The Closest Central Park Entrance From East 62nd Street: Fifth Avenue at 60th, About Eight Minutes

The short version

Walk west on 62nd Street to Fifth Avenue. That's about eight minutes from our block. Fifth Avenue is the park's eastern edge, and there are pedestrian entrances all along it. The two closest to us sit around 60th Street (the Grand Army Plaza corner, by the Pulitzer Fountain and the Plaza Hotel) and right at 62nd Street. Either one puts you inside the park in under ten minutes from your front door.

Which gate to pick

Both are quick, so it comes down to where you want to end up.

• Around 60th Street (Grand Army Plaza corner): This is the southeast corner of the park. Head in here for the Pond, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, and the path up toward the Central Park Zoo. It's also the busiest corner, so expect crowds and the horse carriages near Sixth Avenue.
• At 62nd Street: A little quieter. You come in near the East Green and the walk up toward the Zoo and the Dene. If you want the park without the Grand Army Plaza crush, this is the calmer choice.

Getting your bearings once you're in

Walking in from the east 60s, you're at the southeast end of the park. The Zoo is a few minutes north. The Mall and Bethesda Terrace are a longer stroll up around 72nd Street. Keep the Fifth Avenue buildings on your right as a reference and you won't get turned around.

We're on the East Side, so the whole east edge of the park is your front yard. If you're up for a longer walk, the Metropolitan Museum sits on Fifth at 82nd, a straight shot north along the park.

Text me if you want a route for a specific spot inside the park. I'm a real person and happy to point you the right way.