One of my favorite local spaces to relax, people watch, journal, pic if or take a nice walk…read more Parking is tricky and I don't want to share my secret but you won't be disappointed here.

Nice small long (short distance) mini part, part of Long Beach mini park along the Ocean Blvd…read moreoverlooking the oceans great view of the waterfront and Queen Mary boat and downtown LB. Perfect sport for sunset or sunrise.

The Nature Center trails are one of my favorite spots for an easy peaceful walk. I come here about…read moreonce a week with my elderly family member and it's always a nice change of pace. The trails are clean, mostly shaded and easy to follow. There's a short 1/4-mile loop if you just want a quick stroll, plus a 1-mile loop that can turn into about a 2-mile walk if you keep going and loop back around. There is one incline area, but it's short and not too bad. Plenty of benches are scattered throughout too, which makes it great for slower walks or taking breaks. The park itself has a really pleasant nature feel. You'll see squirrels, turtles, birds and other little wildlife moments along the way. The turtle dock is always fun to spot and the shaded paths make the whole walk feel relaxing instead of draining. Most people on the trails are friendly too, so the vibe is usually calm and welcoming. The Nature Center trails themselves are free if you walk or bike in, but there is a vehicle fee if you park in the Nature Center/East Regional Park lot. Parking is currently $6 on weekdays, $7 on Fridays, $8 on weekends and $9 on holidays. The entry booth is cashless, so bring a card or use a digital payment option. Parking can look packed at times, but I've always been able to find a spot. They also offer annual parking passes, including discounted ones for seniors 50+, disabled visitors and veterans, so it's worth asking at the Nature Center Visitors Center if you plan to come often. The office area has restrooms and some nice little nature/informational displays, which is a cool bonus if you're there with family or just want to look around. There's also El Dorado Park West across the street, which I've checked out a few times and didn't have to pay for parking on that side. It's a separate park area with sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball, tennis and a skate park. I haven't explored every part of it, but it's good to know about if you're already in the area or want a free nearby option. Overall, I'd definitely recommend El Dorado Park if you want a clean, shaded and relaxing place to walk. It's peaceful, accessible and has enough nature charm to make a simple walk feel like a tiny reset.

As the largest park in Long Beach at just over 640 acres (1 square mile), the El Dorado Regional…read morePark was opened in 1964 and is located on the east side of the city. The Nature Centre comprises of 105 acres in the East Regional portion, and has 2 miles of dirt trails and 1/4 mile paved trail with an indoor visitor center (located on an island near the entrance). My wife, her mom, and I visited on a beautiful Thursday afternoon and we really enjoyed it. The land prior to 1964 was used as flat farmland. In the late 60's, major excavation was done, creating two small ponds connected by a stream, all fed by a groundwater well. It now is the home to varied wildlife, with the most visible being turtles. They love to sun themselves on wooden floating platforms, and the water is clear enough to see them swimming underwater near the walking path bridges. There are three walking trails: 1. quarter mile paved loop, good for strollers 2. 1 mile dirt loop 3. a longer 2 mile loop, sharing some parts of the previous. Everything is well maintained. Three things I appreciated: not too many ducks and geese around, thus no visible droppings along the path; plenty of varied bench seating to rest or observe during the walk; lack of biting insects. The center is open 6 days a week (closed on Mondays). Admission to the center is free, but parking is $6 - $8 per vehicle, payable at entry (credit cards only, no cash accepted). One can buy an annual parking pass (good at both El Dorado East and West parking areas). To incentivize myself to come here more often, decided to buy one for $43 (senior discount), minus the $7 already paid for the one time fee.

