Embark on a self-guided tour of Central Park, NYC’s green oasis. Explore iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Central Park Zoo while learning the park’s fascinating history.
Embark on a self-guided tour of Central Park, NYC’s green oasis. Explore iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Central Park Zoo while learning the park’s fascinating history.
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Grand Army Plaza - Begin the Central Park tour at Grand Army Plaza, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. The tour extends to the reservoir and back, featuring all the park’s highlights.
NOTE: The tour covers over 4 miles, includes more than 40 audio stories, and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Purchase once and…
- Grand Army Plaza - Begin the Central Park tour at Grand Army Plaza, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. The tour extends to the reservoir and back, featuring all the park’s highlights.
NOTE: The tour covers over 4 miles, includes more than 40 audio stories, and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Central Park Zoo - The Central Park Zoo sets a high standard for urban zoos. Spanning 6.5 acres, it houses a variety of rare and endangered species, including Antarctic penguins and a snow leopard!
- Delacorte Clock - This clock is more than just a timepiece! It features whimsical animal figures playing instruments, such as a bear with a tambourine and a kangaroo with a horn!
- Balto Statue - This statue honors the beloved husky, Balto, who became famous for delivering lifesaving medicine to a remote Alaskan town through severe blizzards and freezing temperatures. Balto himself attended the statue’s unveiling!
- The Mall and Literary Walk - One of Central Park’s most scenic areas, the Mall is lined with lush greenery and statues of historical figures, including the esteemed playwright Shakespeare and the explorer Christopher Columbus. Learn about the statues and their significance as you stroll.
- Naumburg Bandshell - Built in 1923, this impressive bandshell has hosted numerous renowned speakers, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cuban leader Fidel Castro! It remains in use today, often featuring free classical and jazz concerts.
- Bethesda Terrace - This stunning Italian-style terrace is the heart of Central Park. Integral to the park’s original design, it remains one of New York City’s most beautiful locations. It features both an upper and lower section, each breathtaking.
- Bethesda Fountain - Standing 26 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, this fountain is a must-see. Topped by the Angel of the Waters sculpture, it was the only statue included in Central Park’s original design. Discover Central Park’s rich cinematic history here.
- Loeb Boathouse - The Loeb Boathouse offers fine dining and operates a boathouse for those wishing to enjoy a leisurely time on the water. It has also been featured in films like When Harry Met Sally and The Manchurian Candidate.
- Hans Christian Andersen Monument - This bronze statue celebrates Hans Christian Andersen, the cherished Danish children’s author known for “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Nearby, you might spot model sailboats on the water if the weather is warm.
- Alice in Wonderland Statue - This large statue of Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is a favorite among children. Designed for climbing, its polished bronze surface shows how popular it is.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Known as the Met, this world-renowned museum showcases 5,000 years of art from around the globe, featuring European masters like Monet and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Art and history enthusiasts must visit.
- The Obelisk - This massive Egyptian obelisk, relocated here in 1881, is not a replica! Weighing 220 tons, it is estimated to be 3,500 years old, originally commissioned by a pharaoh to celebrate his reign.
- Alexander Hamilton Monument - While Alexander Hamilton gained fame through a Broadway play, this monument predates it. Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States, served as George Washington’s right-hand man during the American Revolution.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir - This vast reservoir holds about a billion gallons of water and serves as a stunning centerpiece for the park. Once intended to supply the city with clean water, it now offers a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the skyline.
- Arthur Ross Pinetum - The Arthur Ross Pinetum was created to add greenery to the park during the long winter months. After the leaves fall from other trees, it provides a refreshing change of scenery.
- The Great Lawn - This 55-acre green space once hosted massive concerts with stars like Elton John. Although it was once dubbed “The Great Dustbowl” due to crowds, it has been restored and is perfect for picnics.
- Delacorte Theater - This open-air theater is home to the Public Theater, offering regular performances of Shakespeare and other classics. The best part? Productions are free! Just stand in line to enter.
- Belvedere Castle - Belvedere Castle provides stunning views of the park and city. It adds a charming fairytale touch that visitors will adore.
- Shakespeare Garden - This garden features plants mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays and poems, aiming to recreate the English countryside where the Bard of Avon lived.
- Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial - This memorial honors musician John Lennon. Yoko Ono, his widow, opted for a unique mosaic instead of another statue, creating a distinctive tribute.
- Sheep Meadow - Sheep Meadow is a beautiful green space that captures Central Park’s original vision: a place for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Umpire Rock - Umpire Rock is the oldest feature in Central Park, over 500 million years old! This bedrock couldn’t be removed during the park’s construction and now stands as a landmark.
- Columbus Circle - Columbus Circle, at the corner of 8th Avenue and 59th Street, marks the tour’s end. It also borders a lively neighborhood ready to be explored!

- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive…
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Welcome to Central Park, a lush haven nestled in the heart of New York City! This self-guided walking tour takes you through the park’s most iconic spots, from the ever-popular Bethesda Terrace (a favorite in numerous films and TV shows) to the picturesque Mall walkway, Central Park Zoo, and much more! As you stroll, discover the fascinating stories…
Welcome to Central Park, a lush haven nestled in the heart of New York City! This self-guided walking tour takes you through the park’s most iconic spots, from the ever-popular Bethesda Terrace (a favorite in numerous films and TV shows) to the picturesque Mall walkway, Central Park Zoo, and much more! As you stroll, discover the fascinating stories behind the park, its attractions, and the early history of New York City.
After booking, be sure to check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Check the park’s opening hours before your visit.
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.