Photography in Central Park

The Park is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. With 843 acres to work with, there's lots of ground to cover. Here's where to go—and when—for the best shots.

Skyline Views

• Sheep Meadow offers wide-open views of the Midtown skyline. On a warm day, plenty of picnic-goers fill the foreground.
• Central Park sits on exposed bedrock, and high points like Umpire Rock and Hernshead offer a different angle of the City.
• In the winter, bare trees reveal skyline views; try the winding paths at the Great Hill, the Ramble, and Summit Rock.
• The 1.58-mile track around the Reservoir surrounds nearly 100 acres of water with the Upper West Side, Midtown, and Upper East Side skylines behind it.
• Oak Bridge, one of the main entrances to the Ramble, overlooks the Lake with Midtown in the distance.
• The Hallett Nature Sanctuary offers some of the best Midtown views in the Park: City buildings set against a wild landscape.

Sunrise and Sunset

The Reservoir is a favorite spot in the Park to catch the City's dramatic sunrises and sunsets, with the Lake offering another ideal vantage point. Give yourself time: The colors shift fast, and you'll want to catch every moment.

Wildlife

Central Park is full of birds, turtles, and other creatures worth photographing. Just remember to give them space, and don't feed them.

The Park welcomes more than 210 bird species each year! The three woodland landscapes (Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Ramble, and the North Woods) are the best places to find them.

Squirrels and ducks are everywhere, but don’t forget to look up. Owls and red-tailed hawks are more common than you'd think. The Park's famous Mandarin duck has also been a frequent guest at the Pond.

The North Woods is one of the few spots to find chipmunks. For turtles, try the Reservoir, the Lake, the Pond, the Harlem Meer, and, of course, Turtle Pond.

Short on time? The Central Park Zoo has sea lions and penguins, and the nearby Tisch Children's Zoo has goats and sheep.

A Different Angle

Step off the main paths for views most visitors miss. The Point offers lesser-seen views of Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. At Strawberry Fields, walk to the open field just northeast of the Imagine mosaic for a secluded look at the Lake and Hernshead.

Things to know before you go:

• Get there early. Bethesda Terrace, the Imagine mosaic, and Alice in Wonderland can get crowded. Arrive before 10:00 am for the best light and fewer people in your shot.
  

• Check our guides. Our Fall Foliage Map tracks the best spots for colorful autumn leaves.

• Be patient. The Park draws year-round crowds, especially near the south end. If someone's in your shot, give it a minute. They're trying to capture the moment, too.

• Wear safe shoes. Climbing the Park's rock outcrops can offer great vantage points, but sneakers or boots make it much easier.

• Come prepared. Bring water and snacks. Our map can show you restrooms, refreshments, visitor centers, and information kiosks along the way.

• Use the lampposts. If you get turned around, check the base of the nearest lamppost. The first two digits are the nearest street, and the last two tell you east or west. Odd numbers are west, and even are east.

• Don't be afraid to wander. The Park was built to be explored, and some of the best shots come from the paths you didn't plan to take. Share what you capture, and be sure to follow and tag us on Instagram @CentralParkNYC.