No matter what time of year, Central Park is truly a magical experience; but when the air gets crisp and the leaves start changing it truly becomes the most stunning version of itself. Central Park is a mini city escape, a true oasis in the concrete jungle of New York City. The nearly 18,000 trees of Central Park really step up to the occasion in the Fall; with breathtaking oranges, yellows and reds there is no shortage of a photo-opt. It’s no wonder photographers are fully booked around this time of year and their main photo location is Central Park from brides to influences and everything in between. Here is a one of many ways to spend a fall day in Central Park:
Gapstow Bridge
The Gapstow Bridge has one of the most amazing pictures of the New York skyline. The pictures below were taken July 5, 2021 and November 14, 2021 and you can see the amazing difference when its the fall season. The building in the picture itself is the infamous Plaza Hotel. Not far past Gapstow Bridge is Wollman Rink, which is a wonderful place to spend a few hours ice skating with the family. The rink is open every day at 10:00 am. Closing times change depending on the day. You can check here for schedules, entrance fees, and rental skate costs.
The Mall & Literary Walk
The Park’s only intentional straight line with a quadruple row of American elm trees. Elms form a cathedral-like canopy above this wide pedestrian path, and during the fall that canopy shines bright yellow.
Bow Bridge
This bridge stretches 60-feet over The Lake from Cherry Hill to the Ramble and is one of the most photographed spots in Central Park. You can continue down the path to Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, which you might recognize from countless films, most recently in both John Wick films.
By this point you will have probably walked more than 10k steps and will be quite hungry for food. There is no shortage of food spots in/around Central Park, but if you are up to venture to other neighborhoods this food guide should help. You have now spent a full fall day in Central Park where you probably had countless photoshoots; and even debated on bring your own wardrobe tent like the influencers out there. Let me know in the comments below some of your favorite ways to spend a fall day in Central Park!
Oh my goodness! I never thought about how beautiful all those trees would look in the fall! Those colors would be perfect for a fall photoshoot!
It’s definitely on my list! And the autumn looks just as colourful and beautiful like in the UK. Thanks for sharing!
So many great pictures and seasonal experiences of the city. Love this so much!
We visited Central Park when we went to NYC in July 2021. It was a lovely afternoon spent there
I love New York in the fall! I went in early October and the leaves were just starting to turn. When would they be at their peak?
They are at peak right now! If you can come again you definitely should. It’s breathtaking!