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Some Quick Facts About Rowing Boats in Central Park
Where:
Central Park Lake is Mid Park from 72nd street, closer to 5th Avenue on the East Side. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Columbus Circle.
Operated by:
The Loeb Boathouse is now renovated and reopened as The Central Park Boathouse.
Hours:
April – November – Daily 10AM – 6:30PM
Costs:
Mon -Th $25 p/hour, Fri – Sun $30 p/hour
How many in a boat?
4 people allowed per boat.
Can children row?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and must be minimum of 3 feet tall.
Are life jackets needed?
They say that life jackets are provided with each boat, but I’ve never been offered one, you have to ask for them if you want one.
Restaurant Info:
The Central Park Boathouse Dockside Dining, Bar, and Cafe is open 11AM until dusk. The Restaurant is open Mon – Sat 11AM – 9PM and Sun 11AM – 8PM
Central Park Row Boat Backstory
The Central Park Lake is a 20 acre man-made body of water in the park. It was originally a swamp that was used for ice skating and boating in the early days of the park.
In 1950, the lake was closed for 4 years so that wildlife could have time to grow and thrive. The Loeb family then donated the beautiful boathouse with its copper roof and dining terrace in 1954.
Another renovation in 1984 made the boathouse and boat rental facility even more a part of Central Park’s landscape. Famous movies and TV episodes like
Sex in the City
and
When Harry Met Sally
made the spot a classic New York venue. The restaurant was closed again in 2022 for renovation but reopened in 2024 and it’s really lovely!!!
Central Park Row Boats – Exactly What to Expect
You’ll see a queue as you approach the boathouse and rental booth. It’s usually not that long of a line and it moves pretty quickly because there are plenty of boats to rent.
As you approach, there are signs with a QR code for you to download on your phone and sign a short waiver form before you rent a boat.
At the ticket booth, no cash is accepted, cards only. Weekday rates are $25 p/hour and weekends $30 p/hour.
Up to 4 people can be in the boat.
You and your party will be helped into a row boat with oars attached. Ask for life jacket if you want them . Then you’ll be pushed out into the lake and off you go! Just return in about an hour.
Most people are fumbling around with their oars, and boats are sometimes bumping into each other as they leave and enter the dock. However, as you get out into the wider parts of the lake, it’s less congested. You can row for an hour under bridges and around islands. You’ll see lots of turtles and birds and the NYC skyline surrounding the park. Some people just row out to an open area and float, have snacks, take photos, and relax. I’ve seen people do full wedding photo shoots, bring wine and cheese, and even play cards and read books. Anything goes – it’s New York!
There may be longer lines during peak hours or seasons.
You may tire of rowing for an hour, so take a break.
Do Not rock the boat!
Don’t be alarmed by the algae that gives the lake its green color – but I wouldn’t recommend falling in!
Why is rowing boats in Central Park worth it?
For me, rowing boats in Central Park’s lake is one of the truly simple and fun things to do with friends, family, or as a romantic couple.
Renting a row boat in Central Park is great not just because it’s an iconic NYC experience, but it’s actually a very memorable and delightful activity.
A quiet hour spent on the beautiful lake is a respite from the NYC hustle and bustle.
When compared to so many expensive city attractions, rowing boats in Central Park for an hour is very affordable. And talk about the photo ops!
You can enjoy a drink, snack, or full meal at the Boathouse after your row, or head to the nearby Tavern on the Green if you can’t get a table.
Take an Exclusive Central Park Walking Tour – Book it Here!
Consider these other Central Park Activities
Walking tours in Central Park.
Bike Rentals in Central Park.
Horse-drawn carriage rides.
Simply relaxing at Bethesda Fountain or Sheep Meadow.
A Few Famous Row Boat Moments in Central Park
- 27 Dresses (2008)
- Enchanted (2007)
- Little Manhattan (2007)
- Maid in Manhattan (2002)
- Sex in the City (2000)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
- The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Best Places To Stay Near Central Park
I’ve done a lot research for you! Here are
safe NYC hotels
with excellent reviews and in great locations.
The Empire Hotel
is just steps away from Central Park. It’s considered the iconic “crown jewel” of Midtown.
The Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street
143 – 551
Book Now
Pet friendly, rooftop bar, parking available, swimming pool, wifi, laundry service
The Hotel Beacon
The Hotel Beacon is a beautiful and historic hotel on the Upper West Side near Central Park.
The Hotel Beacon
2130 Broadway, Upper West Side
479+
Book Now
Breakfast available, parking available, restaurant, fitness center, wifi, laundry service, air conditioning
What to pack for New York City
The time of year will obviously have a big impact on what to bring. Here’s a list for the basics. Dressing for New York should be about comfort and convenience. You’re likely to leave your rental in the morning and not return again until bedtime, so one outfit per day, with layers, should work.
Winter/Spring
Very comfortable waterproof shoes or boots and warm socks.
Very warm waterproof coat or jacket.
Hat, gloves, scarf.
Casual outfits – pants, warm shirts, a sweater.
One nicer outfit in case you want to dress up one evening for a show or nice restaurant.
A lightweight day pack.
* A portable phone charger.
Summer/Fall
Very comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, waterproof if expecting rain.
A lightweight jacket.
Casual outfits – pants, lightweight shirts, a sweater.
One nicer outfit in case you want to dress up one evening for a show or nice restaurant.
A lightweight day pack.
A portable phone charger.
* Sunscreen.
What is the best way to get to Central Park ?
Put “The Boathouse” in your GPS and start walking!
Walking is the best way to get to the park and to see the city. That being said, ride share apps and taxis are also always available and the subway and buses work very well.
Here’s How to Ride Public Transport in NYC
Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to
TAP TO PAY
with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.
Best Restaurants in Central Park
Central Park has two favorite and iconic spots to sit for a meal or just a drink.
One is the famous
Tavern on the Green at Central Park West and 66th Street
, and the newest is the reopened
Boathouse Restaurant at the Central Park Lake
where you rent the boats.
Here are some of my
NYC favorite restaurants
.
They all have Gluten Free options! and a lot of my favorite food is in
Lower Manhattan.
So, is rowing boats in Central Park worth it?
In a nutshell…
My answer is yes! It’s one of those timeless New York experiences — surprisingly affordable, beautifully scenic, and just the right mix of playful and peaceful. For couples looking for a romantic moment, families wanting an outdoor activity, or anyone looking for a little something different to do in the park, it’s a guaranteed good time. Grab a boat, and let the city float by — you won’t be sorry!
And if you want to learn more about visiting my favorite city, then check out my
New York City posts.
I’ve created a few perfect itineraries for
1 day in NYC
,
2 days in NYC
,
3 days in NYC
,
4 days in NYC
, and
5 days in NYC.
Row, row, row your boat!
xx,
Carrie
