The best way to visit the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is on a Central Park walking tour or bike tour. Guided tours typically pass the reservoir, situated in the middle of the park, and offer visitors a way to learn park history. The reservoir is also a great stop on a self-guided walking tour taken after visiting a museum on New York's Museum Mile, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum or Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offers unobstructed city views across Central Park.
Athletes shouldn't miss a run around the reservoir's 1.58-mile (2.54 kilometer) track.
Museumgoers can rejuvenate at the reservoir after hitting Museum Mile.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring, since the park is more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir spans Central Park, from 85th to 96th streets. Visit on a Central Park tour or via the subway. For westside access, take the A, B, or C train to 86th Street (on Central Park West). For eastside access, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street (on Lexington).
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a lovely sight year-round, though visiting in spring and summer offers the chance to see the park in bloom. In mid- to late-April the cherry blossoms—which surround the reservoir—explode with vibrant color, while the Ramble, to the south, is packed with wildflowers. To avoid crowds, plan to arrive early in the day or mid-week, since weekends bring the tourists.
Stretch your legs with a stroll from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir to Central Park's only formal garden, located at the north end of the park. The Conservatory Garden is a gem, favored by locals and visitors for its colorful flower beds, manicured walking paths, and three styled areas with distinct English, French, and Italian garden designs. If you visit in fall, don't miss the chrysanthemums.
