Central Park Date Ideas in New York

Belvedere Castle is one of the park's romantic spots and is said to be best experienced by moonlight. Terraces open up views in every direction, and the castle looks out over the Great Lawn with Turtle Pond directly below. It stands on Vista Rock, the park's second-highest natural point, and Vaux and Mould finished it in 1872 as a folly. Today it works as a visitor center. The Delacorte Theater is a few steps away if you want to keep wandering. From Turtle Pond you can look back at the castle on its rock.

Sunset is the moment for Bow Bridge, one of the park's most photographed and most romantic features. Countless proposals have happened here. The bridge crosses the Lake near 74th Street between Cherry Hill and the Ramble. Its name comes from an arc that resembles an archer's bow. Cross into the Ramble, or head back toward Cherry Hill when you are ready to keep walking.

Tucked into the park's southeast corner, Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a four-acre wooded hill of rock overlooking the Pond. Winding trails lead to overlooks and seating by the shore, and a waterfall makes a good stop for the two of you. The benches and the gate are made of natural wood. The sanctuary is on the East Side between 60th and 62nd Streets, and it is open daily from 10am until 30 minutes before sunset.

Pack a picnic for Turtle Pond, a two-acre pond just south of the Great Lawn near 80th Street. Five turtle species live in the pond, most commonly red-eared sliders. The shore has the best view of Belvedere Castle on Vista Rock across the water. The pond was made in 1937 with the Great Lawn. Belvedere Castle looks down on the pond from above.

Conservatory Garden has many secluded, fragrant corners at the park's north end. The garden has three sections: French, Italianate and English. Of the three gardens, the English one likely draws the biggest crowds. The garden is among the park's most photographed natural spaces. For the autumn mums, leave the garden by East 106th Street.

Meet at The Loeb Boathouse, near East 72nd Street and Center Drive. The Boathouse Restaurant looks south over the Lake and past Bow Bridge, with views of Bethesda Terrace. It is the best place in the park to share a sunset. From Bethesda Fountain you can look back across the water at the Boathouse while rowboats cross the Lake. Cherry Hill, a popular lookout over the Lake, is mid-park at 72nd if you want to keep walking afterward.

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain overlook the Lake and rank among the park's most romantic spots. The fountain rises above the Terrace on the Lake's south shore, topped by the bronze Angel of the Waters, which Emma Stebbins designed and which was unveiled in 1873. From the fountain you can watch rowboats on the Lake, with the Boathouse across the water.

Cherry Hill is a peaceful little escape in the heart of Central Park, with beautiful views of the Lake, Bow Bridge and the Ramble. It's an especially romantic spot in spring when the cherry trees bloom, but the winding paths and ornate fountain make it worth visiting year-round. Take in the views together, then cross Bow Bridge into the Ramble to continue your walking date through the park.

Conservatory Water is a pond on the East Side near 75th Street where people launch and race model sailboats. Benches along its edge are popular for relaxing and watching the boats and the people. The pond stays calm beside all the activity. The Alice in Wonderland statue and the Hans Christian Andersen monument are nearby. Birdwatchers gather along the west edge to follow the red-tail hawks Pale Male and Lola, who nest on Fifth Avenue.

Head to North Woods for a walk among tall trees, with a babbling brook, a small waterfall and a stone arch along the way. Olmsted and Vaux shaped it with cascades, rustic bridges and paths so it would feel like rugged wilderness. The Blockhouse, a War of 1812 fortification, is the park's oldest structure. Finish by walking through Conservatory Garden and exiting onto East 106th Street to see the autumn mums.