Bethesda Fountain Tours and Activities

Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain


Stroll through peaceful Central Park and relax and reflect next to this very large neoclassical sculpture designed by a pioneering artist.

Next to the Central Park Lake is the beautiful Bethesda Fountain, an iconic sculpture that was situated here as part of the original park design. Gaze up at the 8-foot (2.4-meter) bronze angel rising to a height of 26 feet (8 meters) over cherubs representing health, purity, temperance, and peace. Water sprays outward over the cherubs, falling into a basin and then cascading into a pool at the center of a square paved with bricks.

Emma Stebbins designed the fountain in 1868 and the city unveiled it in 1873. Notice the winged angel reaching down toward the delicate sprays of clear water at her feet. Stebbins intended the Angel of the Waters to represent a blessing of clean water delivered to New York City residents through the Croton Aqueduct. The name Bethesda comes from a pool mentioned in the Bible’s Gospel of St. John.

Note that Stebbins was a pioneer in several ways. She became the first woman commissioned by New York City to create a major work and one of the first in the nation. She also was publicly a lesbian, in a long relationship with the actress Charlotte Cushman.

Look from the fountain toward Bethesda Terrace, a striking arched two-story terrace flanked by wide staircases. Beyond the terrace see a few high-rise towers of southern Manhattan rising over the treetops of Central Park. Under the terrace is a passage with more than 15,000 patterned Minton ceiling tiles and trompe l’oeil paintings on the wall.

Sit at a bench near the fountain on summer days and watch people rowing boats across the lake. Watch colorful leaves floating down past the statue’s outstretched wings in autumn. In winter, the angel seems to float above white snow in the heart of one of the world’s largest cities.

Find the Bethesda Fountain at the southern edge of New York City’s Central Park Lake. One of the most delightful ways to approach the fountain is through the lower level of the Bethesda Terrace to see the arches providing a picturesque framing of the winged sculpture.

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Best Lodging Options Near Bethesda Fountain

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Park Lane New York

Park Lane New York

5 out of 5
36 Central Park S, New York, NY
Park Lane New York
Park Central Hotel New York

Park Central Hotel New York

4 out of 5
870 7th Ave, New York, NY
Park Central Hotel New York
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square
Hard Rock Hotel New York

Hard Rock Hotel New York

4.5 out of 5
159 W 48th St, New York, NY
Hard Rock Hotel New York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bethesda Fountain

At Bethesda Fountain in New York City, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided tours showcasing the fountain's history, art installations scattered throughout the area, and scenic park tours. During special events like Outdoors Week, there's even more to explore, including opportunities for ice skating in the winter. This vibrant location combines culture, relaxation, and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Bethesda Fountain, visit Macy's, located 3.2km away, offering a variety of family-friendly options. Tiffany & Co. is only 1.3km away, perfect for elegant gifts. Grand Central Market, 3.2km away, features local produce and unique finds, capturing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting melodies of Carnegie Hall, just 1.3kms from Bethesda Fountain, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances your concert experience. For ultimate relaxation, visit SoJo Spa Club, located 4.8km away, offering rejuvenating body treatments in a serene setting. Enjoy ice skating at Rink at Rockefeller Center, 1.6km away, for a fun-filled adventure.

Adventure

At Bethesda Fountain, unleash your adventurous spirit at ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 966m away, perfect for climbing enthusiasts. For a splash-filled day, visit DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km away, or immerse yourself in nature at the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Bethesda Fountain by catching a romantic film at Broadway Theatre, only 1.6km away, or immerse yourself in culture at Gershwin Theater, also 1.6km away. For family-friendly fun, visit the Hayden Planetarium, just 805m away, for an entertaining cosmic show.

Find the best attractions near Bethesda Fountain

Visiting Bethesda Fountain in New York City offers a delightful mix of urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers. This vibrant area caters to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and the chance to admire the stunning symbols of the fountain within Central Park. Be sure to explore the surrounding attractions and soak in the beauty and history that Bethesda Fountain and its surroundings have to offer.

  • Times Square: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Times Square, a bustling hub known for its dazzling lights and vibrant energy. This iconic location draws millions of visitors each year, offering a unique blend of entertainment, shopping, and dining options that reflect the heart of the city.
  • Central Park: Experience the serene escape of Central Park, a sprawling urban oasis that offers scenic walking paths, picturesque landscapes, and leisurely activities. Perfect for families, it provides a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle, with lush greenery and beautiful lakes inviting relaxation.
  • Broadway: Discover the magic of Broadway, where world-class theatre productions come to life. Stroll along this famed street and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with numerous shows showcasing incredible talent, making it a must-visit for any culture enthusiast.

Best time to go to Bethesda Fountain

Visitor numbers around Bethesda Fountain is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bethesda Fountain can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bethesda Fountain falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bethesda Fountain falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bethesda Fountain

Visiting Bethesda Fountain can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free access to the fountain and nearby attractions like Times Square and Central Park. The best time to visit is from January to March for lower accommodation rates. When booking, aim for Monday stays, as Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia to find deals, especially last-minute offers, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Don't forget to filter your accommodation search for eco-friendly options to suit your preferences and budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bethesda Fountain are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bethesda Fountain is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bethesda Fountain is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bethesda Fountain is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Bethesda Fountain with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.