By Renting a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse is one of the most charming, relaxing, and romantic things you can do in Central Park. It’s a perfect mix of city and serenity—gliding across the water while surrounded by trees, historic bridges, skyline views, and the sounds of nature. Whether you’re on a date, with friends, or enjoying a peaceful solo moment, a Loeb Boathouse Rowboat Tour is a must-do. 🚣♀️🌳🗽
📍 Where Is the Loeb Boathouse?
📍 Inside Central Park, along the eastern edge of The Lake, near 74th Street
🚇 Closest subways:
- 72nd St (B, C lines) – enter at Central Park West
- 68th St–Hunter College (6 line) – walk west from Fifth Avenue
🗺️ Easy access via Bethesda Terrace or The Mall
🛶 What to Expect on the Rowboat Tour
- Rent a classic wooden rowboat for a peaceful ride on Central Park’s Lake
- Row past iconic sights like:
- Bow Bridge
- Bethesda Terrace
- Wagner Cove
- Views of the Manhattan skyline
- Row at your own pace — no guide needed
- Great for photos, proposals, and relaxing away from the city noise
🕒 Rowboat Rental Info
- Season: Spring to fall (usually April through October, weather permitting)
- Hours:
🕙 10:00 AM – sunset, daily (last boat out ~4:30 PM) - Location: Loeb Boathouse Dock
💰 Pricing (subject to change)
- $25 per hour per boat
- $20 cash deposit required (refunded when boat is returned on time)
- Boats hold up to 4 people
🚣 Life jackets provided & required for kids
🧺 No reservations — first-come, first-served
❓ Rowboat Rentals FAQ
1️⃣ Do I need experience to rent a boat?
❌ No — it’s beginner-friendly!
✅ Staff gives quick rowing tips, and The Lake is calm and easy to navigate
2️⃣ Can I bring food or drinks on the boat?
🥤 Yes — light snacks and drinks are okay
🚫 No alcohol or glass containers allowed
🧺 Consider a pre- or post-ride picnic on Cherry Hill or near Bethesda Fountain
3️⃣ Are kids allowed?
👨👩👧👦 Yes — great family activity!
- Children under 12 must wear a life jacket (provided)
- Adult supervision required at all times
4️⃣ Is there a time limit?
🕐 Minimum charge is for 1 hour
- You can row longer and pay per additional 15-minute increments
- Most people row for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
5️⃣ What if I can’t row?
🚤 No problem — Gondola rides are also available with a professional gondolier
💰 ~$50+ per ride (book in advance)
6️⃣ Is it open year-round?
❄️ No — rowboats are seasonal
🗓️ Typically available April through October, weather depending
7️⃣ Are reservations required?
❌ No — it’s walk-up only
📅 Arrive early on weekends or holidays — it gets busy fast!
✅ Bonus Tips
- 🧴 Bring sunscreen and water
- 📸 Take photos from under Bow Bridge or at sunset
- 🧭 Combine with a visit to Bethesda Terrace, The Ramble, or a picnic nearby
- 🍽️ Dine at The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant before or after rowing (reservations recommended)
🎟 Want help building a Central Park day around your rowboat adventure?
Let me know! I’ll help you design a fun, romantic, or photo-ready route that includes the best views, food stops, and peaceful corners of the park 🚣♂️🌸🗽📷
🛶 Rowboat Rentals at Loeb Boathouse – FAQ
Thinking of rowing across the peaceful waters of Central Park? The Loeb Boathouse Rowboat Rentals offer one of the most relaxing and romantic experiences in NYC. Here’s a quick FAQ to help you plan your perfect outing. 🌿🚣♀️🌇
1️⃣ Where are the rowboats located?
📍 At the Loeb Boathouse, on The Lake in Central Park
🗺️ Near 74th Street, east side of the park
🚇 Closest subways:
- 72nd St (B, C lines) – Central Park West
- 68th St–Hunter College (6 line) – walk from Fifth Ave
2️⃣ How much does it cost to rent a rowboat?
💰 $25 per hour per boat
- Up to 4 people per boat
- $20 cash deposit (returned when the boat is brought back on time)
🕒 Additional time is charged in 15-minute increments
3️⃣ Do I need a reservation?
❌ No reservations — boats are first-come, first-served
🕐 Arrive early, especially on weekends and nice weather days, as lines can form quickly
4️⃣ What are the hours of operation?
🕙 Daily from 10:00 AM to sunset
🕔 Last boat goes out around 4:30 PM
📅 Open seasonally: typically April through October, weather permitting
5️⃣ Do I need to know how to row?
✅ Nope! It’s beginner-friendly
- Staff provides quick instructions
- The Lake is calm and easy to navigate
🧘♂️ Just go at your own pace and enjoy the views
6️⃣ What can I see from the boat?
You’ll float past:
- 🌉 Bow Bridge
- 🏛️ Bethesda Terrace
- 🏙️ Central Park’s skyline
- 🌿 Cherry Hill, The Ramble, and more
📸 Great for selfies, skyline shots, and proposal photos!
7️⃣ Can kids come too?
👨👩👧👦 Yes — kids love it!
- Children under 12 must wear life jackets (provided)
- Boats fit up to 4 people comfortably
8️⃣ Can I bring food or drinks?
🥤 Yes — light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed
🚫 No alcohol or glass bottles
🧺 Bring a picnic and enjoy it before or after on Cherry Hill or nearby lawns
9️⃣ Is it open year-round?
❄️ No — closed during the winter
☀️ Operates April to October, depending on weather
🌧️ Closed during rain or high winds
🔟 What if I don’t want to row?
🎻 Consider a Gondola Ride instead!
- Guided by a gondolier in Venetian style
- 💰 ~$50 per ride (reservations recommended)
- Romantic and relaxing — great for couples
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📱 Bring your phone/camera (but be careful over water!)
- 🧴 Wear sunscreen on sunny days
- 📍 Combine with visits to Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and The Ramble
- 🍽️ Make a reservation at the Loeb Boathouse Restaurant for lunch or dinner with a view
🎟 Want help planning your perfect rowboat day in Central Park?
Let me know! I’ll help you create a laid-back, scenic itinerary that includes rowing, food stops, and photo-worthy park moments 🚣♂️🌸🗽📷
