Whether you’re looking for a free place to take your family, or just want to get away for some quiet time, Central Park has plenty of attractions for everyone. From the Imagine Mosaic to the Bow Bridge to Cherry Hill and the Strawberry Fields, here are some great tips for exploring the park.
Bethesda Terrace
Located in the heart of Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is a popular destination for people-watching and relaxation. The area is also known for its spectacular views of the Central Park lake.
Bethesda Terrace was originally designed as a social gathering place and as a prominent display of architecture and art. It was built in 1859-64 and includes a two-level terrace and a lower stairway.
The lower stairway was designed to provide a podium for viewing the Lake. The upper terrace features a view of the Bethesda Fountain. The fountain is a bronze eight-foot statue of a winged angel.
Imagine Circle
Located in New York City‘s Central Park, the Imagine Circle is a tribute to the life and times of John Lennon. It’s a 34-foot-long circular mosaic of black and white marble that pays tribute to the song and lyrics of “Imagine,” the best-known single of Lennon’s career.
The Imagine Circle was also the site of candlelight vigils in the days following the September 11 attacks. It is an excellent example of a formal design, but it also serves as a gathering point. During the 1980s, Lennon and Yoko Ono would stroll through the park together, listening to brass bands and playing guitars in the gardens.
Imagine Mosaic
Located in the Central Park Strawberry Fields, the Imagine Mosaic is a tribute to John Lennon. The Imagine is an iconic black and white mosaic that evokes the idea of a world without war. This is an international tribute to the late Beatle and one of the many attractions in this New York City oasis. The Imagine is free to see and there are a variety of free tours available, so make sure to book yours.
The Imagine is an homage to John Lennon and his lifelong commitment to peace. This iconic black and white mosaic was designed by Italian craftsmen.
Bow Bridge
Often dubbed the crown jewel of Central Park, Bow Bridge is an 87-foot-long cast iron suspension bridge that connects The Ramble and Cherry Hill. It is one of the most photographed and filmed locations in Central Park. It was constructed between 1859 and 1862. The bridge is a popular meeting point and has been featured in several movies and television shows.
The bow bridge is not the only notable landmark in Central Park. There are several notable structures in the park, including the Bridle Path and Reservoir Running Loop.
Strawberry Fields
Located on the west side of Central Park, Strawberry Fields is the site of the memorial for the late John Lennon. The area has become a pilgrimage site for fans of Lennon, who died in 1980.
The memorial, built by Bruce Kelly and the Central Park Conservancy, features a circular mosaic shaped like the word “Imagine”, a song by the Beatles. It is estimated that there are thousands of visitors to the area every year. The mosaic features a starburst pattern and is constructed of black and white marble.
Conservatory Water
Located on the Upper East Side of Central Park, Conservatory Water was once a pond. The name derives from the greenhouse conservatory that used to sit on the site, which was built in the early 1800’s. Nowadays the site is a staging area for bird watchers.
Its main draw is in the form of model boats. The pond was created by master planners Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. It was originally meant to be a small reflecting pool for the conservatory, but was transformed into a model boating center of excellence.
Cherry Hill
Located in New York City’s Central Park, Cherry Hill is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in the city. It is a large open space and has many tree coverings. During cherry blossom season, it is one of the best spots to see the trees in bloom.
Cherry Hill is also known for its fountain. This Victorian-era fountain is a great place to enjoy a picnic or to watch a rowboat or pedicab. The fountain features a sculpted bluestone basin, eight frosted round glass lamps, and a 14-foot granite dome.
