Bethesda Fountain

The Basics

Measuring 26 feet high and 96 feet wide, the Bethesda Fountain is one of the largest water features in New York City. It is the centerpiece of the Bethesda Terrace, an area designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to function as the heart of the park. The top tier of the fountain holds the Angel of the Waters, a sculpture designed by artist Emma Stebbins—and the only statue commissioned especially for the park. The fountain commemorates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which brought fresh running water to the city for the first time in the 1840s.

Relax by the fountain and do some people watching, or visit during a bike, pedicab, horse and carriage, or walking tour of the park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The upper part of the terrace, above the Arcade, offers overhead views of the fountain.

• The main part of the terrace is wheelchair accessible.

• Restrooms near the fountain are open during daylight hours March through early November.

How to Get There

The Bethesda Fountain is in the lower third of Central Park. The closest park entrance is at East 72nd Street. To reach the fountain via subway, take the A, B, or C train to 72nd St. and Central Park West, and walk half-way across the park.

When to Get There

Central Park is open daily all year round. The Bethesda Fountain is most popular on warm days, when visitors gather on the surrounding terrace, and in the fall, when it is surrounded by stunning foliage.

Visit Strawberry Fields

A short walk west of Bethesda Terrace you’ll find Strawberry Fields, a memorial dedicated to the musician and activist John Lennon. Visit the garden—which sits just steps from where Lennon was shot outside his apartment building on Central Park West—to enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation, commune with other Beatles fans, and see the memorial’s famous Imagine mosaic.

Ways to explore

Bethesda Fountain is a mainstay for Central Park tours on foot, by bike, or by pedicab. Horse and carriage rides through the park also stop near Bethesda Terrace to take a closer look at the fountain. Private New York City photo shoots often use the fountain as a backdrop, and the entire fountain area is an ideal spot for families to take a break from sightseeing. Pair your visit to Bethesda Fountain with a New York City sightseeing tour—most hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at Central Park, so you can explore at your own pace.

Accessibility

The area around Bethesda Fountain is level and paved, making it easily accessible for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sun hat, coin to toss in the fountain

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Entering the lower basin of the fountain, drinking fountain water

Amenities

Restrooms, benches

Address

The Bethesda Fountain is in the lower third of Central Park; the closest park entrance is at East 72nd Street. You can reach the park and fountain by public transportation or walk through the park from the Upper East Side and Upper West Side.

Driving

Central Park is mostly closed to traffic, so you cannot drive to Bethesda Fountain. You could park on the Upper East Side or Upper West Side, where parking is limited and expensive. Plan to visit the fountain on foot or by bike.

Public transportation

To reach the fountain via subway, take the A, B, or C train to 72nd St, and walk through the park to Bethesda Terrace—about 10 minutes on foot. On the east side, take the 6 to 68th St-Hunter College, a 15-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Visit the fountain first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon for the best light to snap photos. The area around the fountain is most crowded at midday.

Best days to visit

Central Park in general is busiest on weekends, when New Yorkers gather to relax or enjoy outdoor sports. Stop by Bethesda Fountain on a weekday morning to enjoy it in relative peace.

Best months to visit

Bethesda Fountain is most popular on warm days, when visitors gather on the surrounding terrace, and in the fall, when it is surrounded by foliage.

Special events

The terrace surrounding Bethesda Fountain is often used in the summer for food festivals and cultural events. Check the Central Park website for a schedule.