Model sailboats have been racing on Conservatory Water in Central Park for over 140 years. It is one of the most iconic spots in Central Park and is often visited by locals and tourists alike. And during the sailing season, the pond is populated with spectators, amateur sailors, and long-term helmsmen.

Where can I use model sailboats in Central Park?

Visitors can pilot model sailboats at Conservatory Water on the east side between 72^nd and 75^th Streets. Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux originally plotted the site for a glass conservatory and reflection pond in their original plans for Central Park. But budget cuts meant the vision would never came to fruition. They decided to eliminate the conservatory and keep the pond to recreate an American version of the popular model boat ponds in Paris. Thus the name, Conservatory Water.

What equipment do I need for sailing?

The model boats allowed on Conservatory Water must be wind-powered. They are remote-controlled using the direction of the rudder and the trim of the sail. No other powered boats are allowed. Visitors can bring their own model sailboats to pilot. For some, model boats are a serious hobby and they spend a great deal of time designing and crafting their boats for speed and aerodynamics. You will see all types of masterpieces built and piloted by model boat enthusiasts.

Visitors can also rent boats from a small kiosk just outside of Kerbs Boathouse. For beginners, there will be a brief lesson as well as a page of simple instructions accompanying the model sailboat and remote control. There is no formal minimum age for sailing. All ages can participate as long as they can properly control and handle the remote. That said, you do not need a model sailboat to enjoy the spectacle.

When can I sail in Central Park?

Weather permitting, the typical boating season for central park runs from March to November. If you have your own watercraft you can sail almost any time of day. But if you are looking for a rental, you will need to check the hours at the Kerbs Boathouse. Just note, members of the Central Park Model Yacht Club race their boats on Saturday at 10 AM and the water is often dotted with vessels during this classic spectacle.

What are rental hours?

Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 5 PM

Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM

Saturday from 1 PM to 7 PM

Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM

The rental kiosk is not open during rain. Hours are also subject to change. So call (917) 522-0054 to confirm rentals before your visit. Please note that reservations are not available and rentals are first-come, first-serve.

Is there boat storage?

City residents who wish to sail frequently can get a permit for storing their boat on-site at the Kerbs Boathouse during the week. Granted, space is limited. It is important to apply early in the season if you hope to get a space. For boat storage and permits call (212) 360-8133.

What else is close by Conservatory Waters?

There are restrooms located at the Kerbs Boathouse. There is also a small café on the east side of the pond with patio seating and an ice cream kiosk on the south side of the pond. Just to the north of the pond is a famous Alice in Wonderland statue and one of Hans Christian Andersen to the west.

There may be something shocking about pulling a largemouth bass from a body of water surrounded by concrete and tourists, but the truth is you CAN wet a line and hook some decent fish in Central Park. In fact, fishing is a popular community activity in Central Park.

Where can I fish in Central Park?

Catch-and-release fishing in Central Park is allowed at three specific locations including Harlem Meer, Central Park Lake, and Central Park Pond. The best place to fish is probably Harlem Meer located on the northeast corner. But fishing is NOT allowed at the reservoir or at the Turtle Pond. The best season to fish is from April to October. And though Central Park is open from 6am to 1am, it is best to fish from 10am to 3pm when you can access equipment from the Charles A. Danna Discovery Center. 

What equipment do I need for fishing?

Usually, from mid-April to mid-October you can borrow bamboo fishing poles from the Dana Discovery Center. It is located on the north shore. All you need to borrow poles is a valid picture I.D. and bait is provided for free. But this is mostly just for the kids. With a valid state fishing license, you can actually fish with your own complaint gear. A light to a medium fishing rod with a six to a ten pound test will do just fine. In recent years, there has also been a major push to use corn as bait. Worms and artificial baits can impact the park’s ecosystem.

What types of fish are in Central Park?

The bodies of water in Central Park contain carp, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, golden shiner, pumpkinseed sunfish, anglers, and chain pickerel.

What are the fishing rules and regulations?

