Central Park - Ana Florentina

MOTHERHOOD · October 30, 2023

We’re Having a Baby!

I’ve been waiting to be able to say: we’re having a baby!!! We could not be more excited, and I’m happy to fill you all in.

The baby is due during the first week of April, and I am 17 weeks today. It was not easy for us, it took us almost three years and a major surgery…

We found out in August, the day after I returned from a quick trip to Miami. I took a pregnancy test in the morning while my husband was sleeping, and told him immediately after! For the next few days, it felt completely UNREAL.

My first trimester was pretty rough, but it has gotten better. I’ve been holding my breath in between appointments, and last week we had the first anatomy exam.

I’ll be sharing an overview of my first trimester next week and have lots to say but I’d love to hear if there’s anything in particular you’d like to know!

We are currently trying to schedule photos (before it gets colder!).

Also… any guesses on the baby’s gender? 🥰

Outfit Details:

Seraphine Light Blue Dress

Loeffler Randall Bow Clutch

SHOP THE POST

LIFE IN NYC, NEW YORK, NEW YORK CITY, UNITED STATES · August 15, 2023

A Guide to the Most Iconic Central Park Locations for Photography

Central Park Photo Spots: A Complete Guide

When it comes to taking photos in New York City, Central Park is an absolute dream for photographers – all year round!

The park’s 843 acres feature picturesque bridges, beautiful architecture, lakes, and streams, that will serve as perfect backdrops for photos.

Photographing the park is one of my favorite things to do, so here are 12 of the best Central Park Photo Spots so you can also capture the park’s beauty.

Here is a NYC Helicopter Tour that soars over the park, and the city’s highlights:

Or hop aboard one of Central Park’s Pedicab guided tours, discover Central Park by bike with this bicycle rental, or explore Central Park with a small group on this walking tour.

Best Central Park Photo Locations

I’ve done dozens of photoshoots in NYC and Central Park over the years! There are a few spots in Central Park that are an absolute must for photography! This park is perfection!

Best Things to Do in Central Park

1. Bethesda Terrace

First up on my list of Central Park Photo Spots is the stunning Bethesda Terrace.

Bethesda Terrace is located in the heart of Central Park. It is flanked by two grand stairways that lead down to a beautiful fountain. You likely remember this spot from Home Alone 2, The Avengers, Enchanted, One Fine Day, and Mr. Deeds!

The Mintons’ encaustic tiles, the New Brunswick sandstone, and the arches take my breath away! Taking photos at this location is not the easiest because of how busy it gets. I recommend arriving as early as possible, right after sunrise!

most-instagrammable-places-in-central-park — Bethesda Terrace in Central Park.

best central park photo locations for instagram

How to get there: Entry to the Terrace is by way of the drive at 72nd Street.

2. Gapstow Bridge

Everyone loves this location because it highlights The Plaza Hotel, New York City’s skyline, and the park all in one shot!

best central park spots gaptow bridge — Gapstow Bridge in Central Park.

How to get there: Enter the park via E 62nd Street.

3. Bow Bridge

This Victorian-era bridge spans 60 feet across Central Park Lake and connects Cherry Hill and the Ramble. The graceful arc-shaped bridge provided a backdrop for Spiderman 3, Manhattan, Night At The Museum, Autumn in New York, Uptown Girls, The Way We Were, and Keeping the Faith.

This is the “Most Romantic Bridge in Central Park” and a popular location for proposals and engagement/wedding photos, so keep that in mind (it will get crowded!).

central park instagram spots — Bow Bridge in Central Park.

How to get there: Enter by 72nd Street, the bridge is a 3-min. walk from Bethesda Terrace.

4. The Bethesda Fountain

Next up on my list of Central Park photo spots is Bethesda Fountain.

The “Angel of the Waters” neoclassical sculpture is one of the main attractions at Bethesda Terrace. I love this area of the park!

The statue was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868, and it measures twenty-six feet high by ninety-six feet wide.

Central Park Bethesda Fountain — Angel of the Waters sculpture in Central Park.

How to get there: Find the statue mid-park at 72nd Street.

5. The Lake Viewing Area

At this location, you will get a scenic view of the lake, The San Remo Building, and Manhattan’s East Side.

