Top 7 Picnic Spots

Enjoy a picnic at one of these top 7 locations in Central Park!

Could there be a more perfect setting for a picnic in New York City than Central Park? From lakeside lawns to shaded hillsides, there are seemingly infinite spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy some delicious treats (try these grab & go picnics, which come individually packed in their own reusable tote!) as you take in the beautiful views.

To make it easy, we've put together a list of the top 7 places to have a picnic in Central Park, so all you have to do is choose one and head on over!

Remember to check out our picnic packages and tips on planning a Central Park picnic before you go.

1. Great Lawn

Location: MAP | Mid-park between 79th Street and 85th Street

The Great Lawn is 55-acres of wide open space, located at the geographical center of Central Park. Originally it was a reservoir, but in the 1930s it was filled in with excavation material from Rockefeller Center. Over the years, the Great Lawn has hosted many famous concerts and cultural events. Today, it is a great place to sit back and relax while you snack on a picnic, sunbathe or people watch.

Picnic Recommendation: Our American and Classic Picnics include baguettini sandwiches, salad, or charcuterie, plus water and snacks such as olives, jams, chips, cookies, and fresh fruit. Individually packed in their own reusable totes!

2. Sheep Meadow

Location: MAP | Between W. 66th Street and W. 69th Street

Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre pasture that used to be home to a flock of sheep until 1934. Today, it is a quiet place to relax and sunbathe or enjoy a bite to eat. It is one of the park's eight designated "quiet zones," which means that you can't play music while you are there (you must wear headphones), and you can't bring Fido either. This is also where we hold our weekly yoga classes, which you can attend before your picnic to work up an appetite!

Picnic Recommendation: Our Deluxe Picnic includes locally produced cheeses, meats, pate, bread, condiments, olives, pickled beans, fruit, cookies, and water, plus cutlery, plates and a blanket! Individually packed in its own reusable tote.

3. Belvedere Castle

Location: MAP | Mid-park at 79th Street

Belvedere Castle provides one of the best views of both the park and the New York City skyline. Set up your picnic blanket on the lawns near the castle for a romantic picnic setting and a killer photo op.

Picnic Recommendation: Our Gold Picnic includes our signature baguettinis, local cheese platter, crudites, seasonal salad, cookies & brownies, chips, lemonade & water, plus set up with blankets & pillows, and clean up! Or try our Brunch Picnic, which comes with pastries, bagels & lox, fresh fruit, coffee & tea, and a complimentary sparkling beverage. Everything you need for a perfect picnic experience!

4. Great Hill

Location: MAP | Between W. 103rd Street and W. 107th Street. Enter at W. 106th Street.

Great Hill is a perfect choice for picnicking in the heavily wooded, northern part of the park. Surrounded by elm trees, it is one of the only areas where you can enjoy your meal at a picnic table, and it also offers a public restroom.

Picnic Recommendation: Our Family Picnic includes assorted baguettinis, salad, fresh fruit, chips, cookies & brownies, lemonade, plus a blanket and map. Individually packed in its own reusable tote!

5. Bow Bridge

Location: MAP | Mid-park at 72nd Street

Bow Bridge is one of the most picturesque – and recognizable – areas of Central Park. It starred as the setting for a great number of movies such as "You've Got Mail", and it is hailed as one of the most romantic spots in the city. The bridge sits atop the Central Park Lake, linking Cherry Hill to the Ramble (woodlands).

It's best to picnic on the gentle slopes of Cherry Hill overlooking the bridge as the rowboats glide by, which is why we recommend this location as the setting for our romantic and proposal picnic packages.

Picnic Recommendation: Our Romantic Basket for Two includes a basket filled with locally produced cheeses, meats, olives, jam and chocolate, plus a complimentary bottle of bubbly, glasses, servingware, linens, and a blanket. Or upgrade to the Ultimate Picnic Delivery basket which adds on baguettini sandwiches, caviar, roses, and a few other extra special details.

6. Strawberry Fields

Location: MAP | Between W. 71st Street and W. 74th Street

Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to John Lennon, who lived at the Dakota building, located just outside this area of Central Park. If you visit Strawberry Fields make sure you keep your voice down, as it is also one of the park's designated quiet zones.

Picnic Recommendation: Our American and Classic Picnics include our signature baguettini sandwiches, salad, or locally produced cheeses, cured meats & a baguette, plus water and snacks such as olives, jams, chips, cookies, and fresh fruit. Individually packed in their own reusable totes.

7. The Pool

Location: MAP | Between W. 100th Street and W. 103rd Street

The Pool in Central Park is not a swimming area, but rather a man-made lake that was created by damming up a natural stream in the park. It is located in the northwest area of the park and provides an area of grassy solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Picnic Recommendation: Our Social Picnic Party comes complete with an entire picnic set up including extra space, blankets, pillows, parasols, and even corn hole! Includes a sampling of sandwiches, roast chicken, potato salad, seasonal greens, local cheese platter, lemonade, water and something sweet for dessert. Serves 10 to 12 people.

We hope you find your perfect New York moment at one of these amazing picnic locations!

Remember to check out all of our picnic packages and tips on planning a Central Park picnic before you go.