By following the guidelines under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation you can help preserve these marine resources for future use and enjoyment. Here are some of the regulations to follow if you intend to fish in Central Park:

1. All visitors 16 and older need to own a New York State fishing license for local freshwater fishing in Central Park.
2. All fishing is catch-and-release only. That means any fish caught must be put back into the water right away. You must release fish gently. Wet your hands before handling the fish and release it while it is underwater.
3. Use safe fishing equipment. The use of any barbed hooks, lead sinkers, or overhead casting rods is prohibited. Barbless hooks are easier to remove and cause fewer injuries to the fish. Non-stainless steel hooks are also recommended because they will rust and disintegrate much faster than stainless steel hooks. And to avoid harming any wildlife, you must properly discard any monofilament line. Failure to remove line and hooks from land and waters is a violation of these rules.
4. Fish with compliant bait (corn kernels), like that provided by the Dana Center. Using bread products or hotdogs as bait is harmful to both wildlife and the bodies of water. 
5. Respect the waterfowl and turtles in the area. If your hook is near a bird or turtle you should move to a different spot to avoid catching it.
6. Do not feed the other wildlife. Digging for worms and feeding other wildlife is strictly prohibited.
7. Stay on paths, steps, and ramps close to the water. Tramping the natural shorelines or wading in the water will kill the grass. This leads to soil erosion and can create poor living conditions for the wildlife in the area.

If you cause no harm to the property or the wildlife and are sure to follow all the rules, the park’s management will be quite helpful and friendly. They will make sure your fishing experience in Central Park is fun and unforgettable.

Central Park is an oasis within one of the busiest cities in the world, a haven and green space filled with tranquillity. It is also a major landmark in a city featuring them at every turn. In film and television, images of Central Park often act as a backdrop for exciting scenes, from The Grinch to White Collar. Around the outside of the park, other locations have also become iconic, from Central Perk in the sitcom Friends, to the 15 Central Park West condominium. The latter is one of New York’s most prestigious addresses and overlooks the park from its enviable position on the corner of West 61st Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side. It may have featured in shows and films, but it has housed some of the world’s most famous faces. On your bike ride around the park, you may have encountered some stars, of screen and sports, and if you have it could be they have emerged from their exclusive apartment in the 15 Central Park West complex. Here are just a few of the stars who have called the building home, and who have had the luxury of Central Park just a few footsteps away from their apartment lobby.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington was ranked by the New York Times as the greatest actor of the 21st century, with a filmography that includes Training Day, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Manchurian Candidate and The Book of Eli. He may also have been seen wandering the pathways of Central Park for a while, having moved into 15 Central Park West in 2006. He paid just over $13 million for a three-bedroom apartment, and was no doubt attracted by the amenities that include a library, private restaurant, pool and health club.

Alex Rodriguez

The baseball star Alex Rodriguez, otherwise known as A-Rod, was one part of a power couple who resided in the building, with his partner Jennifer Lopez. A-Rod was a rather controversial character when he resided there, with 6sqft.com documenting how he was banned for poor behavior before moving back in with his partner. The former Yankees star has retired now but has found other ways to supplement his income. Poker.org discuss how A-Rod not only made his fortune in baseball but was also a keen poker player and the inspiration behind one of the characters in the film Molly’s Game. He apparently leased an apartment in the building with J-Lo as a secret, for $11,500 per month, which one would assume came with a caveat he did not return to his previously disruptive ways.

Robert De Niro

De Niro rented the same unit as A-Rod in the years after the Yankees star left the building. Along with his wife Grace Hightower, the legend of the big screen rented Unit 35AB, which is two separate condos combined into one on the 35th floor. It originally cost $18.9m in 2008, when steel magnate Leroy Schecter bought it but was rented for $125,000 a month by the star of Casino and Taxi Driver. De Niro is one of the most recognizable actors in the world and is still producing high-quality films well into his seventies. He is also still teaming up with Martin Scorsese, and their Netflix collaboration The Irishman received strong reviews in 2019.

