Central Park is an oasis amid the skyscraper jungle that is New York City. This 843-acre play land situated between 59th and 110th streets in Manhattan welcomes 35 million visitors a year. Its layout can be confusing to first-time visitors, but don't be afraid to get lost. In fact, wandering through the park's lush grounds can be the perfect escape from Manhattan's frenetic pace. But if you're in the mood for action, there's a lot to do and see. On any day of the year, at practically any hour, you'll find street performers, vendors, pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages, roller skaters, bikers, dancers, and musicians. The weather is most favorable in the late spring and early summer, but with its 24,000 trees—including 1,700 American elms—fall is breathtaking as well. Highlights include Strawberry Fields, a 2.5-acre memorial dedicated to musician John Lennon at the park's entrance on West 72nd Street, across from the Dakota Apartments, where Lennon was shot; Bethesda Fountain, in the middle of the park along the 72nd Street transverse and overlooking the lake, making for a nice family-photo opportunity; and Sheep Meadow, a 15-acre lawn from 66th to 69th streets that makes the perfect spot for a picnic or an afternoon nap. The park is open every day from 6 a.m. until well past sunset.

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