Summer in Central Park

Great cities need great parks. Located on the Upper East Side's doorstep, Central Park could be the greatest of all.

Summer in this 843 acre oasis sees skyscrapers yield to sailboats and Shakespeare mingle with birdsong. From the Model Boat Pond’s miniature regattas to the Conservatory Garden’s floral symphony, the park becomes a stage for unhurried enjoyment.

As the city's summer pulse quickens, the Park keeps its cool - offering unscripted delight a few steps from The Surrey. Are you ready to embark upon a summer of adventure? Let's enter the park for a journey of discovery.

Fall under Central Park's spell with some time on the water 

Summer enchantment begins at the Central Park Boathouse, a serene escape where the city’s energy melts into tranquil waters. Rent a rowboat by the hour and glide past Bow Bridge - a gorgeous landmark that inspired the design of The Surrey Suite - while Manhattan's skyline frames the scene in timeless elegance.

Afterwards, settle into the Boathouse Café for some leisurely indulgence. Sip artfully crafted cocktails as sunlight dances on the water, as the gentle hum of the park creates the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of uninterrupted delight.

The drama continues with Shakespearean magic 

Central Park is more than a boating paradise in summertime. It's also a stage where dramatic performers weave their spells and tell captivating stories from Shakespeare's pen.

Shakespeare’s timeless plays come to life at the Delacorte Theater as evening falls. Joining the rapt audience is an unforgettable experience, blending art and nature in the heart of the Park. Tickets are free, but patrons need a special ID to secure their places. Ask at the hotel reception and we'll help you arrange your seats.

Central Park's artistic treasures don't end with Shakespeare. For instance, the SummerStage Festival offers a vibrant lineup spanning jazz, indie artists and global beats. From a Rumsey Playfield venue, the festival offers a dynamic schedule of afrobeat, blues, indie, acoustic folk - and many other musical genres.

Enjoy complete serenity at Conservatory Water 

Summer on the Upper East Side can be hectic, with its endless feast of exhibitions, markets, shows and activities. But sometimes, tranquility is all we need. As the golden hour casts its warm glow over the Upper East Side, there’s no better place to unwind than the Conservatory Water.

This peaceful oasis - affectionately known as the Model Boat Pond - invites you to pause and savor the simple pleasure of miniature sailboats dancing across the water. Watch the skyline become an iconic silhouette against the setting sun, a classic New York image that lasts for just a few moments.

Saturday morning at Conservatory Water also hosts an authentic taste of life on the UES. From 10am - 1pm, Central Park Model Yacht Club members race their wind-powered craft on the water. Watch their elegant craft glide in the sun, before continuing your afternoon activities.

Feel like a natural New Yorker at the Conservatory Garden 

Nearby, the sanctuary of the six-acre Conservatory Garden feels a world away from the urban bustle. Located at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, the garden is beautifully designed with elegant fountains, meticulously manicured flower beds and European-inspired symmetry.

Three sections of the garden showcase French, Italian and English styles, creating a kaleidoscopic feel with colorful blooms and pathways inviting exploration. It's also a short stroll from many Upper East Side boutiques (and The Surrey itself). There's no better place to retreat for some romantic time together or to relax, slow down and plan your next move.

We recommend joining a Conservatory Garden tour to unfold its lore and botanical gems. Tours take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Just ask at reception and our team will book tickets.

Spot New York's busiest residents with birdwatching at the Ramble

Nestled within the woodlands of the Park, the Ramble is a 36-acre nature reserve that provides space for New York's wildlife to prosper. It's also a fabulous place to spot birdlife, hosting palm warblers, hermit thrushes and dark-eyed junco. Even owls could make an early-morning appearance.

The ramble is a popular destination for the NYC birdwatching community, who rise with the sun to enjoy the morning chorus. Feel free to join them, after enjoying a luxury breakfast at The Surrey. However, if you aren't keen on an early start, don't worry. The cool, shady groves of the Ramble appeal all day long with dazzling azaleas and gently rippling ponds. Sit still for a while and you may hear the call of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds - who wisely make the Ramble their summer luxury retreat.

Find rest and enchantment in Central Park this summer

When summer arrives, Central Park buzzes into life. A symphony of golden light dancing on sun-kissed lakes, cool woodland lakes fringed by dazzling blooms and elegant gardens await. Or simply revel in the effortless magic of a park where every path leads to delight.

The refined comfort of The Surrey offers the perfect retreat after rowing beneath Bow Bridge, watching Shakespeare under the stars, or wandering serene gardens. Book your stay at The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel and discover how effortlessly luxury and adventure intertwine in this iconic corner of New York.