Jeff Gordon

Gordon is a NASCAR legend, a four-time Winston Cup Series Champion with 93 career wins, 477 top tens and 81 pole positions behind him. He lived in the building for six years, between 2007 and 2013. Along with his wife, Gordon paid $9.67m for a condo in the building, selling it for $25m a little later. Whilst it might be a prestigious address with a host of big names under its roof, it also seems to be a solid investment, although Leroy Schecter might have pushed it too far, listing 35AB for $90m six years after he bought it for $18.9m.

Central Park in New York is a great getaway from the daily hustle bustle of city life. Situated in the city itself, it’s an ideal weekend destination for city dwellers as well as a sightseeing spot for tourists. Cycling is the most convenient and eco-friendly mode to tour the Central Park. However, it can become quite strenuous as the Park is spread over a wide area. The electric bike is the best option for a guided bike tour in Central Park, New York City.

What is electric Bike?

An electric bike looks more or less like an ordinary bicycle. It is also known as a booster or a power bike. Having an attached electric motor that provides power, it requires less effort or no effort at all to ride. It is easier to negotiate up hills and long distances with an e-bike. People who otherwise hesitate to cycle due to the effort required for pedaling often opt for the electric bike to get active and enjoy the quiet relaxation that cycling provides.  Electric bikes are of two kinds - pedal assist and electric only.

How to ride an electric bicycle?

One rides an electric bike essentially the same way as an ordinary bicycle. The only difference is that an e-bike offers added power. The pedal-assist senses the amount of power you are using for pedaling with the help of a sensor. The attached motor then provides electric power accordingly. In simpler words, the motor helps you according to the effort you are putting in while cycling. The pedal assist electric bike is fitted with a crank motor which is gravity friendly with no drag as its placed low.  It therefore gives the feel of real cycling. The crank motor is also known as the mid-drive motor.

The electric-only bikes are fitted with wheel hub motors. In this type of electric bike the cyclist chooses when he needs power for cycling. While riding, one may engage the motor according to individual preference and adjust the amount of power required.

Electric bikes come in many styles with differing levels of sophistication. One can switch off the power totally if one wishes for an authentic cycling experience. Or switch it on when one begins to tire. All types of electric bikes have power adjustment as per the rider’s need.

What is the difference between electric bicycle and regular bicycle?

Electric bicycles and regular bicycles have the same mechanical system with the only difference being that electric cycles also have electrical elements. The ease of riding an e-bicycle is the main difference between the two.

A lot of people enjoy cycling but not everybody has the stamina to go for long rides. Unlike the regular bicycle, the electric bicycle gives the freedom of cycling without any fear of tiring out or putting any strain on your knees. The best part about electric bicycles is that you can go along at a steady speed regardless of whether you pedal hard or simply sit back. Additionally, if you use an electric bicycle for commuting then you don’t need to worry about reaching your destination tired and full of sweat.

But electric bikes have their limits and though one can go at a brisk pace, it is definitely not the same as a motorcycle. Therefore an electric bike ride offers an almost same experience as a regular bicycle with the only benefit being that it requires less effort to ride.

Can I rent electric bikes in Central park?

Spread over a vast area the Central Park attracts a large number of trekkers, cyclists and others who wish to spend some time surrounded by natural beauty. Cycling or walking offers a great opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and visit the major attractions of the Park. Some choose to rent a pedicab so that they may cover more area or if they are unable to cycle due to health conditions. However, if you truly want to experience the beauty of the place without getting exhausted by the end of the day, you can always rent electric bikes in Central Park.

Central Park tour with Electric Bicycle

The Central Park offers a number of sightseeing attractions and covering all the spots while walking or cycling becomes very tiring. In fact, it is really not possible to see and enjoy all the interesting spots within the Park in one day. Some people do choose a walking trip and simply have a picnic. Others take a regular cycling tour to visit as many sites as possible. However, an electric bicycle is the best way to explore Central Park for those who are not very active. A Central Park tour with electric bicycle offers the best of both, the authentic experience of cycling and the possibility of covering a lot more area than regular bicycle. This is especially true for those who don’t cycle often. It is also ideal for those who have health conditions that do not permit long rides or for those who have knee problems.

