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
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Park Lane New York

Park Lane New York

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

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

4 out of 5
145 W 44th St, New York, NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
New York Hilton Midtown

New York Hilton Midtown

4 out of 5
1335 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, NY
New York Hilton Midtown
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
Warwick New York

Warwick New York

4 out of 5
65 W 54th St, New York, NY
Warwick New York
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park

3 out of 5
31 W 71st St, New York, NY
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park
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, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of public art and theatre, making it a cultural hub. Take a scenic bus tour to appreciate the stunning architecture and natural beauty of Central Park. Don't miss the opportunity for sightseeing, as the fountain itself is a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos and leisurely strolls, embodying the lively spirit of the city.

Shopping

At Bethesda Fountain, enjoy shopping at Tiffany & Co., just 1.3km away, for luxury gifts. Macy's, located 3.2km away, offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere. For a unique experience, visit Grand Central Market, also 3.2km away, featuring local vendors and city vibes.

Recreation

Carnegie Hall offers a vibrant music concert experience, just 1.3km from Bethesda Fountain, immersing you in the energetic atmosphere of live performances. SoJo Spa Club, located 4.8km away, invites you to indulge in rejuvenating body treatments amidst a tranquil setting. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 1.6km away, promises thrilling ice skating adventures in a lively environment.

Adventure

At Bethesda Fountain, experience thrills at the DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km away, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a serene outdoor vibe, visit the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 4.8km away. Challenge yourself at the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 966m away, for an exhilarating climbing experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Bethesda Fountain is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Broadway Theatre, just 1.6km away, or immerse yourself in the cultural charm at the Beacon Theater, only 1.1km away. For a unique experience, visit the Hayden Planetarium, located 805m from the fountain.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bethesda Fountain

Visiting Bethesda Fountain in New York offers an exciting blend of urban parks, art museums, and towering skyscrapers. This iconic site is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and stunning views. Make sure to explore the enchanting Bethesda Terrace and witness the beauty of one of the largest fountains in the city, making your trip truly memorable.

  • Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, where dazzling lights and massive billboards create an electrifying atmosphere. This bustling hub is perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking in the city vibes, located 1.6km away from Bethesda Fountain.
  • Central Park: Enjoy a serene escape within Central Park, a lush urban oasis just 805m from Bethesda Fountain. It's an ideal spot for families to picnic, stroll, or partake in outdoor activities while enjoying the city’s natural beauty.
  • Broadway: Immerse yourself in the world of theatre on Broadway, where world-class performances captivate audiences. Just 1.6km from Bethesda Fountain, this iconic street is synonymous with cultural richness and city vibes.

Best time to go to Bethesda Fountain

The best time to visit Bethesda Fountain is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save money on your visit to Bethesda Fountain, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are generally lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and consider Sunday stays for the best rates. Use Expedia’s tools to filter accommodations by budget and explore last-minute deals. To further cut costs, look into package deals that bundle flights and activities with your hotel. Lastly, take advantage of free activities in Central Park to enjoy the area without spending extra.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Bethesda Fountain about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bethesda Fountain is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Bethesda Fountain is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange 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 through an Expedia package.

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