With twenty-five million visitors every year, Central Park is hands down the most visited US park. Located in New York city, this urban park serves as the dividing line between Manhattan’s Upper East Side and its Upper West Side. With its prime Manhattan location, Central Park is close to several five star New York hotels as well as fine restaurants and clubs.
The park was designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted and opened in 1859. It covers 843 acres and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Central Park houses a number of ponds and lakes as well as natural woods and a reservoir. There are extensive walking paths, two ice rinks, and a popular running track that circles the reservoir.
Other features of Central Park include the Central park Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, and the Central Park Conservatory Garden. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in Central Park. Every year the summer “Shakespeare in the Park” productions are held in the park’s Delacorte Theater and SummerStage produces free plays and concerts both in the park and throughout the five New York boroughs. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is also held here, on Central Park West.