Cycling through the huge area turns out to be exhausting and takes away all the fun of touring the place. Not to mention that one is not able to see much of the Park. Though one cannot tour the whole Park in one go, electric bikes make pedaling much easier and allow you to cover more area. As e-bikes are less demanding physically and offer more speed, sightseers enjoy more views and take in the feel and history of the place. A guided e-bike tour in Central Park, New York City is a great way to explore the place in which you get to see the major points of interest as well the story behind every attraction. As an electric bike is faster and less demanding than regular cycling, visitors also get to take lunch stops among the natural beauty that the Park is famous for.

In all, a guided electric bike tour in Central Park offers a comfortable and rejuvenating trip among the lush beauty of the Park

Enjoy the commentary of our tour guide:

Enjoy the beauty of the north end of Central park called the North Woods:

Riding a Segway is a great way of transportation in the busy city areas and has become especially trendy these days. It is quite manoeuvrable and can be very quick if the driver knows how to operate it safely. You can see a lot of people in Manhattan and New York City using Segways to move from point A to point B.

What is a Segway?

Resembling a scooter, the Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing device that run up to 12.5 miles per hour (20km per hour). It was originally invented by Dean Kamen back in 2001 and has become a favorite device for busy New York City workers. The name of the machine derives from the word "segue" which comes from Italian and means "follows". The person riding the Segway is controlling it by leaning onto a handlebar and directing the machine to move in different directions.

How to ride a Segway?

The Segway detects the movement of your body and if you lean towards certain direction it does take it into consideration. Leaning forward will mean that the Segway will proceed straight on. Leaning backwords is the equivalent of pushing the breaks. Leaning towards left and right gives the operator the control of making left and right turns. The handlebar is especially useful and gives the rider the stability and control over the device. You need to have both of your feet on the Segway platform and be balanced enough in order to keep it under control.

Segways are considered motored vehicles in many countries so all the road rules that apply to cars are also applicable to Segway hoverboards. Riding a Segway can be a dangerous thing if you do not know what you are doing. We have put together a few tips on safely controlling your Segway hoverboard.

10 tips on riding a Segway

1. Have both feet stable on the Segway platform
2. Hold the handlebar firmly and never with one hand only
3. Do not carry baggage in your arms while navigating your Segway
4. Do not turn the Segway too fast because you can lose control over it
5. Do not start or stop the Segway too abruptly because you can lose balance and fall off the hoverboard
6. Don’t ride your Segway on rough ground. They are designed for smooth surfaces
7. Don’t ride backwards because Segways are not designed for this
8. Don’t ride on roads- Segways are not road vehicles
9. Don’t run over obstacles because you will trip off and fall down
10. Don’t ride your Segway on a steep downhill because you can lose balance due to the high speeding

Can I ride a Segway in Central park?

Unfortunately, Segways are not allowed on the territory of Central park. They are forbidden due to safety reasons and you won’t be able to find a company around Central park that will rent Segways out. If you have a Segway of your own make sure you do not operate it inside the park because you will be stopped by the Central park rangers and it is very likely to receive a ticket. Central park Segway tours are not available for that same reason – operating a Segway hoverboard in Central park is not allowed by the Central park rules and NYPD authorities.

What is the alternative to Central park Segway tours?

If your plan is to discover Central park and its hidden paths and lanes you can rent a bike that can take you through most of the small pathways or rent a pedicab with a professional tour guide. You can also choose from a variety of Central park tours, the most popular of which is the guided bike tour of Central park. Whatever your choice is, if it is your first time in Central park, make sure you try the guided talking head tours because there is more history behind Central park’s highlights than you may think.

We're having fun on our tours. This amazing French group was excited about the France victory in the World Cup.

Well deserved break in the company of our brilliant tour guide Sergio:

Enjoy Central park from the air - this is a helicopter tour above Central park New York.

In the video you can see the Empire State Building, midtown Manhattan, Central park South, the newest skyscraper next to Central park called The Needle, the Reservoir, the north side of the park and Harlem neighborhood.

Central Park Bikes has been awarded with Tripadvisor Centrificate of Excellence for best Central park tours in 2017. We are winning this precious award for 4th consecutive year and it is a great honor to announce it again.