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Imagine taking a vacation day that includes nature, art, history, sports, culture, wildlife, and the ultimate big city vibe. Now imagine that it all happens within the confines of 843 walkable/bike-friendly acres. If this sounds ideal to you, it may be time to visit Central Park. The most visited city park in the United States is not only an excellent place to explore but, in addition, the Central Park Conservancy is committed to recycling (plastics, cans, IT equipment, tires, and more), composting (including fallen leaves and algae skimmed off its water bodies), mulching (fallen branches are chipped), tree care (for some 26,000 trees), and maintaining wildlife corridors by replacing underutilized lawns and buffer zones with native trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover.
Of course, you can do the tourist thing and try an audio tour. With so much to experience, there's nothing wrong with that idea. But you also might wanna check out a native New Yorker's suggestions for a low impact combination of popular and lesser known sights and sounds in the Big Apple's backyard.
20 Ways to Experience the Ultimate Central Park Staycation
Wildlife
There's a zoo, of course, but being that I'm not a fan of zoos, I'd prefer to focus on those creatures roaming free. (Of course, that doesn't mean you can't sneak a peek at the sea lions and polar bears as you stroll past Central Park Zoo.)
1. Dogs
They're everywhere. I've walked from east to west through the Park and counted nearly 100 on my way. Plus, there's the one and only Balto.
2. Birds
According to the official count, Central Park is home to 61 species of bird numbering 7,776 birds in total. Be sure to check out the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and do not miss the famous Central Park hawks.
3. Watching the Bird Watchers
This can be is almost as much fun as watching the birds.
4. Raccoons
The savvy visitor might see a rabbit or a woodchuck but happening upon a raccoon is a lot more common. My favorite spot is in a tree just south of the zoo, above the portrait artists.
5. Crawfish
Yep, crawfish--be sure to keep a lookout by the Harlem Meer.
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Landmarks
It would take a lot more space to highlight all of the Park's attractions but here's a sampling to get your staycation plans brewing.
6. Literary Walk and American Elms
Flanked by quadruple rows of stately American Elms, the 40-foot wide Literary Walk features many statues, including figures of Shakespeare, Beethoven, and Robert Burns.
7. Great Lawn
Located mid-Park from 79th to 85th Street, the Great Lawn has hosted concerts, movies, popes, and millions of exhibitionists.
8. Strawberry Fields
Dedicated to the memory and vision of former Beatle John Lennon http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/strawberry-fields.html, be sure to catch The Meetles doing their thing.
9. Delacorte Clock
From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on the hour and half-hour, one of 26 nursery rhyme tunes plays while a bear with tambourine, a hippopotamus with violin, a goat with pan pipes, a kangaroo and offspring with horns, and a penguin with drum glide around the base of the clock. In addition, on the hour two monkeys on the top of the clock appear to strike a bell.
10. Cleopatra's Needle
The 71 foot, 244 ton Obelisk http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/obelisk.html is easily the oldest man-made object in the park. How old? It was, um, erected in Egypt around 1500 BC.
11. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Whether you venture inside the massive halls or simply sit on the steps and people-watch, the Met is an excellent place to stop for a breather as you make your way uptown.
12. Carousel
The original Central Park Carousel opened for business in 1871 and was powered by a blind horse and mule. The current carousel was transplanted from Coney Island and features the largest hand carved figures ever constructed.
13. Belvedere Castle
Astounding architecture aside, you'd still have to visit the castle simply for the views.
14. Harlem Meer
This manmade body of water covers 11 acres on the northern end of the Park. Dedicated greenies will go eco-crazy for the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, located at the northeast corner of the Meer.
Working Up a Sweat
What good is being outdoors if it doesn't mean being active?
15. Roller Disco
The Central Park Dance Skater Association http://cpdsa.org meets on weekends to do things on skates that most people wouldn't attempt in dance shoes.
16. Rat Rock
Bouldering reigns supreme at Rat Rock. Officially called "Umpire Rock," climbers have re-named the site for its more permanent residents. For kid-friendly indoor climbing, check out the North Meadow Recreation Center.
17. Bicycle Rentals
Take a two-hour guided tour or rent a bike and do your own exploring on drives circling the entire Park. These drives provide three long distance routes of 6.1 miles, 5.2 miles, or 1.7 miles.
18. Running
The site of the New York Marathon's final 3.2 miles, the Park is an urban running Mecca. Download a map, lace up your sneakers, and hit the pavement.
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19. Boating
Rent a rowboat at Central Park's 22-acre lake--at the Loeb Boathouse on the east side between 74th and 75th Streets. If you're the seasick type, no problem. Get your hands on the controls of a model sailboat at the Conservancy Water.
20. Car-Free Activism
The crew at Transportation Alternatives has a noble, green dream: to permanently close Central Park's loop road to car traffic. What better way to end your staycation than by engaging in some serious eco-activism?
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