The New York Vacations Game Plan: Central Park

The sheer scale and variety of New York City is both a blessing and a curse for the eager traveler. For sure there is so much to do, but then again, there is so much to do. Miles and miles of sightseeing, incredible shopping, fine dining from every cuisine in the world, first-rate museums and art galleries, Broadway shows, off-Broadway shows, the Yankees, the Statue of Liberty, and it goes on.

One popular attraction that has proven a notorious time-sink for unsuspecting travelers is Manhattan's Central Park. The 843 gorgeous acres of the world's most famous and annually-attended park quickly has outdoor enthusiasts feeling like a kid in a candy store, assuming that is they don't get lost trying to do everything at once. Fact is, even this one piece of Manhattan Island has so much to do that first-time visitors stand to burn themselves out trying to experience it all rather than planning ahead, choosing the activities that truly suit them, and simply having a great day at the park.

Here we'll break down some of the top Central Park attractions with the first-time New York traveler in mind and then discuss an excellent Central Park, NY hotel for a convenient, luxury stay courtesy of Jumeirah.

#1 - Sightseeing

While nearly everything you do in Central Park relates to sightseeing in one way or another, the park is home to numerous sculptures, gardens and installations that exist purely to be looked at. In fact, there's dozens upon dozens. Here are the ones that you shouldn't miss:

Bethesda Terrace - Possibly the most famous site (and sight) in all of Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is considered by most the heart of Central Park. The terrace is where you'll find Bethesda Fountain, which is easily recognized by most Americans because of its popularity as a film location. The films "Ransom", "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York", "Elf", and 2007's "Enchanted" all had scenes featuring the fountain prominently.

Conservatory Garden - Though Central Park is lush with trees, plants, flowers, and wildlife, it has only one garden, and you should plan a visit. The Conservatory Garden sits on six acres and features an assortment of mixed gardens that vary by the season. A must for tulip and chrysanthemum lovers.

Belvedere Castle - Sitting high atop Vista Rock, Belvedere Castle is one of Central Park's most awe-inspiring structures. Built in 1869, the castle existed at first simply to provide an extra visual feature to the park, though it later became the house of the New York Meteorological Observatory. Today it is a sight to see in itself as well as a great point from which to view the rest of Central Park.

Strawberry Fields - Built with a much more specific goal in mind, this stunning memorial commemorates the life of musician John Lennon, who was murdered only steps away at The Dakota where he lived. The memorial was inaugurated in October of 1985 on what would have been Lennon's 45th birthday.

Balto - A small yet enormously beloved statue in Central Park is one of Balto, the famous Alaskan Husky sled dog who led the final leg of the 1925 Serum Run, a feat that garnered worldwide coverage. The lovable husky was later immortalized in a series of animated films by Disney.

These sightseeing attractions are among the best, but they're also at times far apart, and even if you don't get lost moving from one to the next, chances are you'll be doing so inefficiently. Central Park hosts several walking tours which are sure to include these stops, and they come highly-recommended for general sightseeing in Central Park.

#2 - Metropolitan Museum of Art

The only major museum actually located inside the park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known as "The Met") houses a collection of more than 2 million pieces and is one of the world's most popular and successful art galleries. The collection is so substantial, in fact, that it is actually presented and maintained by nineteen different curatorial departments ranging from classical antiquity to modern arts.

One of The Met's most popular collections is of arms and armor from throughout the globe with especially deep displays from late medieval Europe. A number of the pieces are believed to have been owned by past kings and princes.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed on Mondays. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday; 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Adult admission is $20 and special exhibits never require an additional fee.

#3 - Ice Skating

Once you've been skating amidst Central Park's wintry beauty as the towering skyline of Manhattan sets the backdrop, that indoor rink back home just won't do. Central Park actually has two ice skating pavilions, but the one to choose is Wollmann Rink. This rink is well-maintained for the safety of all skaters and the view of downtown Manhattan simply can't be beat.

The Wollmann Rink opens from mid-October to mid-March depending on weather. Daily rates usually go for under $10 for adults.

#4 - Central Park Zoo

If you're visiting New York with little ones, the Central Park Zoo is a must. What started with a few gifts of exotic animals to the city in the mid-1800s has now grown into one of Central Park's most popular attractions. Though a bit smaller than the average public zoo, the Central Park Zoo isn't small in wonderment.

Exciting exhibits feature penguins, endangered tamarin monkeys, African snakes, polar bears, the fox-like red panda, fruit bats, sea lions, colobus monkeys, pot bellied pigs, and so many more. A special new exhibit features an active colony of South America's incredible leafcutter ants.

The Central Park Zoo is open daily with hours varying by the season. Hours are never shorter than 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $8, children under 3 are admitted free of charge.

#5 - Horse-drawn Carriage Rides

If it's just the two of you, then a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride is the perfect end to a day in New York City. Take in the sights as an evening sunset makes the park more vibrant than ever. Your driver will be happy to regale you with the interesting history behind the different landmarks, but don't be afraid to ask for a little quiet if you and your significant other simply want to enjoy the ride.

There's no better way to experience the historic feel of New York as it might have been well over a hundred years ago.

Carriages are available year-round and can be found lined up along the South End between 5th and 6th Avenues, right across from the Plaza hotel. Rates typically start for 30-minute rides and can be increased by quarter-hours from there.

A Choice for Luxury Hotels in Manhattan: Jumeirah Essex House

An historic vacation in New York deserves an historic Central Park, NY hotel. The Jumeirah Essex House has been one of the premier midtown Manhattan hotels for over 75 years, recognized by the National Trust of Historic Hotels of America as among the nation's finest historic hotels, and it's located conveniently across the street from Central Park. Surrender yourself to the soothing luxury of a fine Manhattan hotel where hospitality is still king, and delightful upscale amenities don't come far behind.

Click here for more information on the Jumeirah Essex House Central Park, NY hotel.

When visiting New York City and Manhattan for the first time, perhaps no attraction is more deserving of your attention than Central Park. From breathtaking architecture to the sheer natural opulence, Central Park has charm to spare. Just remember to limit yourself, to plan ahead, and to focus on these attractions and you're sure to create fond memories of Central Park that you'll want to share for years to come.