Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Bethesda Terrace and the Angel of the Waters fountain sit at the end of The Mall, overlooking the Lake.
Bethesda Terrace is the architectural centerpiece at the north end of The Mall in Central Park, with Bethesda Fountain and Emma Stebbins’ Angel of the Waters in the lower plaza. Almost all Central Park Carriages Official packages pass Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. The Proposal Tour uses Bethesda Terrace Arcade as the default proposal location.
What it is
The terrace is a two-level structure designed as a gathering place: an upper terrace, a lower plaza, and an arcade with Minton tile ceiling. The fountain’s angel figure commemorates the Croton water system. It is one of the park’s most photographed ceremonial spaces.
Why visitors care
It is where The Mall’s tree-lined walk opens to water. People come for the architecture, the fountain, and the lake view — and because it is easy to combine with a southern-park visit.
Can you see it during a carriage ride?
Yes on nearly every package, including Mini, Silver, 45-minute Elite, and 1 Hour Park and City tours. A carriage pass is not the same as time to walk the arcade. If you want to linger, plan minutes on foot before or after the ride.
See Bethesda on a private ride
Choose a package, pick a live time slot, and receive instant confirmation.