At the heart of the densely populated island of Manhattan, an 843-acre park cuts a rectangular green space between busy city streets. Central Park is a favorite for local cyclists, with a one-way 6.1-mile loop that zooms past the park’s leafy forests, quiet ponds and scenic bridges. Convenient hotels near the park include NYLO and Hotel Beacon on the Upper West Side and Hotel Wales on the Upper East Side.
Within the park, there are both grand and hidden landmarks. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (with a seasonal rooftop cocktail bar) and the Guggenheim Museum are home to two of the city’s most renowned art collections. Tucked away at the northeast corner of the park, The Conservatory Gardens is an elaborate six-acre space divided into French, Italian and English-style gardens. At this northern stretch of Central Park, a convenient bike shop is Larry’s Freewheeling. Cyclists with kids may want to check out the Central Park Carousel (dating back to 1871) or the Museum of Natural History with its famous dinosaur displays. Renting a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse is a peaceful way to pass a couple hours.
After exploring the park, aim for the exit on the west side at 72nd Street (music fans might want to stop and see Strawberry Fields, an outdoor memorial to John Lennon). Use the westbound bike lane on West 77th Street to connect with the Hudson River Greenway via Riverside Park. Turn right to head north on this waterfront trail, providing 11 miles of paved paths up the west side of Manhattan.
If hunger strikes, the West 79th Street Boat Basin Café is a scenic, waterfront spot on the Hudson River for burgers, big salads, and drinks (everything from iced coffee to frozen margaritas). Cyclists looking for picnic options have several options including cult favorite Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on 125th Street in Harlem. You barely have to leave the trail to pick up slow-smoked brisket, St. Louis style ribs and hearty sides like mac and cheese or BBQ beans.
Waterfront benches and grassy lawns on the banks of the Hudson provide an ideal picnic setting. For a classic New York culinary staple, veer off the greenway for one block at 108th Street and Broadway to taste the kettle boiled, warm from the oven bagels at no-frills neighborhood favorite Absolute Bagels (cash only). As the greenway stretches north, it passes notable historic landmarks including The General Grant National Memorial (home to Grant’s tomb), the Little Red Lighthouse (a lighthouse dating back to 1889 under the George Washington Bridge) and Fort Tryon Park, home to the Cloisters Center of Medieval Art. The trail continues up to Inwood Hill Park at the northern tip of Manhattan where cyclists may want to explore paved trails through the forest. In this section of Manhattan, cyclists seeking a bike shop should check out Tread Bike Shop in Inwood.
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The General Grant National Memorial offers the chance to learn more about the former president's life and to visit his tomb.
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Strawberry Fields contains a memorial to musician John Lennon who lived nearby.
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Stretching for 11 miles up the west side of Manhattan, this is one of New York's most popular long distance greenways.
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Rowboats are for rent in the heart of Central Park at the Boathouse (also home to a formal restaurant and informal patio for snacks and drinks).
Rowboats are for rent in the heart of Central Park at the Boathouse (also home to a formal restaurant and informal patio for snacks and drinks).
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The immense Natural History Museum is best known for its dinosaur exhibit and suspended replica of a blue whale.
The immense Natural History Museum is best known for its dinosaur exhibit and suspended replica of a blue whale.
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The vintage carousel in Central Park dates back to 1871 and is a popular family attraction.
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An iconic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the setting for this contemporary art museum.
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From ancient Egypt to the impressionists, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a wide-ranging collection.
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Set in the heart of Manhattan, this 843-acre park stretches from 59th Street in the south up to 110th Street in the north.
Set in the heart of Manhattan, this 843-acre park stretches from 59th Street in the south up to 110th Street in the north.
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One of New York's prime barbecue destinations, this restaurant slow smokes all of its meat.
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This no-frills neighborhood bagel shop is a cash-only, counter service spot for tasting New York City's famous bagels.
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Set alongside the Hudson River, this caf¿ is a lively spot for a snack, drinks, or a full meal.
Set alongside the Hudson River, this caf¿ is a lively spot for a snack, drinks, or a full meal.
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Conveniently situated between Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway, this neighborhood shop offers sales, repairs, and rentals.
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Bike rentals and full-service repair facilities attract cyclists to this local shop.
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This neighborhood bike shop rents bikes and has experts on-site for repairs and gear recommendations.
This neighborhood bike shop rents bikes and has experts on-site for repairs and gear recommendations.
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This historic boutique hotel is an especially good pick during the warmer months when guests can take advantage of the rooftop terrace.
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Classic in style, this reliable hotel offers rooms with generous square footage (by New York City standards) and is known for quality service.
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This sleek and modern property is set in a quiet, leafy neighborhood and offers appealing extras like rooms with balconies and a cozy lobby library.
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