It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address66th to 72nd Street
- From my guide, updated February 2026.
The Mall is a wide promenade lined with mature American elm trees leading directly to Bethesda Fountain. Home to the largest plantation of American elms in the world, the trees create an enchanting canopy and offer a shady retreat in the summer and dazzling display of color come fall.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of seating in the area. I suggest parking yourself on a bench because the people-watching is prime. Once rested, stroll the promenade at a leisurely pace while taking in the sights. Make sure to check out the Literary Walk at the southern end of the mall where you’ll find statues of notable literary figures.
Fun fact. The Mall was originally designed to accommodate wealthy New Yorkers who would come to this portion of park in their carriages (that’s why the promenade is so wide). These posh locals would get dropped off at the start of the Mall so they could mingle with people of “lesser status” while making their way to Bethesda Terrace where their carriages awaited.
Further Reading. 12+ Epic Spots to Find Fall Color in Central Park
The Mall is an famous American elm-lined promenade that leads directly to Bethesda Fountain. The mature trees create an enchanting canopy that offers a shady retreat during hot city summers. In fact, the Mall is home to one of the largest plantations of American elms in the world.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of benches to sit and enjoy while you watch the world go by. For me personally, it’s always fun to spot young couples giddy with excitement during their first visit to Central Park. This magical area transforms into a stunning canopy of fall color during autumn. In fact, this the absolute best place to see fall color in Central Park.
The Mall is an iconic American elm-lined promenade that leads directly to Bethesda Fountain. This is the largest plantation of American Elm trees in the world! The mature trees create an enchanting and lush canopy that offers one of the most charming photo spots in Central Park. No matter the season, The Mall has a way of stealing the show in pictures.
Locals Tip: Try visiting early in the morning or as the sun is setting to catch the street lamps lit up. You’re especially in for a treat if you visit the mall after it rains , so dreamy!
The Mall is an iconic American elm-lined promenade that leads directly to Bethesda Fountain. This is the largest plantations of American elms in the world! The mature trees create an enchanting and lush canopy that offers a shady retreat during hot city summers. Thankfully, there’s plenty of benches to sit and enjoy while you watch the world go by.
The Mall is instantly recognizable to any Rom-Com lovers out there and is one of the best instagram spots in NYC. Countless movies and TV shows were filmed on the strip so why not take a photo of your own in the iconic spot!
Local’s Tip: Try to visit in the beginning of November to catch the canopy of fall colors for your photos.