The Dominguez Gap Wetlands Project provides a 2 mile loop trail around the east basin wetlands,…read morewhich is located adjacent to the LA River. Access to this trail can be easily found by entering the parking lot of David Molina Park. This location provides a bike trail that continues along the LA River and a walking trail that is also a shared equestrian trail. The first mile of the trail before it loops is a dirt trail removed from the waterline by shrubbery and a fence. Lots of dog poop along the initial part of the trail and not the most pleasant scenery. I did notice that the doggie bag dispenser was empty and broken and that there are no trashcans along this trail. Once you reach the loop, there are a couple of benches, but unfortunately everything located at this spot was graffitied. The 2nd mile back takes you along the waterline where we saw ducks and turtles and large homeless encampments throughout the wetlands. The second half definitely provided more scenery. This walking trail could be a really great spot if the City would give it some love. Overall, the walking trail itself is clean. However, it was sad to see all the the trash along the waterline and graffiti on the signage, rocks, and benches. It was definitely an interesting walk and I'm glad we discovered something we never knew existed. I'm sure springtime will bring more to see. I'm just not sure if I'll be back. I personally wouldn't walk this trail alone.

Peaceful, good place for dog walks, biking , walking. Pinic bench under an awning with water if…read moreneeded. Get out there and enjoy.

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.

Beautiful location to play pickleball!…read more Tucked inside Horny Corner is the Bayshore Pickleball Club, where membership is not needed. Located across the street from the beach are 6 pickleball courts (1 permanent, 5 non-permanent courts) where enthusiasts gather every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8a-noon for recreational play. There are no challenge courts; all courts are open play. Simply put your paddle up and wait to be called upon. This is a great place to learn with a various levels of pickleballers. Parking can be found out front, on the street, or across the street at the beach. Fridays are street sweeping days, so be careful! For an optimal experience find Lani and tell them Lance sent you!

Clean beach, extremely safe for kids, the people around are welcoming. Just a great beach to enjoy…read moretime with family and relax

Super fun place. Took about 10 min to experience every single aspect of it but where else can you…read moredo something like this? Super Americana, like the largest frying pan or the world's biggest ball of string. Walk across the street and get a coffee or a bear claw and complete the experience. Highly recommend it.

Looking for some whimsy? Come visit Bixby Knolls National Park! It made for a lovely walk in…read morenature. There are a lot of very adorable elements to look out for, and the hike is not strenuous. Plus, I understand that there are official park bear claws available across the street. I love seeing stuff like this, and especially meeting the folks who also come to check it out!

A Hidden Wildlife Gem Inside a Navy Base…read more I had no idea this place even existed -- a huge wildlife refuge tucked inside an active Navy base! California never fails to surprise. The refuge is only open once a month for a free, escorted educational tour (last Saturday, except December), and you do need to reserve in advance. Definitely not a casual drop-in, but the effort is well worth it. I went hunting for the threatened Pacific Green Sea Turtle -- and ended up spotting three! We also saw a very healthy coyote making its rounds, and a variety of birds you don't normally see in urban areas. The refuge is also home to endangered species like the California Least Tern and the Light-footed Ridgway's Rail. It's peaceful, educational, and a little unexpected -- a real escape from the city, without even leaving Southern California. Birds you're likely to see: Common / regularly seen: Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Willet, Western Grebe, Mallard, Gadwall, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron, Killdeer, Belding's Savannah Sparrow Seasonal / pretty likely: California Least Tern (endangered), Light-footed Ridgway's Rail (endangered), Brown Pelican, Forster's Tern, Caspian Tern, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew Uncommon: Northern Harrier, Snowy Plover, Peregrine Falcon, Reddish Egret, Burrowing Owl Rare: Bald Eagle Highly recommend for anyone who loves wildlife, birding, or just escaping the urban grind. Even if you're not a hardcore nature nerd, it's fascinating to see a thriving ecosystem inside a military base.

Park near the but if you need to use the restroom. Come to run here frequently and also did a bird…read morewatching intro class. A really great clean path for running.

I have been here a couple times and it's a really nice spot to chill at with amazing views. They…read morealso have a kids playground nearby and walking trails. It does get busy sometimes especially in the summer, but other than that it's a great spot to visit !

Just beautiful indeed. Signal Hill is a park in LB where the city is kissed by the Pacific Ocean…read morewind, wrapped in sunset gold and then fades into lavender by the setting sun. During the day, you can oversee the vibrant city and palm trees doing its thing. By night, it becomes a place I like to call a small piece of heaven. Silence and the skyline are met. The people around just watch and stare in awe. You just get lost in the moment and for once feel great about living.