Central Park Photo Spots that Every Photographer will Love
Table of Contents
Ah, Central Park in New York City, the home to one of the most iconic parks in the world and famous tv and movie shooting locations. Even if you’ve never been chances are you’ve seen photos or movie scenes in this luxe city escape. Central Park photography and picnics are just two of the notable reasons for visiting any time of the year. No matter what time of the year you visit the park is vibrant and breathtaking. Best of all, visiting Central Park is FREE. Below are 12 spots for Central Park photography that are Instagram worthy.
1. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Probably THE most famous spot in Central Park, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain are two incredible features overlooking The Lake in New York City’s Central Park. Notable tv and movie scenes from this area include Home Alone 2, Elf, Enchanted, Gossip Girl, and Sex and The City. The terrace is filled with arches and dramatic steps and has the most incredible ceiling. While the fountain flows all year but winter for a very European flare.
This area is always overcrowded so I recommend coming around 7 am for Instagram content. Many times you’ll find wedding and engagement photos being shot here.
Enter from East 72nd and 5th ave
2. Kerbs Boathouse
Famous for model boat rentals, Kerbs Boathouse features a cafe offering light refreshments, an outdoor patio with perennial planting beds, and several model yachts on display.
Enter from East 72nd and 5th ave
3. Loeb Boathouse
If you’re looking for a unique place to photograph in NYC and a meal to remember head over to the Loeb Boathouse. This on the water restaurant that overlooks the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain has the best brunch but make sure to make reservations well in advance. Highly recommend starting with the Crab Cake with marinated cucumbers and bell pepper remoulade sauce.
After brunch rent a rowboat for some epic Central Park photography on the water. The rowboats are seasonal and are only open from 10 am until sundown. The rowboats are $35 for 1 hour plus a $20 deposit. CASH ONLY
Enter Central Park at 59th Street.
4. Lake View of the The Eldorado
This hidden spot isn’t obvious but next to the Lake just in between the Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse sits the perfect backdrop of the Upper West Side, making it one of the best photo spots in NYC.
5. Bow Bridge
Crafted of cast iron, Bow Bridge was designed with Classical Greek refinement during the mid 19th century. Fun fact, the colors of the Ramble woodland change in hues depending on the season giving photographers plenty of reasons to keep coming back to this enchanted spot.
The bridge is 60 feet long, if you want to capture the whole length of the bridge in a photo head down to a look out point just right of the bridge. Best time is come is very early in the morning. It can get very busy and crowded with tourists and content creators alike.
mid-park at 74th Street, west of Bethesda Terrace
6. The Mall (Literary Walk)
Favorite Sex and The City quote filmed walking The Mall…
Charlotte: “Imagine, being blind and not being able to see a beautiful day like today. Can you think of anything worse? you imagine not being able to see a beautiful day like today? Is there anything worse?”
Anthony “Yes, Stonewash jeans and a matching jacket”
The Mall is a promenade with towering American elm trees. At the Mall’s northern end stands Bethesda Terrace, overlooking the Lake. The southern end features statues of famous writers, earning the promenade its nickname, “Literary Walk.” You can often find live must, painters, and comics performing for the public here.
Mid Park at 66th St
Additional spots to visit in Central Park:
There are so many places to see in Central Park and unfortunately, they can’t ALL be seen in one day. Below are some additional spots in the park I highly recommend checking out if you have the time.
7. Alice in Wonderland
8. Belvedere Castle
9. The Rocks
10. Gapstow Bridge
11. The Pond
12. Central Park Carousel
6 Commonly asked questions for visiting Central Park, NYC
Central Park is huge spanning 843-acres of Manhattan, that’s why it’s super important to map out where you want to go and take photos in Central park before you get there. I recommend checking out my blog post “Plan A Stress-Free Trip With Google Maps Trip Planner” it’s a step by step guide showing you how to use Google Maps to plan out every spot and destination you need to know in order to stay time, effort, and money.
Below are some common questions about Central Park that you should know about before visiting.
1. What’s the best part of Central Park?
The most famous parts of Central Park are located around Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. All the pictures included in the blog post are located around the fountain and really easy to get to. This is where all the NYC-based tv shows like Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, etc film. Chances are you’ve seen at least one of these famous spots before. Check out this map of Central Park for a full list of all the things to do and see in the park.
2. What streets are Central Park on?
Central Park is bordered by Central Park North at 110th Street; Central Park South at 59th Street; Central Park West at Eighth Avenue; and Fifth Avenue on the east. But there are so many more entrances to the park. If you’re looking to get to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain easily go through the E 72nd and 5th ave entrance, follow the path and it’s a short 5-minute walk.
3. What is there to do near Central Park?
There are so many things to do in and around Central Park. Here are a couple of things to do near Central Park for the most noteworthy NYC experience.
- Visit The Plaza and have drinks at night or tea during the day. This is also a great spot for Instagram photos for a more luxurious elegant vibe.
- Walk 5th Ave and shop. Probably one of the most famous streets in the world filled with the most high-end luxury fashions like Chanel and Gucci. However, you can also find stores like Zara and Gap.
- Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Visit The American Museum of Natural History
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
4. How long does it take to walk around Central Park?
Central Park is 2.5miles long from 59th st to 110th st. It would take you around 2 hours to walk from top to bottom. If you’re planning to walk around the park, be prepared for it to be a full day activity.
5. Best time to take pictures of Central Park
Central Park is a big tourist attraction all year round. If you’re planning on capturing Central Park photography for your content channels like Instagram, I recommend going during the week in the early morning hours of 7 am-9 am. The park gets overcrowded during the day and especially during the weekends.
6. Where to stay near Central Park
The Upper East Side and areas surrounding Central Park are home to some of the most famous hotels, such as The Plaza from Home Alone: Lost in New York. There’s no shortage of places to stay. Below are some recommendations if you want to be close to the park. No matter where in Manhattan you’re staying during your trip, getting to Central Park is really easy via subway, uber, or taxi.
Subway Stations near Central Park include West 92nd St. (B, C), East 92nd St.(Q, M, R), West 86th St.(1,2), East 86th St. (4,5,6, Q) West 81st St. (B, C), West 72nd St. (B,C)East 77th St. (4,5,6), 59th St. Colombus Circle(1,2,3), 57th St./7th Ave (N,Q,R,W), 57th St. (F), 5th Ave/59th St. (N,W,R).
Use Expedia to find great deals all over the city at an affordable rate.
- Mandarin Oriental
- The Plaza
- The Pierre, a Taj Hotel
- JW Mariott Essex House Hotel
- Park Lane Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Want more travel inspiration? Check out The Ultimate Travel Carry On Packing List & Hacks.
Save This Post On Pinterest
