Central Park Bow Bridge

On our list of the best activities in New York.

Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould designed this cast-iron bridge as part of the original plan for Central Park, and construction finished in 1862. It spans more than 60 feet across the Lake, connecting Cherry Hill to the wooded paths of the Ramble, with an ornamental railing that mixes Gothic, Neo-Classical and Renaissance details. Its low, curved shape resembles an archer's bow, which is where the name comes from, and it's been the site of enough proposals over the years that the Conservancy calls it one of the park's most romantic spots.