Row Boat Rental — Local services in New York

Omg. If you’re here in the fall with a significant other and you want to feel like the main character, like you’re in a movie, DO THIS!!! I think all of my “autumn in New York” romantic fantasies and dreams came true by walking in Central Park and coming across this row boat rental. In the lake you get ALL the tree colors you can imagine, red, orange, yellow, green, brown, and everything in between. You get two cute bridges, one being Bow Bridge, that are so photogenic especially in the fall time. You also get a view of the Bethesda Terrace. Geese swim by you, the breeze sways your hair, and everywhere you look is a dreamy portrait. It definitely was cold, your hands may get cold if you’re taking photos as a passenger for the whole hour, but it’s so worth it. For the two of us, they gave us a huge boat with the squeakiest rows, slightly annoying, but I definitely would not have been able to navigate it, were it not for my husband. If you want to fall in love with your husband all over again, get some hats and gloves, a leather jacket, $27, and a camera to snap some beautiful sights! For reference, we were here October 29th.

P.S. It will make someone’s day if you see a fellow couple or a couple of gals rowing around and if you ask to take a photo of them. Someone did this to us and it just made my whole day. I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. Thank goodness...

I recently had the opportunity to rent a rowboat at Central Park in New York, and I can honestly say it was a magical experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. First off, the price point is incredibly reasonable; we paid only $22 for the boat rental (2 people). You can row for up to an hour which is plenty of time to enjoy The Lake, also they don't really check how long you're staying on the water.

Contrary to some of the lower reviews I've seen, my experience with the check-in process was seamless and efficient. Perhaps it helped that we went on a Thursday midday when it wasn't so busy, but even so, the staff were incredibly helpful. It took us a mere 5 minutes to check in and get on the boat—no reservation required.

The staff are super chill, essentially allowing you to make the experience your own. Once on the water, not only do you get to revel in the scenic beauty Central Park has to offer, but you're also in for a treat with some adorable turtle sightings.

I feel that the lower reviews don't accurately reflect how this place functions. It's an absolutely charming and efficient operation that provides a must-do experience in New York City. The serenity of rowing on the lake juxtaposed against the bustling city backdrop is genuinely surreal.

If you're contemplating whether or not to do this, don't hesitate—it's a magical experience that you won't...

Nice views and a fun activity in Central Park. The only thing that felt a bit off was the "gratitude fee."

When I arrived to pay for the boat rental, the staff greeted me warmly but immediately asked for a tip. I replied that I might leave one later, before leaving. His attitude suddenly changed—he became very indifferent when I asked for directions.

From what I understand, a gratitude fee or tip is a way for customers to show appreciation for great service received, rather than a mandatory charge imposed on every transaction. I feel that if I'm expected to leave an 18%+ tip before receiving any service, it would be unfair to all the excellent waiters, doormen, valets, and others I've encountered who treat people with kindness and, more importantly, respect their own work.

So I didn't give him a tip when he asked, but I did leave one for the staff member who kindly helped us out of the boat before we left.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that respect and gratitude from others are things you earn, not things you can obtain just by...