1. Colorado Lagoon

    1. Colorado Lagoon

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    Long Beach, CA

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    Colorado Lagoon

    4.2 (95 reviews)

    Colorado Lagoon Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Colorado Lagoon

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    Reviews With Photos

    Miguel R.

    As I was ending my steps in and around the Colorado Lagoon, I spotted a couple on a bicycle built for two (the guy writing in front, the girl in the back) and I said "super cute" as I used my finger to point to the sum of their tandem bike. The guy replied, "thanks, it is the first day we are using it" and I replied, "you all are clearly in love" as I walked away. I heard the girl's nervous laughter that came from a giddy place. The guy said, "have a nice day." This small but meaningful exchange was sponsored by the peace and uplfit I felt after being introduced to the Colorado Lagoon. I have been to enough of these places to know that parking can be a trial of patience. So when I was nearing the place, I parked on the street, not to far away, but enough far away to help me reach my 10,000 step a day goal. As I walked, and drew closer to this place, I knew that i was in for a blue and still treat, I mean the water was clean, crisp, and promised a stroll of tranquil leisure. I tried to capture this feeling in a few photos but, as we all know, seeing a picture of the Mona Lisa does not compare to the feeling one gets when seeing it up close in the Louvre. Thus, if you need a space of peace, I urge you to visit so you feel the pictures I took, not just enjoy their sight. As I stepped into the grassy and sandy area of the place and the hit of quiet pleasure was amplified--- but I could not escape the thought that I came here for steps and although the place was big in blue, it it did not seem big in land for steps. I asked a life guard (I was surprise that this place had life guard's but they made sense give the expansive blue of the place) how big the place was, in terms of trails for walking. He said not very, that I could walk the trails that started after the boardwalk ended, within 10 minutes. He was polite, attentive, and took the time to understand that my goal was 10,000 steps. We concluded the conversation, after he gave me a big bright smile. I wish I could have gotten his name he deserved praise for the way he engaged with me. I guess the peace of the place was contagious to him, and the other life guards. As further proof of this statement, when I was done with my walk, I approached the life guard station. A few steps in, I said to two of them, I have a question, and one of them shot-up from his chair like I had said go. Was he responding to an imagined threat? I hope so, cause that was a life guard ready to respond to duty, not a worker ready to respond to a common question. The boardwalk, or moat, or bridge, was epic. I was walking a plank but I did not fear the water because it was not at my end, it was besides me. I wish I could lay in the wood, I could have, but then I would be in the way of people. Still, I felt like I was on vacation for moments that stretched till forever and a day. The light of the sun above, the blue at either side of me, the breeze of the day, all conspired to make me feel like I was transported out of my head and into the moment, and the moment was a resounding bleep of calm. I might have looked weird, I might have looked odd, but I still took the time to take a deep breath and stretch my body, then come back to center. I did not pay for a Yoga class, but still at the end of my time on the boardwalk I wanted to say Namaste, I think I did say Om. I did walk for about an hour. I walked all of the boardwalk-- shorter than most, and a trail that took me to the streets, also short. But then I walked the perimeter of the blocks that surrounded a golf course. In addition, to Lagoon goers having lunches, and swimming, and playing games, I also saw golf players strolling. I wonder if I could go in one day and not play golf and just walk the green grounds? I want to go back to this place, not for steps but for specific leisure. Get a towel, bring a couple of sandwiches and sit under a tree for shade and enjoy the ripples of the water. It would be nice, and after I wrote that, I realize needed.

    Tony F.

    Beautiful lagoon with small public beach. When we were here, there were several friendly life guards on duty with restrooms and sand showers. Enjoy a short walk across the bridge on well-maintained easy trail.

    Ayanna W.

    Such a wonderful local preserve near a golf course and near nice housing. A small beach is also there for recreation. There's something for everyone in the family. There is metered parking and street parking nearby. I saw so many amazing bird and plants/fauna there and they had a few educational signs along the trail, in addition to the education center (which was close on Sunday). Will definitely come back!

    Lagoon at night
    Emily R.

    Very beautiful place to walk around or go swimming! Love swimming here in the summer, clean water and lifeguard are friendly! If you don't wanna go swimming it is still a great place to walk around or take your children to the park there.

