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In today’s video we’re going to get out of The City. In New York, you don’t have to go far to escape the craziness of city life. In fact, New York has a massive 843-acre oasis right in the middle of Manhattan called Central Park.
Central Park hosts over 25 million visitors per year. It’s the most visited park in the United States and its appearance in many movies and television shows has made it famous around the world.
Get the Flash Player to see this player. Click above to watch this video: Central Park Video Tour – Part 1. (4:40)
Central Park is bordered on the north by West 110th Street, on the south by West 59th Street, on the west by Eighth Avenue – which along the Park’s borders are known as Central Park North, Central Park South, and Central Park West respectively. Fifth Avenue retains its name and forms the eastern border of the park.
Central Park contains several lakes and ponds, extensive walking trails, two ice-skating rinks (one of which is a swimming pool in July and August), the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a reservoir with an encircling running track, 37 kids playgrounds, children’s yoga, the Delacorte Theater and, of course, the famous Central Park Carousel.
I think you get the idea. There’s A LOT to do here. But so that you don’t get overwhelmed, we’re going to make this into a multi-part video series. In this “Central Park Mini Series” I’m going to take you around to a few of my favorite places:
New York Accommodation: 1-bedroom in Midtown West (NY-11135) Photo
Bethesda Terrace - Mid-Park at 72nd Street
When Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed the park in the late 1850’s, they knew they needed a special place in the Park where people could gather. They needed to create a center for socializing, for people to see and be seen, Bethesda Terrace is that place. Hang around here long enough and you’ll see it all… street performers, wedding photographs, musicians, artists and more.
Central Park Zoo and the Children’s Zoo – East Side at 64th St.
The Central Park Zoo had some bleak years back in the 70s and 80s. It had been neglected and its animals were living in small cramped cages. It has since been renovated and today it’s a thriving healthy zoo with a lot to see. Come see the polar bears, the sea lion pool, monkeys and the amazing tropical rain forest. Just next door is the Children’s Zoo. This is a must-see if you have kids. They’ve got goats, pigs, turtles, ducks and even a cow named Othello. The best part - most of the animals can be touched and fed.
Don’t forget that a great way to experience New York is to rent a vacation rental from New York Habitat. We’ve got apartments all around Central Park. It’s a great alternative to the usual hotel and it’ll save you money!
This studio apartment with terrace on the Upper West Side (NY-12814) is a great option if you’re looking for quick access to Central Park.
If you’re looking to live across the street from the Park, you’ll want to consider this amazing one bedroom on Central Park South (NY-11135). The building offers round-the-clock concierge staff, a full-service business center, onsite fitness center and health spa, valet parking, multilingual staff, laundry services and even cellular telephone rental. Last but not least, it is also home to the world famous Alain Ducasse restaurant.
The Loeb Boathouse on the Lake - East Side between 74th and 75th Streets
The Loeb Boathouse is located at the northeastern tip of the Lake. It’s one of Central Parks most recognizable spots. You can rent a boat here for a romantic moment on the Lake.
Wolman Rink - East Side between 62nd and 63rd Streets
Wollman Rink was built in 1949 when Kate Wollman donated $600,000 for its construction. In the early 1990’s, it was sold and is now run by Donald Trump.
The Pond
Our last stop in part 1 of our Central Park series is one of my favorite little corners of Central Park. It’s called, quite fittingly, The Pond. It’s in the southeast corner of the park and you’ll find ducks, turtles, a few benches and a cute little stone bridge. It’s hard to believe you’re just a few feet away from 5th Avenue!
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed our little visit to Central Park. And of course, we weren’t able to cover all 843 acres in one video. If you know of any great Central Park locations we missed, be sure to share them in the comments below. Don’t forget, this is just one part of a series on Central Park, so be sure to keep your eye out for the second part in the coming weeks. Or, better yet, follow us on Twitter and get up to the minute alerts on our video releases as well as a lot of other apartment news and discounts.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Central Park Video Tour – Part 2
- Video Tour of Central and West Harlem
- Video tour of Chinatown, New York
- Video Tour of Greenwich Village
- Halloween in Central Park
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Central Park is what makes New York City! To have an apartment with a view of the park would be wondrous…
July 24th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I took my little nephew who is 5 years old to the petting zoo. He really loved it. Central Park is great for kids you have the zoo, the lake and the rides.
July 25th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I love Central Park. There is always so much stuff happening there; free concerts, events, and pickup games. At the same time, it is so large that you can always find a space to relax by yourself in the best green space in New York City. Cleo is right, an apartment with a view of Central Park would be an amazing summer getaway.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I haven’t seen that much of the world, but I seen Central Park and I think it’s one big Garden Of Eden smack in the middle of the city. Everyone goes there.
July 30th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Can never get enough Central Park on a beautiful, sunny day in New York City!
August 5th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Forget all troubles and forget all your fears and head out to Central Park!
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I just visited Central Park today, I haven’t visited in a very long time. I marvel at the many changes that has taken place there, I almost thought for a second that I was in a park somewhere in Europe. I love the little boats and it seems to me that they’ve made the canal much more spacious. After a grand tour and a little roaring in one of thos boats we decided to have lunch at the Boat House and then laid out on the great lawn.