While this location is pretty hidden, it is totally worth it for a stunning Central Park Instagram shot. Hundreds of proposals take place in this exact spot every year!

best central park photo spots — The lake viewing area in Central Park.

best spots lake viewing area central park

How to get there: The easiest way to find this location is to stay to the left after crossing the bow bridge, and then a dirt path will lead you to this spot.

6. Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle is a miniature castle located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park.

Construction of the castle was completed in 1872, and it originally had no windows or doors, as it was intended as an open-air lookout tower.

Belvedere-Castle-Central-Park-New-York-City — Belvedere Castle atop Vista Rock in Central Park.

In 1919 the U.S. Weather Bureau converted the building into a weather station, adding windows and doors, and creating offices inside the structure.

In 1983 the Central Park Conservancy renovated the building and reopened it as a visitor center.

How to get there: Belvedere Castle is just off of the 79th Street Transverse near the Turtle Pond in Central Park.

7 Great Lawn

This is a 55-acre area that is one of the most well-known lawns in the world. Many choose this spot for a picnic, sunbathe, play recreational sports, or simply enjoy the scenery.

How to get there: Mid-Park between 79th and 85th.

8 Bridle Path

The Bridle Path is 4.2 miles long and consists mainly of a softer dirt and gravel surface. The path is highly visited during April and May, also known as cherry blossom season.

If you will be visiting New York City during April or May, see my guide to finding the best cherry blossoms in Central Park!

9 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir spans 106 acres and at 40 feet deep holds more than one billion gallons of water. At this spot, you will also find a super-popular jogging track that looks lovely during cherry blossom season!

How to get there: 86th to 96th Streets.

10 The Mall & Literary Walk

This is Central Park’s only formal promenade, a wide straight path lined by stands of American elms. It’s a gorgeous area and the spot where our engagement photos took place many years ago!

The southern section is known as the “Literary Walk” because it is surrounded by statues of Shakespeare, Robert Burns & other well-known literary writers.

Literary-Walk-Central-Park-New-York-City-Photos — Women’s Rights Pioneers Statue at Central Park in New York City.

How to get there: Mid-Park at 66th.

11 The Rock Lookout

Umpire Rock is one of Central Park’s largest and most impressive rock outcrops! The rock is a destination for climbing, exploring, and picnicking as well as enjoying views of the surrounding scenery.

How to get there: West Side at 63rd Street.

12 Oak Bridge

Oak Bridge was designed as one of the major entrances to the Ramble and a focal point in the landscape. It’s also a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The original bridge was built almost entirely in white oak and was prone to deterioration as a result. In the early 20th century, it was replaced with a simpler footbridge.

Oak-Bridge-Central-Park-Photos-New-York-City

How to get there: West Side at 77th.

Best Time To Take Pictures in Central Park

Because Central Park is one of the most visited spots in New York City, I suggest you arrive at sunrise to avoid the crows.

The photos that I shared on today’s guide were taken by me immediately after sunrise, or in the early morning.

I hope this list helps you capture beautiful photos during your visit to Central Park!

Central Park Photography Map

Book: Central Park from above on this Helicopter Tour.

The Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in New York 2024

Looking for cherry blossoms in New York?

As a nature lover who lives in New York, you are in the right place to learn about these must-see trees this spring. Cherry trees have beautiful flowers ranging from magenta to pale pink to white that begin to bloom in late March or early April. We’ve had a pretty warm winter, so it is expected that cherry trees will bloom earlier than usual! A characteristic of these trees is that they do not remain in flower for more than a week, and trees do not bloom all at once!

Today I’m sharing when and where you can see cherry blossoms in NYC to help you plan your visit. I also included a selection of photos that I took.

Cherry Blossoms History in New York

In 1909, Japan gifted a shipment with 2,500 cherry trees to the United States commemorating the 100th anniversary of the invention of the steamboat, and the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the Hudson River. After that shipment was lost at sea, a new shipment arrived in 1912 and was planted throughout the parks of New York.

Cherry Blossom Festivals

The Cherry Blossom Festivals have not been confirmed yet, so the dates below are tentative!

April 1, at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
April 15, at Central Park
April 26, in New York City

Update March 24 – There will be no festivals this year. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is instead celebrating cherry blossom season with events called Weekends in Bloom.

Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in New York

Cherry Blossoms in Central Park

Central Park is a dream during cherry blossom season, and hundreds of people rush with their cameras to capture cherry trees in peak bloom!

There are two main species of cherry trees in Central Park, the Yoshino Cherry tree and the Kwanzan Cherry tree.

The Yoshino Cherry is a hybrid cherry that can grow 35 to 45 feet and produces light pink, almost white, fragrant flowers.

The Kwanzan Cherry has double-petal pink flowers, which begin to bloom in early May, after the Yoshino Cherry. These trees are smaller and grow 25 to 30 feet.

How to get there: Enter the Park at West 86th Street and Central Park West. After you pass the Bridle Path, continue until Bridge No 28. Head to my TikTok and Instagram to see a video of this spot!

The best places to see cherry trees in Central Park are the Reservoir (east and west sides), Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Cedar Hill, the Glade (south of Cedar Hill between 74th & 77th Streets), Great Lawn, Nell Singer Lilac Walk (northeast of Sheep Meadow), directly behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art, behind the Delacorte Theater, and on either side of the Bethesda Fountain.

If you are in New York City in late March, visit the west side of the Jacqueline Kennedy Reservoir in Central Park, typically that is where you will find the first blooms. If you are here in early April, visit The Great Lawn to walk by a handful of beautiful white cherry trees. If you are here in late April, be sure to explore the Bridle Path, my favorite spot to photograph cherry trees!

Best-cherry-blossoms-new-york — At the Bridle Path you will find tons of trees! This spot gets very crowded, so try to arrive in the early morning.

How long do cherry blossoms last in Central Park?

You can see cherry blossoms in Central Park from late March until early May. Cherry trees bloom at different times, and once a tree is in full bloom, its flowers will remain for about a week. The petals will begin to fall after 7-9 days, depending on the weather.

Map of Cherry Blossoms in Central Park & Tracker

Inside Central Park’s 843 acres, there are fifteen areas where you can see cherry blossoms.

Here is an interactive map where you can track in real-time where the cherry blossoms have peaked in Central Park!

Reservoir
The Glade
Cherry Hill
Pilgrim Hill
Cedar Hill
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Great Lawn
East Green
Bethesda Fountain
Delacorte Theater
Ramble
Lilac Walk
East Meadow
Trefoil Arch
Wagner Cove

best-places-cherry-blossoms-nyc — The cherry trees pictured above are by Willowdell Arch in Central Park.

Anaflorentyna-Central-Park — The cherry trees pictured above are by Willowdell Arch in Central Park.

Iconic Spots in Central Park and How to Find Them

Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn Botanic Garden

With 52 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC. The Cherry Cultivars Area and the Plant Family Collection are home to the cherry trees that bloom first every year.

The rest of the cherry blossoms will appear four or so weeks after that first bloom. If you visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden, first check out The Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, and then head west towards Cherry Walk! Magnolia Plaza is worth seeing as well, this area is usually in bloom along with the earliest cherries!

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Hours:

March: Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
April 1 – May 15
- Tuesday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m
- Friday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m
- Closed Mondays

How to get to Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Enter the garden via one of three entrances:

150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11225
455 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Tickets: $18 for Adults. $12 for Seniors & Students over 12. Tickets are available 30 days in advance of visit days. Same-day tickets may be obtained at Garden admission booths. Children under 12 are free.

Winter Weekdays: December–February. Pay-What-You-Wish from Tuesday to Friday.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Cherry Blossom Map

Here is an illustrative map of the garden that will be helpful for your visit! The tracker below shows that the trees are not in peak yet! (Last updated February 29, 2024).

Next up is Roosevelt Island.

Cherry-Blossom-Festival-Roosevelt-Island

Cherry Blossoms on Roosevelt Island

Another of the best spots to see breathtaking cherry blossoms in New York City is Roosevelt Island, an island located in the East River, between Manhattan and Queens.

Although the island’s festival has been canceled since March 2020, making the trip to see Kwanzan trees on Roosevelt Island is worth it!

Roosevelt Island is home to Yoshino, Kwanzan, and Okame trees. Typically, Yoshino trees bloom the first week of April, and Kwanzan trees bloom in mid-April, or even later.