    Front row seating
    Brittany S.

    Free, plenty of space for swimming, sun bathing, picnic, bathrooms, easy ups. Get there early to pick a good spot. There's a playground area too. Be early for good parking as well.

    Leslie Y.

    This is always a wonderful place to watch the sun come up, with multitude of colors in the sky reflecting in the mirror surface of the lagoon. With the construction of the foot path years ago, the lagoon has gotten even more use, especially during the pandemic. It's a refuge from the chaos and stress in the larger world. The future project that will join the lagoon with the marina is starting imminently, which will further improve the lagoon. A good thing keeps getting better.

    Rob A.

    Lagoon is a cool word. I think they had one on Gilligan's Island. "Skipper, let's go down to the lagoon and get some coconuts to make batteries for the Professor's radio." You know, when you find an area, especially in a location that is urban or sub-sorta-urban, and it's nature, preserved nature, it automatically gets extra stars. I guessing the reaction for most people who stumble upon this spot is kind of the same. Driving, biking, riding, walking, you reach this point and think, "wow, I feel like I've traveled to a recreational area by a lake in the woods." Whether fairly empty on a chilly day or crowded and busy on a hot summer day, this place has the vibe that recharges. The lagoon is used for so many activities. You'll even catch water polo matches going on. Tall trees nearby if you need a break in the shade.

    Lala J.

    Great place for little ones afraid of waves! We love coming here. I have a 10 year old that loves jumping off the bridge and my 6 & 2 year old enjoy the calm water very much. There's also a small playground surrounded by a grassy area and benches. Also a lot of shade. Restrooms are very clean but throughout the day can get slippery since everyone goes in there to change. I found free parking because I like to get there early but there is also meters along the street so make sure to take change. I saw people w their grills and gas tanks the times I've being there but there are signs that say no BBQ so maybe no coal. Not sure. And best of all, there's lifeguards one duty! Definitely a great place to visit. Grab lunch nearby and have fun!!

    sherry u.

    What an awesome area to walk, swim, picnic, play. Spacious, clean, well taken care of. Restrooms were clean. Free street parking.

    Sign at the south side of the lagoon.
    Tim H.

    You HAVE to take a walk here! Currently they are expanding the waterway that connects the lagoon to the Marine Stadium area... but do not let that stop you. See attached photos! Great place at sunset to walk and enjoy the sounds of nature. During summer months the beach area on the shore side of the lagoon gets a little crazy. There will be thumping music and people taking a dive off the bridge area. There are ladders on the open area of the bridge that help swimmers up and down. Wheelchair accessible for most of the walk (but the bridge may require someone to help you up and down steep ramps). Again, I recommend that you walk there in the evenings to catch the jumping fish and the serene ducks and other water fowl. Great for all seasons. Bring your pup.

    What's this???
    Nadine C.

    An unexpected adventure... Alana and I were driving along to our next meet up when we came across this site. We didn't know what it was, so we stopped the car, parked for free, and wandered around! The name of this park is misleading. We were not in Colorado. We were in Long Beach! There's a playground, a Model Boat Shop, and an educational center on this huge property. However, we just focused on one thing... The bridge! The most fun part about this excursion was crossing the bridge. It's the closest thing to walking on water... it was a bit shakey, but stable and safe enough of a walk. On the other side is an informational board where you can get some of your questions answered about the wetlands. I think you could have a picnic here, but I wouldn't swim in the water. Just come and enjoy a bit of nature on a sunny California day!

    Cool little pier for kids to jump off of.

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    12 hours ago

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    11 days ago

    Confused on why you have a "keep dogs on a leash sign" but then lifeguards saying dogs aren't allowed? If they're not - change the sign.

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    1 year ago

    Great place to walk and spot some interesting wildlife. We saw baby jellyfish and stingray. Free parking across the street.

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    3 years ago

    Very family friendly!!! Restroom are very clean!!!! We will be going back for many more family days

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    Colorado Lagoon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Colorado Lagoon

    Is it wheelchair accessible?

    Yes. Has accessible parking and path has no stairs, flat or ramps

    Is there private parking or is it very difficult to find parking?

    Not private but timed paid parking makes it easy to find

    Are sharks a possibility?

    Not a possibility

    Do you have to be there early to get a nice spot?

