If you want a quiet place and great scenery, come and enjoy the garden and feeding the koi with…read morethe grandkids.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a peaceful hidden gem tucked inside California State…read moreUniversity, Long Beach. I walked into a space that is smaller than some larger Japanese gardens, but the layout feels carefully planned with winding paths, traditional landscaping, a koi pond, waterfalls, bridges, and quiet corners throughout. It is the type of place where taking your time matters more than trying to see everything quickly, and the smaller size actually makes the experience feel more intimate. The garden feels like a world apart from the campus surrounding it, and the transition from the university grounds to the garden is immediate and effective. The koi pond is easily the centerpiece of the garden and one of the most enjoyable parts to spend time around. I found myself lingering by the water, watching the fish move through the pond as the sunlight filtered through the trees. The fish are large and active, and the surrounding greenery, stone features, and water elements create a very relaxing atmosphere. The garden does a good job balancing natural scenery with traditional Japanese design, with each section offering a slightly different view and feeling as I walked through. The bridges and stone lanterns add to the sense of place, and the sound of the waterfalls creates a calming background that stays with you as you move through the space. What I liked most about this garden is how calm it feels despite being located on a college campus. It feels separated from the surrounding area once you enter, making it a nice place for a quiet walk, photography, or just taking a break. The landscaping is well maintained, and the entire space has a slower pace that encourages you to actually stop and appreciate the details rather than rushing through. The garden's design rewards a slow approach, with each turn in the path offering a slightly different perspective on the pond, the plants, and the stonework. The visit is fairly quick since the garden is compact, but it works well as a relaxing stop rather than a destination that takes up an entire afternoon. Reservations are required, so it is worth checking availability before going. Admission is free, although parking is an extra cost and can be the main inconvenience, especially during busy campus hours. The garden's location on campus makes it accessible, but the parking situation can require a bit of patience. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a beautiful spot if you are looking for a peaceful escape rather than a large attraction. The koi pond, thoughtful design, and quiet atmosphere make it a place worth visiting, especially on a nice day when you can take your time walking through the garden. It offers a brief but meaningful pause from the surrounding city and campus life, and the care that has gone into maintaining the space is evident in every corner.

Whaley Park in Long Beach turned out to be a really lively and playful place when I visited it. The…read morewhole area felt energetic in a way that teenagers would enjoy a lot, especially since I saw so many teens around the basketball courts, the grassy fields, and even near the playground. It surprised me how naturally the park gave off that youthful atmosphere without trying too hard. The open spaces and colorful areas almost felt like spots made for taking pictures, and they did not cost anything to enjoy, which makes them perfect for teenagers who like hanging out and being creative. It was my first time at Whaley Park, and I did not realize how much there was to enjoy until I walked around. I appreciated how easy it was to relax there without feeling rushed or crowded, even with all the teens playing games, taking photos, and talking with each other. Some parts of the park looked a little older or worn down, which is part of why I am giving it four stars instead of five, but nothing took away from the overall experience. I never doubted that the visit would turn out the way I hoped it would. I have only visited Whaley Park once before writing this review, but it ended up being one of the more enjoyable and energetic parks I have been to in a long time. I would highly recommend that teenagers go there because they would love the open spaces, the sports areas, the photo spots, and the creative vibe. It gives them a place to have fun, take pictures, and feel inspired in a simple and playful environment.

Great park perfect for kids lots of things to climb, do & spin on…read more Theres even shade & instruments for kids to play on. It's a medium to small park but packed with stuff to do & very well maintained.

Food, folks, and fun! Eateries near by and the beach in front of you, bathrooms are plentiful and…read moreusually clean. :)

nice small park next to the beach, perfect spot to enjoy lunch. we went during the week so parking…read morewas plentiful on the street. The pier is not dog friendly

Seems like a good park for older kids, but it's just okay for toddlers…read more Pros: Plenty of parking. Quiet, safe neighborhood. Large grassy areas. Clean. Picnic benches. Interesting play structure with tons of climbing (almost like a mini ropes course) for older kids. Cons: No bathroom. No shade. The playground says it's for ages 2-12, but there's hardly anything there for a 2-3 year old, so you quickly run out of things to do. The toddler play structure is tiny, and the older kids' play structure is inaccessible for toddlers because of all the climbing required to get on it.

First time at this park and it's quite fun for the kids. Toddler area available and it's clean! I…read morelike that it's got tar mat for the flooring and not sand. Some benches with shade for parents to sit and observe the kids. Ropes course. Quiet and peaceful. I'd consider coming back.

Nice park but... the climbing side of the big kid structure brings you to a very narrow platform…read moreand with lots of kids deciding on crossing the wobbly bridge I see it as a very dangerous possibility. If someone gets pushed they will fall down and possibly break their back, neck or limbs on the poles before hitting the bottom.

Hidden gem in the Rossmoor / Seal beach area…read more Very pretty quaint historic homes Plenty of street parking and small parking lot available Church also on site 2 playground 10 workout stations Painted on the floor, take 2 laps it's about a mile Dog friendly Picnic tables Bbq area Stroller jogger practice field Took my dog and I here for the time - enjoy the tree lined streets Everyone acknowledge one another Clean open paths Trash placement idea in the corners and accessible everywhere Dogs bags were not seen so bring your own and clean up! Lot of signs with keeping dog on leash even though some did not follow so just be aware Definitely a place to return to get some laps in with or without doggy :)

A cool little park tucked in right by the pier. Well kept and walled in with gated exits, this…read moreplace will keep your young ones active and having fun for a good while. There's seating place around for parents, and you get plenty of sun and ocean while knowing your kids are safe and enjoying the day. :)

If you are looking for a beach and playground all in one place, I recommend this place. Went on a…read moreSunday morning, it's not crowded unlike other beaches in the city. There is a small playground on the beach itself. There is a parking structure right beside the playground although you need to pay for it. There's plenty of parking by the street as well.

Very nice little park, good for relaxation and just enjoying a bit of nature. It's conveniently…read morelocated near the freeway for easy access. I've been there several times and have been able to just chill and take my mind off things for a short while.

I've only been here a couple of times with my two dogs, but it's such a nice change from our usual…read moreneighborhood walks, the Naples canals, or Marine Stadium. It's a great little road/trail--peaceful, scenic, and perfect for getting in a longer walk. There were a few other people out when we went, which was nice. I did notice some dogs off-leash (which I personally don't mind), but with coyotes in the area, I kept my small pups leashed just to be safe. A couple things to note: when I went around 4pm, there were quite a few mosquitoes--probably because it had rained recently and there was some standing water along the road/trail side. Also, parking was a bit confusing since there aren't marked stalls. I wasn't sure if I should park at an angle, perpendicular on the hill, or parallel, so that could definitely be clearer. It did feel a little quiet and slightly eerie when we first arrived since no one else was there, but there are homes along the top of the trail, so you're not completely isolated. Overall, I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back--especially once everything is dried out. Looking forward to more calm, serene walks with my pups!

This is my happy place. Whenever I am stressed or sad, I come here, and all is well again…read more My dog loves this place. She gets to roam around and explore the urban wilderness. As the saying goes, I am happy when my dog is happy. The best part of being here is that there is always shade, no matter what time of the day or season. There are three trash cans to hold those poop bags, and fallen tree trucks to serve as rugged furniture for an impromptu picnic. Parking is never an issue. The dirt lot can accommodate many cars, but the dirt can be bumpy.