Plan a Picnic in Central Park, New York
Central Park is the best place for a picnic in New York. Here's where to go! You can also book a ready-made picnic experience.
Book Picnic at Central Park with bike rental
Central Park is the best place for a picnic in New York
- New York has so many sights and landmarks to see that visitors often rush from one to the next. Why not take a picnic break between attractions? A picnic in New York lets you slow down and experience the city the way New Yorkers do.
- While New York has plenty of picnic spots, Central Park stands out as the best choice. Central Park is the most popular picnic destination for New Yorkers. On weekends, locals spread out blankets on the lawns and unpack their sandwiches. It’s a genuinely local experience.
- Central Park also offers a peaceful, natural escape from the city. Though the park sits in the heart of Manhattan, it’s a quiet refuge from the urban chaos. You can recharge while enjoying the park’s calm. A picnic here lets you truly experience Central Park at your own pace—unlike many visitors who rush through before moving on.
- Where are the best picnic spots in Central Park? Sheep Meadow, in the southwestern section, is the most popular choice among New Yorkers. You can also enjoy the activity around Bethesda Terrace, find a bench overlooking Central Park Lake or the Reservoir, or picnic at the base of Belvedere Castle, the park’s striking castle. For more ideas, see our guide to things to see in Central Park.
Book your Central Park picnic
- To save time and skip the planning, you can book a complete picnic package. Visit our Central Park picnic reservation page. Select your date and number of guests (minimum 2 people), then choose your start time and proceed to payment.
- The price includes a picnic box and a full-day bike rental, complete with helmet and park map. Choose from three picnic menus. The Signature menu features grilled chicken sandwich, chips, fruit salad, and chocolate cookie. The Healthy menu offers a vegetarian sandwich, pasta salad, and cookies. The Vegan menu includes a sandwich, hummus with chips, and fruit salad. Beverages are not included.
- Your full-day bike rental lets you explore the park freely. Find your favorite spot, park your bikes, and enjoy your meal. After eating, continue exploring at your own pace. You can also bike beyond the park to the Riverside Park path along the Hudson River. See our article on bike paths in New York.
- Pick up your bikes and meals a few blocks south of Central Park in Midtown. The location is convenient to Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Radio City Music Hall. The exact address will be in your email confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you picnic in Central Park?
Central Park offers many picnic spots. Sheep Meadow is the most popular choice. This large lawn in the southwestern section near Columbus Circle gives you plenty of space to spread out. You can choose between views of the city or nature. Another favorite is the shore of Central Park Lake, offering a scenic backdrop with the historic buildings of the Upper West Side in the distance.
Is picnicking allowed everywhere in Central Park?
Yes, you can picnic anywhere in Central Park. There are no restrictions on the lawns or paths. The main rule is simple: take all your trash with you and leave no trace of your meal. Trash cans are located throughout the park. One other important rule: don’t feed the squirrels and other animals in the park. The park conservancy emphasizes protecting wildlife by preventing animals from becoming dependent on human food.
Picnic with bike rental in photos
