Secret Places of Central Park
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience secret Central Park locations only a true New York City historian can help you find. Visit some of Central Park's least-trafficked, truly historic and most scenic locations above 100th Street. Discover the history of Central Park and its creators, find out what was there before, visit Revolutionary War forts, see the stunning formal gardens, "hike" through Central Park's man-made Adirondack Mountains and so much more. This very fascinating, educational, and entertaining tour is conducted by a licensed New York City tour guide with over 20 years of experience and a New York City historian.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tours go out in rain, snow and shine. There are no cancellations or rescheduling for rain or snow within 24 hours of the start of the tour.
The tour is approximately 3.25 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. You should be in good physical shape; there is uneven terrain, unpaved trails, rocks, some steep (but short) hills on dirt and mulch, uneven stairs and potentially slippery areas. It is essential that you dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings.
Visit RevolutionaryToursNYC . com web site for additional dates and times.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We'll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You'll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose...........Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES that are not listed here!
As we leave the Pool area, you'll walk through this sensational stone arch designed in the 1860s. Nothing prepares you for the scenery that you'll see when you pass through this high arch.
What‘s Included
Search for "REVOLUTIONARY TOURS NYC" on TripAdvisor/Viator
Accommodation as per itinerary
Small group - Limited to 16 people.
From December to February, you can book our special CENTRAL PARK EXPERIENCE tour.
Gratuities
Options
Central Park 3-5:30PM
3-5:30PM
Central Park 10AM-12:30PM
10AM-12:30PM
Central Park 11AM-1:30PM
11AM-1:30PM
Central Park 2-4:30PM
2-4:30PM
Central Park 12-2:30PM
12-2:30PM
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bruce is the best tour guide!
U5911OAkima,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bruce was the best! He obviously has a wealth of knowledge and passion for NY Central Park history! This tour is totally worth it!
The Gift of this Tour Guide!
lisaaM6869LU,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am a first time tour goer! I was reluctant as I even a resident NY'er. This was recommended to me by a huge NYC tour friend, and she was 100 percent correct. I have learned- Bruce is no ordinary tour guide. He is super enthusiastic, super knowledgable, kind and fun! I love Nature, and he blended the history with the "secret tips " of NY's Central Park. There was so much I did not know. This is fun for dates, families, solo people. We had the kindest group where we all got to know each other a bit. A secret tip about your tour guide- when Jimmy Fallon wants a private tour of this family, he requests Bruce. That should give you an idea. This is no ordinary experience. You leave with little gifts, both literally and spirtually!
Bruce schists!
brangiend,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We began our 10-day trip to NYC with a noon tour of Secret Places of Central Park with Bruce. It was the perfect introduction to the park and the city itself. The tour was endlessly fascinating. Bruce is a historian by training and a lifelong New Yorker—his passion for the park was infectious. The tour grounded our stay—we made a couple trips back to Central Park simply to "unbend the mind" and experience nature (or, as Bruce pointed out many times, "natural-ISM"). Through the tour I've come to view the park as a national treasure. If New York is the big apple, the park is its core. Bruce's knowledge of the park is encyclopedic, but his presentation was always easy-going and entertaining. Bruce rocks (or, more appropriately, schists)!
Educational, beautiful, and lots movement!
Dawn M,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bruce was a phenomenal tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Central Park, and New York history at large! Well prepared and able to easily respond to spontaneous inquiry with enthusiasm and warmth.
claytonf828,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bruce is a great, knowledgeable tour guide. The hike through upper Central Park was amazing and full of historical background that we never could have learned on our own.
Interesting and Enjoyable
P4811QJsusanw,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Bruce, was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable and was wonderful with my grandchildren. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Central Park.
Absolutely great
kerrylA1846CP,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maybe the best walking tour ever. Bruce was super smart and personable. Learned a ton. Benn yo park for my whole life but saw new places and have a new appreciation of its splendor. Highly recommend.
Central Park Walk in the Woods
NoMyYah,May 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful way to explore the less-travelled north 20% of Central Park, An adventure through woods, up hills and down, by creeks where children were playing. Be prepared for with good walking shoes and water on a hot day. You'll get a lot of steps in (I got 13,000) and a lot of beauty An outstanding experience,leading us to places we've never seen, despite being locals. Whether we'd seen them before or not, we know a lot more now than we did before. Bruce is a seasoned guide, a true professional with a delightful manner.
Bruce was knowledgeable,...
Joshua S,May 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bruce was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun. We thought we knew something about the park, but learning its history let us see it in a new way.
A perfect way to see Central Park!
N5291EQmaxb,Dec 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a highlight of our trip to NYC from the UK. Bruce was an excellent guide and pleasure to spend the tour with. His knowledge and passion made the time just fly by. We now have an entirely new perspective and love for Central Park.
From US$52.95
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Revolutionary Tours NYC