Central Park Pedicab Tours – History and Movie Locations

Discover what makes our Central Park Pedicab Tour unique!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of New York City with our private Central Park Pedicab Tour, lasting between 1 to 3 hours.

This exclusive experience offers more than just a sightseeing trip—it's an adventure tailored to uncover Central Park's most iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and breathtaking natural beauty, all from the comfort of a private pedicab.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a photography aficionado, this tour is perfect for capturing the charm and magic of Central Park.

Glide past famous filming locations, historic monuments, and serene landscapes, all while listening to engaging stories and fun facts shared by your knowledgeable guide.

Perfect for both first-time visitors and lifelong New Yorkers, this tour guarantees a personalized and memorable experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Central Park is an iconic green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, offering breathtaking views, historical landmarks, and plenty of scenic spots for relaxation and exploration.

During our pedicab tour, travelers will see famous attractions such as Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, The Mall, and Bow Bridge.

Our knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating stories about the park's history, design, and hidden gems.

Travelers can enjoy photo stops at key locations and experience the park's vibrant atmosphere.

Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, was established in 1858 as the first landscaped public park in the United States.

Built to provide a natural retreat from the fast-growing industrial city, the park transformed over 800 acres of swampy and rocky terrain into a green sanctuary.

The design combined natural beauty with man-made features, including picturesque lakes, bridges, and meandering paths.

The Central Park Carousel, one of the park's most beloved attractions, has a rich and fascinating history. The original carousel, built in 1871, was powered by horses hidden beneath the platform. Over the years, the carousel underwent several changes, and the current version, installed in 1951, is the park's fourth. This vintage carousel was originally built in 1908 by the famous Stein and Goldstein company, known for their hand-carved wooden animals. Featuring 57 intricately carved and beautifully painted horses, it's considered one of the finest examples of early 20th-century carousels in the United States. The ride's restoration and maintenance have helped preserve its charm, ensuring that it remains a favorite among children and nostalgic visitors alike. Today, the Central Park Carousel is not only a piece of history but a symbol of joy and timeless fun, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Chess & Checkers House, built in 1952, was designed to provide a welcoming space for visitors of all ages to enjoy games in the heart of Central Park. This charming octagonal brick structure is surrounded by 24 game tables, shaded by a rustic wooden trellis, creating a perfect spot for friendly competitions and leisurely afternoons. Whether you're an experienced chess player or a beginner learning the basics of checkers, the house invites everyone to relax and engage with the park's vibrant community. It remains a beloved gathering place where strategy, conversation, and nature blend seamlessly. The site has also made its mark in popular culture, most notably appearing in the 1993 film Searching for Bobby Fischer. The movie follows the story of a young chess prodigy, capturing scenes of intense games played at the outdoor tables, highlighting the Chess & Checkers House as a central part of New York's chess scene.

The Dairy, one of Central Park’s most charming and historic structures, was built in 1871 as a whimsical Gothic Revival cottage designed by park architect Calvert Vaux. Originally intended as a refreshment center, it served as a place where children could enjoy fresh milk and snacks, while families relaxed and took in the surrounding scenery. At the time, fresh milk was considered a luxury in urban areas, making the Dairy a popular destination for families seeking a pastoral escape within the city. The Dairy’s picturesque charm and historic design have made it a popular filming location, including a notable appearance in The Fisher King 1991, where its whimsical structure adds a touch of nostalgia and magic. Its enchanting surroundings have also been featured in various television series and photo shoots, making it a wellrecognized backdrop. Today, the Dairy remains an essential stop for visitors, offering insight into Central Park’s design and serving as a gateway to its many wonders.

Wollman Rink, one of Central Park's most iconic and picturesque attractions, has been a beloved winter destination since it first opened in 1950. Named after Kate Wollman, who donated $600,000 in honor of her family, the rink was constructed to provide a public space where New Yorkers could enjoy ice skating. Set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the rink quickly became a popular spot for families, tourists, and skaters of all skill levels. Over the years, it has hosted everything from leisurely public skating to figure skating competitions and special events. After a period of decline in the 1980s, the rink was renovated and reopened, regaining its status as a vibrant hub of winter activity. Today, Wollman Rink offers a magical experience for visitors, combining the charm of classic New York with stunning views, making it a must-visit location during the winter season in Central Park.

Gapstow Bridge is one of the most iconic and photographed bridges in Central Park, offering stunning views of The Pond and the Midtown skyline. Built in 1874 and originally designed by Jacob Wrey Mould, the first bridge was constructed from wood and cast iron. However, due to structural issues, it was replaced in 1896 with the current stone version, designed by Howard & Caudwell. The bridge's rustic stone arches and ivy-covered exterior give it a timeless charm, making it a favorite spot for photographers and filmmakers. Over the years, it has become a symbol of tranquility, providing a peaceful setting for visitors to admire the surrounding nature, including turtles and ducks in The Pond. Gapstow Bridge also offers one of the best views of the iconic Plaza Hotel, blending urban architecture with natural beauty. Today, the bridge stands as a historic and romantic landmark in Central Park, attracting both locals and tourists looking to experience its serene ambiance and scenic vistas.

