Delacorte Theater: Manhattan, NYC

Since 1962, this open-air Central Park venue has hosted free summer Shakespeare and classic plays against the scenic backdrop of Belvedere Castle and Turtle Pond. Run by The Public Theater, it draws praise for its outdoor atmosphere and recent upgrades, including more comfortable seating and expanded accessibility. Productions often bring inventive touches, like one take on Shakespeare that used Spanish as a love language, and a lottery-ticket show offered a Midsummer Night's Dream excerpt. Recent visitors also admired the set design and the efficient lines.