Central Park's entrances have “gates” to define designated entry points and to commemorate the diverse history and values of NYC. While the gates don't physically block entry in the way a traditional gate does, their names and designs reflect the park's founding vision of a public space accessible to all. (can we get an amen!) Women’s Gate (all genders welcome!) is conveniently located at the West 72nd Street entrance to Central Park and not far from two of our favorite picnic spots.

Tavern on the Green was build in the 1880s and designed by Calvert Vaux, who also co-designed Central Park itself, with Frederick Law Olmsted. Vaux created the building to house the 700 sheep who grazed on what is now known as Sheep Meadow, the 15-acre expanse of grass directly across the park’s West Drive from the restaurant.

Located directly across the street from the “Natural History Museum” as locals refer to it, the Naturalists Gate, located on West 77th Street and Central Park West, is the perfect launching point to an afternoon in the park.