5 Central Park Spots to Visit

It’s safe to say that I’ve spent the majority of my summer in Central Park.

I like to call Central Park my “backyard.” It’s quite close to where I live on the Upper East Side, and ever since I returned to New York City in June, I have found myself gravitating towards the scenic, vast, and iconic location.

Before COVID, I rarely visited Central Park. At those times, Central Park felt so far away. It felt like a trek to head in that direction. But now looking back at all those times, I realized how much my perspective on distance has changed over the years living in New York City. Funny that works, huh. I can’t believe I used to think 30 minutes on a subway was far…

Anyway.

If I decided to go for a run, I would opt for the running path alongside the East River or on the streets of Manhattan. It wasn’t until my friend recommended her running path in Central Park, and I started to find myself exploring different places to run. I was starting to get tired of having to stop at every street for cars and pedestrians. It was throwing off my running pace.

Now, I have a running routine and a spot by the Met Museum and other places in Central Park where I like to do ab workouts and stretch. If you follow me on Instagram, I mentioned the update here. Even though I still haven’t visited every spot in Central Park, I wanted to share a round-up of spots you should definitely add to your NYC list.

1. Conservatory Garden

   Location: between 104th and 106th Streets west of Fifth Avenue

In my three years here, I’ve never been to the Conservatory Garden. It was on my Central Park bucket list since the beginning of summer and I was determined to visit it before the season ended. The flowers were beautiful and blooming in August, and if that’s the case, I can’t imagine how stunning the Garden looks in the springtime.

2. Great Lawn

Location: 79th Street and W 85th Street

[ at sunset ]

I rarely went to the Great Lawn before COVID, but now, it’s become one of my go-to places in Central Park. It’s perfect for a picnic, hangout spot with friends, and even a workout session.

You’ll see kids playing soccer and baseball on the plush green field, people throwing around a football, friends socializing on blankets with lunches, snacks, and drinks, runners jogging alongside the fence outside of the Great Lawn, dogs on leashes exploring the nature around them… and so much more. It’s the perfect place to also people-watch ;)

My most recent (and favorite!) memory there is a fun picnic I got to enjoy with some of my close friends the last weekend of August.

3. Belvedere Castle

Location: mid-Park at 79th Street

This shot is from the Great Lawn, but you can spot the Belvedere Castle in the background.

This spot is from the Belvedere Castle lookout point. It overlooks the Great Lawn to the north and the Ramble to the south.

Two things I didn’t know about the Belvedere Castle until writing this post:

1) “belvedere” translates to “beautiful view” in Italian

2) it was originally built without doors or windows

4. Gapstow Bridge

Location: East Side at 62nd Street

I find myself visiting Gapstow Bridge every season. It’s one of my favorite views year round. You can’t beat the dramatic skyline of Central Park South showcasing the Plaza Hotel and other notable skyscrapers.

This was during the winter season when it was nearly 20 degrees out.

Truth be told: Fall is my favorite season for this view.

5. Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

Location: mid-Park at 86th-96th Streets

Last but not least: a new favorite location this summer.

I’ve been running this 1.58-mile track many times since I returned to New York City. It’s one of the most iconic running routes in Central Park with its beautiful view of the classic Upper West Side skyline. I love this running trail because 1) it’s one-way, even though some people have the nerve to go backwards on the loop and 2) you can loop it as many times as you want to achieve the distance and time you want and 3) I hit my best PR (personal record) for 7 miles under an hour and 4) I find it motivating when there’s people walking / running the trail alongside me. It gives me something to pace off of.

I’ve pretty much ran the reservoir in every practical weather condition so far. Besides snow. Obviously.

I might be the only one who feels this way, but I love running in the rain — a light drizzle, at most. There’s something so satisfying about pounding away in the rain, music blasting through your ears, and feeling like you are unstoppable. Rain actually motivates me to run faster, believe it or not.

Have you visited these spots before?

What are your favorite Central Park spots? I’d love to hear them!