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New York City, New York / Landmarks

The Central Park Boathouse

An iconic lakeside sanctuary in Central Park, the Central Park Boathouse offers elegant dining, a serene café, and the primary launch point for rowboats on the Lake.

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The Central Park Boathouse
www.centralparkboathouse.com, website_hero_img_www.centralparkboathouse.com

What is The Central Park Boathouse known for?

It is best known as the launch point for rowboats on the Lake and functions as a restaurant, café, and event space. Visitors also visit for birdwatching and lakeside dining.

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

Boat rentals cost $25 per hour from Monday to Thursday and $30 per hour from Friday to Sunday.

What are the hours for boat rentals?

Weather-permitting, boat rentals open daily at 10 a.m., with the last rentals available at 5:30 p.m. and boats returned by 6:30 p.m.

When is the boat rental season?

The rowboat season typically runs from April to October, though some sources note rentals are available through November, weather permitting.

What are the café hours?

The café is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Central Park Boathouse is a serene escape located at East 72nd Street and Park Drive North in Manhattan. This prominent destination combines high-end dining and events with active recreation on the water. It is best known as the primary launch point for rowboats on the Lake, where visitors can rent vessels that hold up to four people per boat. The site's history dates back to the 1870s when an ornate wooden structure was designed by park co-designer Calvert Vaux. This original building served the park from 1873 until 1954, when it had fallen into disrepair. In 1954, Carl M. Loeb opened the current brick-and-limestone facility, which was designed as a modern hub featuring restrooms and restaurant spaces. Today, the venue functions as an elegant restaurant, café, and event space with indoor, outdoor, and waterside seating options. The restaurant offers different menus across its various seating areas to accommodate different price ranges. Beyond dining, the location is a popular spot for birdwatching and provides access to gondola rides and bike rentals. For those seeking activity, rowboat rentals operate from April to October, weather permitting. These rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with prices set at $25 per hour from Monday to Thursday and $30 per hour from Friday to Sunday.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive by 10 a.m. for boat rentals, as they are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly.
  • Book restaurant reservations up to 21 days in advance to secure a waterside table.
  • Plan to arrive on foot, as there is no parking available at the property.
  • Check the season before visiting; rowboat rentals typically run from April to October.

Nearby context

Situated on the eastern shore of the Lake, the Boathouse is a central anchor of the park's interior. It is located near East Drive at 74th Street, placing it within easy walking distance of the park's most scenic waterways and wooded paths.

Sources

Evidence and links