The Pond, a serene 3.8-acre lake nestled within Central Park's southern landscape, is one of the park's most picturesque and tranquil spots. Featured prominently in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) during the iconic scene with the "pigeon lady," The Pond has become a favorite destination for both film enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area where the Pond lies was originally composed of steep rock outcrops and a natural brook that once flowed from the west side of Manhattan Island to the East River. As part of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's grand vision for Central Park, the area was carefully designed to offer visitors an ever-changing natural landscape. Winding paths, rustic bridges, and lush plantings were thoughtfully arranged to create a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

The Central Park Zoo, one of New York City's oldest and most iconic attractions, began in 1864 as a small menagerie. Originally, it consisted of informal animal exhibits, with donations from local citizens ranging from swans to bears. It became the city's first official zoo in 1934 when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built permanent enclosures as part of Central Park's revitalization. In 1988, the zoo underwent a major transformation, shifting away from traditional cages to more natural habitats designed to simulate the animals' native environments. Today, it is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and features a variety of exhibits, including the Temperate Territory, the Tropic Zone, and the Polar Circle, where visitors can see penguins, sea lions, snow leopards, and more. The Central Park Zoo remains a family-friendly destination that balances education, conservation, and entertainment, offering visitors an up-close look at animals from around the world.

The Balto Statue in Central Park commemorates the heroic sled dog who played a crucial role in the 1925 "Serum Run to Nome, a life-saving mission to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to the remote town of Nome, Alaska. Balto, a Siberian Husky, led the final leg of the treacherous journey through blizzards, subzero temperatures, and whiteout conditions, ensuring the medicine reached the town in time to prevent a deadly epidemic. In 1925, after news of Balto's bravery spread, New Yorkers raised funds to commission a statue honoring him. Sculpted by Frederick George Richard Roth, the statue was unveiled on December 17, 1925, just ten months after the mission. The statue depicts Balto standing proudly, symbolizing courage, resilience, and teamwork, with the inscription: Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards, from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925.

Conservatory Water, is a tranquil pond known for its model boat sailing and serene atmosphere. Originally designed to be a formal reflecting pool surrounded by a glass conservatory, the structure was never built, but the name remained. The water feature became popular in the early 1900s, attracting children and boat enthusiasts who race miniature sailboats, a tradition still alive today. Surrounded by beautiful cherry trees and benches, the area is also home to statues of literary icons, including Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen, making it a favorite spot for families and literature lovers. Conservatory Water has been featured in several films, with one of its most notable appearances in Stuart Little. In the movie, the pond is the setting for a dramatic model boat race, showcasing the area's charm and its tradition of miniature boat sailing.

Rumsey Playfield is a historic and popular outdoor concert venue in Central Park, Known for its connection to the SummerStage program and rich past. Historical Background: Located on a hill overlooking the Concert Ground, the site originally featured a restaurant created by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux, known as the Casino. (The name means "little house" in Italian and had no relation to gambling.) By the 1920s, the modest building had become run-down and was replaced by an Art Deco-style structure that became a glamorous nightclub. In 1937, deemed too elitist by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, the nightclub was razed, and a playground was built in its place, named after philanthropist Mary Harriman Rumsey. In the 1980s, the Central Park Conservancy transformed the space into a sports field for older children. By 1990, SummerStage, a popular outdoor concert series, relocated from the Naumburg Bandshell to Rumsey Playfield, where it continues to host performances today.

The Mall, also known as Literary Walk, is one of Central Park's most iconic and scenic pathways, stretching through a canopy of towering American elm trees. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the Mall was envisioned as a grand promenade where visitors could take leisurely strolls, enjoy carriage rides, and experience the park's natural beauty. It is the only intentionally straight line within Central Park's otherwise winding layout. Over time, it earned the nickname Literary Walk due to its collection of statues honoring famous writers such as William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. At the southern end stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, symbolizing exploration and discovery. The Mall remains one of the most photographed and beloved areas of Central Park, especially during fall, whenthe trees form a golden tunnel of leaves. Today, it continues to be a popular spot for relaxation, artistic performances, and a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

The Central Park Boathouse has been featured in several famous movies, including Sex and the City and 27 Dresses, making it a cinematic icon of New York City. In 1858, as part of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's grand landscape design for Central Park, architectural features like the boathouse began taking shape. By 1874, Vaux had designed a two-story wooden Victorian boathouse with a sloping mansard roof at the eastern end of the Lake, where visitors could enjoy refreshments and boat rides. After the original structure burned down, the current Boathouse was built in 1956. Today, it offers year-round dining, with heated outdoor seating allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful view of the Lake, even during the colder months.

Bethesda Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Central Park, located on the lower level of the grand Bethesda Terrace. At its center stands a stunning fountain sculpture known as The Angel of the Waters, designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868 and unveiled in 1873. The statue holds deep symbolic meaning, referencing the biblical story from the Gospel of John, in which an angel blesses the Pool of Bethesda, giving it healing powers and curing a disabled man. Bethesda Fountain has appeared in numerous films and television shows. • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York , where Kevin McCallister finds solace near the fountain. • Enchanted , featuring a vibrant musical number around the terrace. • The Avengers , seen during a brief but iconic scene in the city. • Elf, where Buddy the Elf enjoys the magic of New York. These appearances highlight the fountain's timeless charm, making it a must-visit location for both movie fans and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the park.

The terrace is known for its grand two-level design, with a magnificent view overlooking Bethesda Fountain and The Lake. One of its most unique features is the arcade's ceiling, which is covered in beautiful Minton encaustic tiles. These tiles, made in England, were originally installed in the 1860s and feature intricate, colorful designs. In the 1980s, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission removed the tiles during a renovation, as they were deemed too costly to restore. Instead, a ceiling mural temporarily replaced them. However, in June 1987, Mayor Ed Koch announced that the original tiles would be restored. After sitting in storage for more than 20 years, the Central Park Conservancy received a private donation to fund their restoration. Starting in 2004, the Conservancy carefully restored the tiles, a project costing $7 million, and they were finally reinstalled in 2007.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• 2 HOURS COMBO TOUR
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• 1 HOUR SPECIAL TOUR
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  Duration: 1 hour

• All Fees and Taxes
• Pedicab

• Drop off / Hotel Pick up

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by CENTRAL PARK TRAVEL ™.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 13 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.