Best Central Park Route, Lower Part: Narrated Walk with Dogs

Enjoy some of the most popular Central Park spots on this narrated walk. Join me and my dogs (two Labs) as we explore the beautiful southern portion of the park during off-leash hours on a Saturday morning.

This is one of my favorite times to go to the park because many would-be visitors are hungover and do not want to get up early to explore! 😜 Speaking of, be sure to check out some fun bars in NYC here!

Or, if you go in the afternoon, be sure to grab some NYC pizza before you head in!

Related Reading: Jane’s Walk NYC – Free Walking Tours

Places You’ll See on This Route

• Heckscher Playground
• Balto Statue
• Central Park Carousel
• Literary Walk
• Alice in Wonderland Statue
• Conservatory Water
• Loeb Boathouse
• Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
• The Mall

This walk takes about 1.5-3 hours for most people and is beautiful any time of the year. See the Google Maps route here or via the map below.

Related Reading: Central Park Audio Guide

Narrated Walking Tour of Lower Central Park

Here is a video walkthrough of the bulk of this route. In the video, I omit the last leg that goes around the bottom of Sheep Meadow to Columbus Circle.

Follow along with me and my pups. 🦮🦮

Fun Fact About the Central Park Lamp Posts

@bettertogetherhere All 1,600 lamps in Central Park serve as guide posts for getting around the sprawling oasis in Manhattan. Each lamp has a placard with 4 numbers. Here’s what the 4 digits mean. First 2 Digits – Your Current Street (ie, 72 street) Second 2 Digits – East or West Side of the Park Odd = West Side of the Park Even = East Side of the Park The next time you’re trying to get out of the park at a certain cross street, find a lamp post to make sure you’re going the right way! #centralpark #centralparkguide #centralparkconservancy #centralparknewyork #centralparkny #lamppost #centralparktour ♬ original sound – Better Together Here

The Central Park lamp posts have a unique meaning. The posts and associated number plaquards can help you get around Central Park!

Here’s what the 4 digits mean.

• First 2 Digits – Your Current Street (ie, 72 Street)
• Second 2 Digits – East or West Side of the Park
  • Odd = West Side of the Park
  • Even = East Side of the Park

Best Central Park Route for Landmarks Recap

This route is the best way to explore Central Park in roughly 2-3 hours. You’ll see loads of landmarks and iconic spots!

Wanna take this walk before or after visiting Times Square? See how to get from Times Square to Central Park here.

Tell me where I should walk in NYC next! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel here!