a beloved haven for visitors from all walks of life.
Originally known as the “Commons,” Sheep Meadow received its current name in the 1860s when the park’s designers envisioned a pastoral landscape where sheep could roam freely. While the days of grazing sheep are long gone, the meadow still retains the essence of its agricultural origins, inviting visitors to bask in its serene beauty.
As you step onto the expanse, you’ll be greeted by a panoramic view of towering skyscrapers set against the backdrop of nature. It’s a remarkable sight, blending the urban energy of New York City with the calming embrace of the great outdoors.
- The Mall and Literary Walk - “The Walkway of American Elms” – Stroll through the straight, tree-lined walkway known as the Mall, famous for its Quadruple Row of American Elm trees. This promenade is a gathering place for artists, musicians, and performers, providing a cultural, lively atmosphere that truly represents New York’s diversity.
- Bethesda Terrace - “The Heart of Central Park” – Discover Bethesda Terrace, a majestic two-tiered structure that houses the iconic Angel of Waters statue at the Bethesda Fountain. From the ornate carvings on the terrace to the breathtaking views of the lake, it offers a romantic and picturesque setting that’s perfect for relaxation and photography.
- Bow Bridge - “The Romantic Landmark” – Walk across the Bow Bridge, Central Park’s most photographed and filmed cast-iron bridge, boasting a stunning view of the city skyline juxtaposed with the park’s serene foliage. Enjoy its Victorian charm and picturesque vistas, making it an ideal spot for romance and leisurely strolls.
- The Ramble - The lush Central Park woodland, known as the Ramble, is composed of 38 acres of winding pathways between 73rd and 78th streets. Described by Frederick Law Olmsted as a “wild garden”, the Ramble’s maze of trails amidst its abundant flora and fauna contrasts spectacularly with the formality of nearby attractions, such as the Bethesda Terrace. The Ramble is often noted for its bird-watching opportunities, where birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of some of the approximately 230 species found in the woods. Visitors can stop to take a look at the Gill, the man-made stream that runs through the Ramble.
- Belvedere Castle - “The Enchanting Lookout” – Visit the whimsical Belvedere Castle, a mini castle perched atop Vista Rock, offering panoramic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Ramble. Inside, it’s a nature observatory, where visitors can learn about the park’s wildlife and take part in bird-watching activities.
- The Great Lawn - Located at the precise geographical center of Central Park is one of the most well-known lawns in the world: the Great Lawn. The 55-acre area hosts a great range of recreational activities and is a popular destination for picnicking, sunbathing, relaxing, playing and watching softball, and enjoying the scenery. The main oval lawn area is 12 acres and includes six fields for softball. (Heckscher Ballfields and the North Meadow are home to the Park’s other sports fields). All require a permit to play organized games. To the north of the main lawn are two additional fields for volleyball and basketball.
The Great Lawn is well-known as a place for concerts and performances, hosting the annual New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks performance and annual Global Citizen Festival. The Great Lawn landscape also includes important scenic destinations such as the Arthur Ross Pinetum and Turtle Pond.
- Shakespeare Garden - Evocative of an English cottage garden, the four-acre space is densely planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays and poems. Scattered throughout the Garden are bronze plaques with quotes from Shakespeare that reference plants.
Shakespeare Garden is fittingly located near the Delacorte Theater, the venue for the Public Theater’s productions of Shakespeare in the Park. But the Garden predates the theater by several decades. A garden was first created on this site in 1912 by Dr. Edmond Bronk Southwick, NYC Parks’ entomologist, as a place for public school children to study plants and natural history, called “The Garden of the Heart.” Southwick, an avid Shakespeare fan, included four large planting beds with flowers found in Shakespeare’s literature, also intended as a teaching tool. The Garden became more focused on Shakespeare in 1916, in part because of celebrations of the tricentennial of Shakespeare’s death.
- American Museum of Natural History - The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a natural history museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. Located in Theodore Roosevelt Park, across the street from Central Park, the museum complex comprises 20 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. The museum collections contain about 32 million specimens of plants, animals, fungi, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts, as well as specialized collections for frozen tissue and genomic and astrophysical data, of which only a small fraction can be displayed at any given time. The museum occupies more than 2,500,000 sq ft . AMNH has a full-time scientific staff of 225, sponsors over 120 special field expeditions each year and averages about five million visits annually.
- Central Park West Historic District - The Central Park West Historic District is located along Central Park West, between 61st and 97th Streets, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 9, 1982. The district encompasses a portion of the Upper West Side-Central Park West Historic District as designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and contains a number of prominent New York City designated landmarks, including the Dakota, a National Historic Landmark. The buildings date from the late 19th century to the early 1940s and exhibit a variety of architectural styles. The majority of the district’s buildings are of neo-Italian Renaissance style, but Art Deco is a popular theme as well.
- The Dakota - The Dakota, also known as the Dakota Apartments, is a cooperative apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The Dakota was constructed between 1880 and 1884 The building was one of the first large developments on the Upper West Side and is the oldest remaining luxury apartment building in New York City. The building is a National Historic Landmark and has been designated a city landmark. The Dakota gained attention when John Lennon, a resident and former member of the rock band the Beatles, was shot dead outside the building on December 8, 1980.[170] According to the Chicago Tribune, the Dakota became a makeshift memorial for Lennon, especially among fans of the Beatles. The murder also prompted concern among residents, who demanded more stringent security; all visitors were already required to pass through the security booth on 72nd Street. Years after Lennon’s death, the Dakota’s residents tended to eschew publicity.
- Strawberry Fields - “The Lennon Tribute” – Pay homage to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields, a 2.5-acre tranquil section of the park dedicated to the late Beatle. Visit the iconic ‘Imagine’ mosaic, take in the peaceful ambiance designed for quiet reflection, and perhaps listen to a local musician paying acoustic tribute to Lennon’s timeless music.

- Bottled water
- Bottled water
This tour is guided by enthusiastic local residents whose passion for “our park” and captivating storytelling bring the history and charm of Central Park to life, covering both famous landmarks and unexpected hidden gems. Additionally, these experiences will be captured in a complimentary professional photo album. The carefully designed route provides…
This tour is guided by enthusiastic local residents whose passion for “our park” and captivating storytelling bring the history and charm of Central Park to life, covering both famous landmarks and unexpected hidden gems. Additionally, these experiences will be captured in a complimentary professional photo album. The carefully designed route provides an immersive experience, combining nature, architecture, history, and pop culture, while ensuring comfort and convenience with a pace that reduces fatigue and ends at a convenient subway entrance for further city exploration. The tour will also unveil other hidden gems to explore in and around Manhattan that only locals know about, including great restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots that are a must-see for anyone visiting the greatest city in the world. The local knowledge shared is unparalleled, gained over lifetimes of being proud Manhattan residents, and will be shared with all participants.
- Not reccomended for very young children or the elderly. Strollers & wheelchairs are not suitable for this tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.