Is Rowing Boats in Central Park Worth It?

Is renting a row boat in Central Park actually worth it?

Central Park is New York City’s most treasured playground. It’s the perfect place to wander for hours, sit on a bench, hang out with friends, and enjoy some of New York’s most iconic experiences.  Who doesn’t want to walk the famous tree lined Mall, or listen to music by the Bethesda Fountain? Have you ever visited the historic Central Park Zoo? Well, one of my most favorite activities in the Big Apple is rowing boats in Central Park.

If you’ve ever seen it in movies or strolled past the Loeb Boathouse and wondered whether it’s worth renting boats in Central Park, you’re in the right place. Rowing Boats in Central Park is a New York City bucket list item for lots of visitors and even for locals.

So, is this legendary pastime really as special as it looks? Is it really worth renting boats in Central Park, or is it just a tourist trap?

Here’s everything you need to know before you grab the oars.

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 Hotel Beacon The Hotel Beacon is a beautiful and historic hotel on the Upper West Side near Central Park.

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’ll probably 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 water proof 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