Central Park: Private Horse Carriage Ride & Photo Stops NYC

Summary

Central Park horse carriage ride with stories stops and city views

You’ll ride through Central Park by private horse carriage with a local guide who shares quirky stories and points out famous spots like Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill for photos. Warm blankets keep you cozy in winter, while your group gets treats for the horse and plenty of chances to laugh or pause along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, we almost missed the start because I thought the meeting spot was by the fountain — turns out it’s right at Columbus Circle. Our driver, Samir, waved us over with this big grin and introduced us to Daisy (the real star — she’s the horse). There was a faint smell of hay and leather, and Daisy’s breath made these little clouds in the cold air. I’d never been so close to a horse in Manhattan before. Samir handed my kid a carrot for Daisy, which immediately won her over. We climbed into the carriage — it creaked more than I expected, but in a comforting way.

The city noise faded as we rolled into Central Park. Samir started telling stories about the park’s old dairy (apparently people used to come here just for milk?), and pointed out where they filmed scenes from Home Alone 2 at Wollman Rink. My daughter kept craning her neck to see the carousel horses — 57 of them, all hand-carved. The wind picked up near Sheep Meadow and I was grateful for the thick blanket they’d tossed over our laps. At one point, we stopped by Bethesda Fountain for photos; there were buskers playing violin nearby and honestly, it felt like we’d stumbled onto a movie set.

I tried to pronounce “Loeb Boathouse” like Samir did (he laughed — I definitely butchered it), then he explained how people still row boats there every summer. At Cherry Hill, we hopped out again for pictures; you could see Bow Bridge through bare branches and some guy was proposing on one knee just out of frame. It was colder than I expected but somehow that made everything sharper — even the sound of hooves on gravel stuck with me after we left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Central Park horse carriage tour

• Pass by Wollman Rink
• Pass by Central Park Carousel
• Pass by Chess & Checker House
• Pass by The Dairy visitor center
• Pass along Literary Mall promenade
• Stop at Bethesda Fountain for photos
• Pass by Balto Statue
• Pass by Summer Stage venue
• Pass by The Boathouse Restaurant
• Pass by Bandshell
• Stop at Cherry Hill for photos
• Pass by The Lake and Boat Pond
• Pass by Sheep Meadow
• Pass by Tavern On The Green
• Pass by Columbus Circle

Top questions

How long is the Central Park horse carriage ride?

The tour covers major attractions within Central Park with two photo stops; exact duration depends on traffic but typically lasts about 45 minutes.

Where does the carriage ride start?

The private horse carriage ride starts at Columbus Circle at the entrance to Central Park.

Are there photo stops during the tour?

Yes, there are two main photo stops: Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill (also known as Friends Fountain).

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and small children can use a stroller or pram if needed.

Are warm blankets provided in winter?

Yes, warm blankets are included during colder months to keep passengers comfortable.

How many people fit in one carriage?

The carriage fits up to 4 adults or 5 passengers if there are 3 adults and 2 kids under 12 years old.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your driver directly at Columbus Circle.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this Central Park carriage ride.

What’s included

Your private Central Park day includes an entertaining guided ride with stories about each landmark you pass, treats for your horse companion, two memorable photo stops at Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill, all taxes and fees covered, plus cozy warm blankets if it’s winter. Your driver will happily take group photos so everyone can be in them together before you head back toward Columbus Circle.