Insider’s Tips:

The majority of Kwanzan cherry trees are located on the south side of Roosevelt Island, on Cherry Tree Walk (West Loop Road) located by Cornell Tech (see the pictures above).
There is a handful of Yoshino trees in front of Duane Reade, and also across from Starbucks (see the picture below).

Map of Roosevelt Island in New York

The largest number of Kwanzan trees on Roosevelt Island is on West Loop Road, south of Cornell Tech (see the map below).

More information for your visit to Roosevelt Island during cherry blossom season

Roosevelt Island can get very crowded, head there early in the morning. (The trees located closest to the bridge will have the sun blocked by the nearby buildings in the early morning).
Ride the tram to Roosevelt Island! You will be able to photograph the trees on Cherry Tree Walk from above, and they look beautiful.
The Cafe at Cornell Tech has a spacious indoor and outdoor sitting area with a beautiful view where you can stop by for snacks, salads, and coffee (see the photos below).

How to get to Roosevelt Island?

You can go to Roosevelt Island in various ways: via the Roosevelt Island Tramway, by taking the NYC Ferry Astoria Route, hopping on the Bus Q102, taking the F Train, driving by car, or by Uber.

After you exit the tram, turn left and you will see an entire row of cherry blossoms by the river. If you take the train, walk south towards Cornell Tech, continue under the bridge, and find the trees on your right.

Can I stay on Roosevelt Island?

Yes! The 224-room Graduate Hotel opened to guests in June 2021. The 18-story hotel is located next to Cornell Tech, the technology, business, law, and design campus of Cornell University, on the island.

The hotel’s highlight is Panorama Room, a rooftop bar and lounge offering breathtaking 360-degree views of New York.

Book a Room at the Graduate Hotel here.

roosevelt-island-panorama-room-graduate-hotel — Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island

MORE INFO FOR YOUR DAYS IN NEW YORK DURING CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

What month is best to visit cherry blossoms?

If you intend to see cherry blossoms in NYC, then the best time to visit is during the second half of April. Typically, cherry blossoms in New York City reach their peak any time between the end of March and the beginning of May. Visiting in late April increases your chances of seeing cherry blossoms in Central Park, Roosevelt Island, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

When is the best time to photograph cherry blossoms?

The early morning, before the parks get crowded, is the best time to photograph cherry trees.

If I didn’t answer your question about cherry blossoms in NYC, leave it in a comment and I’ll get back to you!

Have you visited New York during cherry blossom season?!

EXPLORE NEW YORK

Activities recommended for New York:

MORE PLACES TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN NEW YORK

Washington Square Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens
New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx
Riverside Park
Union Square Park

MUSEUMS TO SEE IN NEW YORK CITY!

New York City has four museums that you’ll want to visit, see my guides below:

BEST HOTELS IN NEW YORK!

Here is a list of five extraordinary hotels for your stay in the city:

If you enjoyed this guide, please share it with friends 🙂

STYLE · June 18, 2022

Look of The Day: Floral Maxi Dress with Sleeves

Ana Florentina wearing a Floral Maxi Wrap Dress in Central Park

Outfit Details: Dress | Bag | Shoes

LOOK OF THE DAY: FLORAL MAXI DRESS WITH SLEEVES

Hey loves! Why are floral dresses so irresistible? I think that every woman should have at least one floral dress in their closet. The beauty of floral dresses is that they come in a variety of colors, prints, lengths, and silhouettes. The minute I saw this floral maxi dress with long sleeves, I immediately fell in love with it!

One of my favorite things about wrap dresses is how comfortably they fit – the wrap-front closure easily adjusts to the size of your waist (while also accentuating it). I styled my dress with neutral accessories for the floral pattern to stand out.

This floral maxi dress fits true to size. Blossom-covered dresses are definitely year-round wedding guest material. What do you think?!

See two stunning high-end floral wrap dresses, click here and also here.

New York City & Central Park:

Things To Do in Central Park:

Hi, I'm Florencia

Looking for cherry blossoms in New York?

Cherry Blossoms History in New York

Cherry Blossom Festivals

Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in New York

Cherry Blossoms in Central Park

Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Cherry Blossoms on Roosevelt Island

Join 10,000+ subscribers

INFO

Shop

ON THE BLOG

MORE

Follow @AnaFlorentyna