New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Seasonal · Fall

The best fall foliage spots in Central Park

Updated September 2026. 8 places.

Fall in Central Park Let’s dive in is a sight to behold. But Central Park spans 843 acres and it’s hard to know exactly where to go to see the best fall color. That’s where I come in. I start every morning with a walk through the park and have found the absolute best spots for fall color in Central Park.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best fall foliage spots in Central Park, 2026

  1. Belvadere CastleLandmark · Central ParkBelvedere is Italian for “beautiful view” and it lives up to the name.
  2. Bethesda Terrace & FountainLandmark · Central ParkBethesda Terrace is remarkable.
  3. Gapstow BridgeLandmark · Central ParkThe views from the bridge is breathtaking, especially when the area is engrossed with fall color.
  4. The Bow BridgeLandmark · Central ParkIt’s one of the most photographed locations in Central Park for a reason.
  5. The MallLandmark · Central ParkIn fact, this the absolute best place to see fall color in Central Park.
  6. Oak BridgeLandmark · Central ParkIt’s seldom crowded, which makes it a nice escape from the nearby Bow Bridge.
  7. The Conservatory GardenPark · Central ParkThe Conservatory Garden is one of my favorite spots in Central Park for fall color simply because it’s located in the north end of the park and doesn’t get as busy as the south end.
  8. The North MeadowPark · Central ParkWhat a pity that is, especially considering this one of the best spots in Central Park for fall foliage.
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/fall-foliage-central-park-autumn/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 16 Great Spots to See Fall Foliage in Central Park.