    Nope

    Are dogs allowed in?

    Not in the water/ sand area

    Are dogs allowed to swim here?

    No.

    Can you fish here?

    No fishing here

    Is this a good place for adults to swim or more for kids to splash around at the beach?

    I often see adults swimming laps

    Are kayaks allowed?

    They are. There is a sign at beach entrance near lifeguard building that mentions kayaking and paddleboarding only in designated areas. Which turns out to be the right side of bridge. (As you are facing the lagoon).

    Is there sea life in it?

    Yes, I have seen fish jump out of the water.

    Can I bring a kayak?

    There is a sign - kayaks and paddleboards only in designated area, which turns out to be to the right of bridge as you are looking at lagoon.

    Is the lagoon open during quarantine?

    Yes

    Can I use my inflatable raft on the water?

    We use our inflatable SUP. Only use to the right of the bridge (as you are looking at lagoon from Lifeguard building).

    Can you bring your dog?

    Yes, but it must remain on a leash.

    Are dog allowed?

    Yes, but it must remain on a leash.

    Are dogs allowed to swim in the water ? And if so do they have to be on a leash or can they be off leash?

    I don't know about swimming, but dogs are aloud at the lagoon but must remain on leash.

    Do they allow dogs and fishing?

    Leaahed dogs allowed on path, not in beach or water. No fishing

    Can I throw a 3 year old birthday party here with a jumper rental and bring two of my own tables with a taco man? Is this allowed? My daughter's bday is in the summer. I'd love to be at the park with the water and a playground for the little ones.

    Can you bring your own grill? I have a small one that takes propane

    No private BBQs per a sign posted near beach

    Is the water clean to swim in?

    Yes. I had to ask the water and parks in Long Beach. Spoke with Brian, lifeguard department who knows the beach, and he stated "water is clean and clear, beautiful beach with lots of shade and has a lifeguard on duty during Labor Day and the hotter… 

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    Review Highlights - Colorado Lagoon

    The water is rated A by Heal the Bay and there is a great bridge to jump off for older kids.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    My daughter had a soccer game here on a Sunday morning, Sept 2022. While the soccer pitch is…read morelocated "across the street" Drake Park, we could not seem to find access to the lower field from Loma Vista, and made a left on Chester and another left in DeForest to access the small lot for the "Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Park." Assuming this is all part of the Drake Park proper, but it took a little intuition to find the entrance for our first visit. And still, the parking lot is small, filled with litter, human waste, and lots of broken auto glass... And it's about a 200 yard walk to the entrance of the artificial turf soccer field. Much of the human detritus in the parking lot is likely attributed to the considerable homeless population that is evident in the immediate area: dozens of people were camped out just across the street, in the dirt lot area adjacent to the river channel. That same dirt lot is variably covered with piles of demolition construction materials haphazardly dumped by who knows who? In pure defiance of posted signs prohibiting dumping. Other "unhoused Angelinos" seem to be wandering about the park, utilizing senses beyond my standard five (sight, smell, taste, hearing, and feeling) to experience things I can only imagine.... and a couple had set up camp in the park's landscaping adjacent to the walking path. Not so much unsafe as much as unsanitary This part of the park features what appears to be some kind of community garden - - locked and secured behind 10 foot chain-link fences. there is a public park restroom with only 2 of the 8 single seater stalls unlocked, and both are horrific inside. Some beautiful wall murals are marred by tagging. Much of the park here is adjacent to industrial yards, and most of the bordering landscape is littered with garbage. The soccer field is actually quite beautiful: artificial turf field with a perimeter fence. I laughed a little bit at the idea that this was a "green belt" and the soccer field was artificial turf... But there is certainly some actual real grass field in this park, and some California native plants along the periphery. So I guess that counts in the midst of This residential-industrial interface. The air was pretty heavy with the smell of oil refinery and low tide from the nearby river channel, which was probably a bigger deal to the soccer players than it was to me as a spectator. A generous three stars for the really nice soccer field and the fact that my truck windows weren't added to the considerable collection of broken auto window glass on the ground in the parking lot. My only other Long Beach Park frame of reference is Bluff Park, so I can confidently say this is nicer.... relative, though, that comparison is...

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    Enjoying the fall colors

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