Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

The Basics

The best way to visit the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is on a Central Park walking tour or bike tour. Guided tours typically pass the reservoir, situated in the middle of the park, and offer visitors a way to learn park history. The reservoir is also a great stop on a self-guided walking tour taken after visiting a museum on New York's Museum Mile, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum or Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offers unobstructed city views across Central Park.

• Athletes shouldn't miss a run around the reservoir's 1.58-mile (2.54 kilometer) track.

• Museumgoers can rejuvenate at the reservoir after hitting Museum Mile.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring, since the park is more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long.

How to Get There

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir spans Central Park, from 85th to 96th streets. Visit on a Central Park tour or via the subway. For westside access, take the A, B, or C train to 86th Street (on Central Park West). For eastside access, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street (on Lexington).

When to Get There

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a lovely sight year-round, though visiting in spring and summer offers the chance to see the park in bloom. In mid- to late-April the cherry blossoms—which surround the reservoir—explode with vibrant color, while the Ramble, to the south, is packed with wildflowers. To avoid crowds, plan to arrive early in the day or mid-week, since weekends bring the tourists.

Visiting the Conservatory Garden

Stretch your legs with a stroll from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir to Central Park's only formal garden, located at the north end of the park. The Conservatory Garden is a gem, favored by locals and visitors for its colorful flower beds, manicured walking paths, and three styled areas with distinct English, French, and Italian garden designs. If you visit in fall, don't miss the chrysanthemums.

Ways to explore

The best way to visit the sprawling Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is as part of a Central Park walking tour, pedicab tour, or bike tour. Guided tours make it easier to learn about the park’s history and also visit nearby highlights, including Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain. The reservoir is additionally a great stop on a self-guided walking tour after visiting a museum on the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accessibility

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is surrounded by a flat path that is accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, umbrella

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate gear and walking shoes—or upgrade to athletic gear if you’d prefer to jog.

Not allowed

Smoking and vaping, drinking alcohol, cycling on pedestrian paths

Amenities

Public restrooms, food concessions, recreational facilities

Address

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is located in Central Park, roughly between 86th and 96th Streets; it spans most of the park’s width. There are multiple entry points to the reservoir, and the area is well-served by public transit, taxis, and rideshare services.

Driving

While there are paid parking garages within the vicinity of Central Park, parking is expensive, and driving in Manhattan can be stressful. It’s better to avoid driving yourself and use a taxi or rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

By subway, take the B or C train to 86th or 96th Street on the Upper West Side. If traveling on the Upper East Side, take the 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street, or the 6 to 96th Street.

Best times to visit

Central Park is open from 6–1am. To enjoy a calmer experience, visit the reservoir area in the early morning. Alternatively, sunset is a popular time to capture photos.

Best days to visit

As a general rule, expect weekdays to be quieter than weekends at Central Park, especially during good-weather days and holidays.

Best months to visit

Summer is a very popular (and busy) time in Central Park, and can also bring uncomfortably high temperatures. Aim for the spring or fall shoulder seasons as an alternative.

Special events

In spring, catch park-hosted walking tours of the reservoir’s cherry blossoms. Central Park also puts on a number of popular annual events, including SummerStage and Shakespeare in the Park.