Starting Your Journey At The South End Entrance

Starting your visit to Central Park from the south end is the best way to see Central Park. You can enter the park from either 5th Avenue or Columbus Circle. You'll notice how the park changes from the city's busy streets to a peaceful, green space. This lively and welcoming park area makes it a perfect starting point for your adventure.

As you step into Central Park from the south, you'll find yourself on a path leading to its heart. This path is where your walk through Central Park starts. You'll see wide open spaces where you can relax on the grass, trails for walking or biking, and lots of people enjoying their day. The south end is home to some of the park's well-known spots, like the Central Park Zoo and the famous ice skating rink in the winter. Get ready to explore; there's much to see and do from the start.

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Exploring The Southern Highlights

You should start with the Central Park Zoo in Central Park's southern part. It's not the biggest zoo, but you can see all kinds of animals from around the world. 

Right next to the zoo is The Pond. This is a place to take a break and enjoy the view. You might even forget you're in the middle of a city. Watching the water and the trees around it is an excellent way to relax.

From here, figuring out how to get around Central Park is easy. You can walk, rent a bike, get on Central Park tours such as a pedicab tour or horse-drawn carriage to do something special. The paths are well-marked, and there are maps all over the place. You can also use your phone to help guide you to the next spot. A Central Park walk is a great way to see everything up close, but renting a bike could be a good option to get around faster.

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Exploring the Heart of Central Park

Moving into the middle of Central Park, you hit the heart of it, where some real gems are. 

A walking map of Central Park NYC can help a lot here. It will show you how to find places like Bethesda Terrace, The Mall, and Literary Walk. These landmarks are unique, and you shouldn’t miss them.

Start your walk in the heart of Central Park with Literary Walk. This spot is quiet and filled with statues of famous writers. It's a great place for anyone who loves books and enjoys calmness.

Next, find yourself at The Mall. It's a long, straight path lined with trees and feels like something from a movie. You'll often find musicians or artists along the way, sharing their work with everyone passing by.

Then, make your way to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain which is where The Mall ends. It's nearby architecture and landscape offer some of the best views of the park and the city. It's a great spot for taking some Instagram photos.

After Bethesda Terrace, head over to Cherry Hill. It's not far and really shines in April when the Japanese cherry blossom trees around the famous fountain are in full bloom. The fountain might look familiar and remind the one in the TV show Friends (we have an article on that here)

From there, walk to Bow Bridge. It's one of the most beautiful spots in the park and gives you great views all around. The bridge is a work of art and a favorite spot for photos.

Finish this part of your visit at Strawberry Fields. It's a peaceful place dedicated to John Lennon, right across from where he lived. It's a good spot for quiet reflection and a peaceful moment.

Plan for a couple of hours if you're wondering how long it takes to walk Central Park to see these mid-park highlights. This gives you enough time to enjoy each location without rushing. Walking through these parts of the park lets you see many beautiful sights and feel the atmosphere. 

It’s easy to walk from one highlight to the next, and there are plenty of signs to guide you. 

Taking your time here is worth it because these areas show you what Central Park is all about.

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The Northern Areas Towards the Garden

As you keep going north in Central Park, you'll come across landmarks that might not be as famous but are definitely worth your time. Before you get to the quiet and beautiful spots like The Conservatory Garden and Belvedere Castle, there are a few landmarks you shouldn't miss.

First, you'll come across the Alice in Wonderland statue. It's a fun and whimsical sculpture that's great for pictures, especially if you're visiting with kids.

Next up is the Obelisk, also known as Cleopatra's Needle. It's one of the tallest and oldest things in the park, and it's pretty cool to see something so ancient in the middle of the city.

Then, you have the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even if you don't go inside, the building is impressive, and the steps are a popular spot to sit and take a break. The museum's location in the park makes it easy to stop by as you explore.

After checking out these landmarks, head towards  Belvedere Castle and The Shakespeare's Garden. The garden is peaceful, perfect if you love plants and quiet. Belvedere Castle is like something out of a fairy tale, sitting up high so you can look out over the park and the city. Going up to the castle is worth it for the view alone. Plus, it's an excellent place for Instagram pictures.

Not far from there is the Reservoir. It's a huge body of water in the park that offers some of the best views and a nice path for walking or running around. The skyline around the Reservoir is great for photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

These areas are great for seeing a different side of Central Park. They're quieter but just as impressive as the more crowded ones. Walking here, you'll find scenic views and hidden places that make you appreciate the park even more. These northern spots show you more of the park's natural beauty and give you a break from the busy city life.