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This picturesque Upper East Side park, once the private garden of Gracie Mansion next door, was named for Evening Post editor and New York Senator Carl Schurz and is a popular destination for families and fitness fanatics. It’s also a favorite spot for movie location scouts. The park has a large playground, outfitted to satisfy most kids. The middle of the park is filled with meandering paths, trees and flowerbeds. To the far east, a broad promenade attracts joggers and dog walkers (there are also two dog runs in the park) and sightseers gathering to take in the excellent panoramic view of the East River, the Triborough and Queensboro bridges, and Randall’s and Roosevelt Islands. — Kirsten Matthew

This statue of Peter Pan lives in the northeast of the park. The bronze likeness is set in a circular courtyard, with benches and shrubbery surrounding it.

Gracie Mansion
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion became the official mayoral residence in 1942 when LaGuardia was mayor. Mayor Bloomberg prefers his own apartment, so now the big white house serves as a crash pad for visiting dignitaries. The common folk can get in too: There are free tours of the restored building every Wednesday.