Central Park's urban oasis draws millions of visitors, and there's plenty of space for all to spread out a blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic. Nature lovers can spot birds along the quiet woodland trails, and sports enthusiasts will find something to do in every season: ice skating and cross country skiing in the winter, yoga and swimming in the summer, and jogging and biking no matter what the weather happens to be. When the warm months descend upon the city, Central Park hosts free concerts, movies at dusk, and world-renowned plays.
Parking and public transportation at Central Park
Located in the heart of New York City, Central Park is easy to access by car, public transportation, or bicycle. If riding a bike inside the park, be sure to stick to designated bike paths and obey the street crossings. Metered parking spots are available on the streets surrounding the park, but empty spaces are hard to come by.
Best and worst time to go to Central Park
The most picturesque time of year is early spring, especially when the cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park begin to bloom, usually in mid to late April. March brings soggy grounds and unpredictable weather, and features the park at its least colorful.
Admission to Central Park
Admission is free. Certain attractions within the park charge a fee, such as the zoo, the carousel, ice skating, and boat rentals.
Must see/do in Central Park
Visitors to the Lake have a lot of options. They can lounge on its banks while watching rowboats glide under the lovely arched Bow Bridge, wander the paths that wind around it, or kick back with a cold drink at the lakefront Loeb Boathouse. For stunning park views, follow the Ramble to Belvedere Castle, which also doubles as one of the park's visitor centers. Bethesda Terrace is a lively plaza where street performers and artists hang out. It's also home to Bethesda Fountain, a neoclassical wonder of a sculpture, also known as Angel of the Waters.
Other places to visit near Central Park
Because Central Park spans 843 acres, you can end up in various parts of the city depending on where you exit. Some of the city's most famous museums are located on Museum Mile, which stretches along the eastern border of the park on Fifth Avenue. Those who exit at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue will be in front of the Plaza Hotel, whose Food Hall has a delectable choice of gourmet eateries. To take the path less travelled, head toward the Harlem exit at 110th Street, and you'll find yourself at the lower tip of one of New York's most vibrantly historical neighborhoods.
Insider tip for visitors to Central Park
The only difficult thing about Central Park is keeping up with all the events, so do a little research before you go. Chances are, there's something special going on when you go, whether it's tango lessons at the Shakespeare statue, a roller disco party with a live DJ, or a free Metropolitan Opera concert. Two good websites to keep up on the park's events are http://www.centralpark.com/ and http://www.nycgo.com/
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer in New York City, where she vows to stay until she stops getting lost in Central Park. Follow her on Twitter @MicheleDeBella.
Bryant Park is relatively small, but bursting with year-round activities, including pingpong, poetry readings, and plenty of events for art and music lovers. The park's rectangular patch of lawn is picture perfect on a summer day. People soak in the sun, while glass and steel skyscrapers tower around them, creating a quintessential New York scene. The park is just as enchanting in the cold weather months, when it transforms into a lively winter village.
Parking and public transportation at Bryant Park
The B, D, F, and M subway lines stop at 42nd Street-Bryant Park. The 7 train to 5th Avenue is another convenient option, and the park is an easy walk from the major subway lines of Times Square. Drivers will most likely need to park in an attended garage.
Best and worst time to go to Bryant Park
Weekdays at lunchtime feature Bryant Park at its most social. Office workers sit and chat after grabbing a bite from a nearby eatery, and retirees ponder over games of chess or Mahjong. Summertime also brings a host of lunch hour musical performances. The park's free events can get very crowded, especially the summer film festival. Arriving early is the rule of thumb.
Admission to Bryant Park
Admission is free, as are most activities, including yoga and tai chi classes, dance lessons, various literary events, and the popular year-round juggling lessons. In the winter, admission to the ice skating rink is free, with skates available to rent. Le Carrousel, a merry-go-round set to French cabaret music, charges a small fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
Must see/do at Bryant Park
Winter Village begins in October, when rows of holiday shops appear, the skating rink opens, and there's plenty of hot chocolate on hand to warm up chilled visitors. Be sure to take advantage of other seasonal events such as weekly walking tours (April – October), Broadway in Bryant Park (July – August), and the annual fall festival.
Other places to visit near Bryant Park
The New York Public Library sits on the east end of the park, guarded by its iconic marble lions; Grand Central Terminal is just another couple blocks beyond that. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in and around Bryant Park, but to satisfy a sweet tooth, head to Lady M Cake Boutique.
Insider tip for visitors to Bryant Park
Bryant Park has one of the cleanest public restrooms in the city. Located in the northeast corner, attendants are frequently on site, tidying up and keeping supplies well-stocked.
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She often spends weekdays plotting which city park to spend her Sunday in. Follow her on Twitter.
Governors Island is a 172-acre island off the coast of Manhattan and Brooklyn that once served as a post for the US Army and US Coast Guard. Currently, Fort Jay and Castle Williams are restored as national monuments and are part of a 92-acre national historic district that is open to the public during summer and early fall every year. A variety of events are held during the summer like concerts, walking tours, bike riding, fairs and festivals -- all of which are perfect for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
Parking and public transportation to Governors Island
There are no cars allowed on the island. Access is only allowed to the public by ferries that leave every half-hour. A direct ferry leaves from the Financial District in Manhattan. A direct ferry leaves Brooklyn from Pier 6, near Brooklyn Heights. The East River Ferry also circles between Governors Island and parts of Brooklyn (Dumbo, Williamsburg and Greenpoint).
Best and worst time to go to Governors Island
The best time to go is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ferry schedules vary but expect them to run starting at 10 a.m. The last ferry usually leaves by 5:30 p.m. Avoid hopping on the ferry too close to the island's closing time.
Admission to Governors Island
Prices vary according to season. If using the East River Ferry, the cost to ride is approximately $4-5 plus $1 for bikes. The direct ferries from Manhattan and Brooklyn are usually free.
Must see/do at Governors Island
A schedule listing the various fairs and festivals is posted every year. Biking is a must and is the best way to see the whole island in less than a day. There is a bike path along the water that circles the entire island as well as paths that lead in and out of the fields and hills. Fort Jay is a fantastic ruin that is overgrown by healthy grass and vines -- perfect for the adventure traveler.
Insider tip for visitors to Governors Island
There is a small beach and a music venue called Governors Beach Club on the northern tip of the island. They host numerous concerts and events in the summer and there is also food and beer for sale for the casual visitor. The view of the lower Manhattan skyline is stunning.
Author's bio: Emilia Navarro is a freelance travel writer based in Brooklyn.