It’s getting cold, but there’s no reason to let that stop us from enjoying nature. Grab a pair of gloves and a hat, and you’re all ready to explore Central Park, NYC’s most famous outdoor space. I’m here to tell you that the fanfare is for good reason, Central Park is 840 acres of beautiful grass and groves of trees. Exploring the park is an all-day thing, it takes an hour to walk from the north end to the south end, but there are innumerable nooks and crannies to explore.
One of my favorite spots is Hernshead, a rocky outlook that extends into the Lake. It requires you to do some climbing to reach the waterfront views, but it’s worth it. Hernshead is a great place to bring a book, you can curl up in between the rocks and relax with some semblance of privacy, all the while watching people row past. It’s right next to Ladies Pavilion, a cast-iron gazebo where you just might see a wedding or a proposal. The Lake is surrounded by wooded trails where you can walk among the trees and watch squirrels to your heart’s content. Though there is small fencing that prevents you from going off the trails in many places, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to “hiking” in the city. Also near the Lake is Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Fans of Gossip Girl will recognize Bethesda Terrace, as it’s where Chuck and Blair get married at the end of the show. There’s always street performers and little pop-up shops at the Terrace, and sitting on the edge of the Fountain is a great way to relax after a long day of walking through the park. Directly adjacent to the Bethesda Terrace is The Mall, a paved walkway surrounded by trees and benches on either side. Often, musicians are playing along The Mall, so you’re serenaded as you enjoy the fresh air.
Another great outdoor adventure in the park is the walking trail along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It’s about a 30– minute walk, and allows you to see the water as well as the city skyline. The trail can get crowded during the weekends, so it might be worth going during the week or in the morning. It’s the perfect thing to do with friends, you can bring a coffee or hot chocolate and sip it as you walk around and enjoy being outside. When with friends, another good spot is Sheep Meadow, a huge empty grass field. You can bring a blanket, board game, and food and have a day full of fun while also being in nature.
If you’re looking for winter specific things to do in Central Park, ice skating at Wollman Rink is a great option. Ice skating is open until March 12, and admission ranges from $15 to $37 per person depending on the day. Skate rentals cost $11 and locker rentals are $7. If it snows, you can also go sledding at Central Park at either Pilgrim Hill or Cedar Hill.
The best thing about Central Park is that it is what you make—you can spend as much time there as you want and go wherever you want to. The easiest way to get there from Pace is the subway, so hop on and start exploring!