Reasons to Visit the World’s Most Famous Park, Central Park in New York

Central Park is packed with amazing features and it's truly no wonder why it's one of the most famous and most renowned parks in the world. Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways, manicured European-style gardens, a lake and reservoir—not to mention an outdoor theater, a memorial to John Lennon, an idyllic waterside eatery and a famous statue of Alice in Wonderland. Download the Central Park Travel Guide and Offline Map to plan your next picnic at this wondrous green space.

1. Central Park Zoo

This compact zoo within Central Park is just small enough for a short, hour or two visit, but just large enough that everyone will seriously enjoy the exhibits. The children’s zoo, included with your admission, is hands-on and oh-so-fun, while the red panda exhibit will draw out every adorable “ahhh” from your vocabulary. this small zoo is home to penguins, snow leopards and lemurs. Feeding times in the sea lion and penguin tanks make for a rowdy spectacle.

2. Take a Stroll

It may seem obvious, but one of the best things to do while visiting Central Park is to just stroll through the beautiful grounds. With over 58 miles of trails, plenty of open spaces, stunning vegetation, animal encounters, rocks to climb, and sights to see, taking a walk through Central Park is the epitome of a New Yorker’s park experience. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, dress in layers, and plan on tackling one section of the park at a time.

3. Loeb Boathouse

Enjoy the park from the waterfront with rowboats (or gondolas) on the lake at the Loeb Boathouse, open spring through fall. This perfect warm-weather activity is a photo-op jackpot, so be sure to dress the kiddos in cute clothes. Loeb Boathouse also has a restaurant for one of the most idyllic settings for a meal in Central Park. Don't forget to try out their crab cakes--we hear they're exceptional!

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Beat the Caribbean Blues in the Tropical Oasis that is Key West

This 7-square-mile island feels like a beautiful tropical oasis. It’s allure stems not just from beautiful beaches and palm trees, but from the classical Caribbean homes and its eccentric vibes. It’s easy to find your groove in Key West—no matter where your interests lie. As in other parts of the Keys, nature plays a starring role here, with some breathtaking sunsets—cause for nightly celebration down on Mallory Square. Download the Key West Travel Guide and Offline Map and prepare for your trip down Highway One!

1.     Mallory Square

The fun begins in the hours leading to dusk where you’ll witness every single oddity and eccentric character on the island. Have a beer. And a conch fritter, and take a front-row seat to the music-filled mayhem. Once sunset arrives, all eyes turn to the water; and the showing comes crashing to an end shortly after the streaks of post-sunset gold, amber and lilac light up the evening sky.

2.     Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

“America’s Southernmost State Park” is home to an impressive fort, built in the mid-1800s that played roles in the American Civil War and in the Spanish-American War. The beach here is the best one Key West has to offer – it has white sand to lounge on (but is rocky in parts), water deep enough to swim in and tropical fish under the waves.

3.     Hemingway House

Key West’s biggest darling, Ernest Hemingway, lived in this gorgeous Spanish Colonial house from 1931 to 1940. Papa moved here in his early 1930s with wife No 2, a Vogue fashion editor and (former) friend of wife No 1 (he left the house when he ran off with wife No 3). The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Green Hills of Africa were produced here, as well as many six-toed cats, whose descendants basically run the grounds.

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