As the second largest city in LA County, there are many things to see and do here, many things to entertain visiting family. But what about the times we just want quiet? Natural beauty? A great place to take a walk?
The peninsula in Long Beach separates Alamitos Bay from the ocean and has the bay side and the ocean side. Both sides are great for taking a quiet walk. There is a boardwalk on the ocean side, fronting the homes facing south. Around sunset you'll see people wander out to the boardwalk with glasses of wine, toasting the end of another day. You can follow the boardwalk north and connect with the bike and walking path that goes past Belmont Plaza and along the beach, below the bluffs. Ocean, islands, birds, people, skyline and you.
El Dorado Park has walking trails and gives you the escape to green trees, grasses and rolling landscape. The El Dorado Nature Center has a 2 mile trail and lots of small animals like turtles and ducks, for a special stroll. It's an easy walk, so good for younger kids and for those a little less mobile who still want to get out.
El Dorado Regional Park East is very large, with lakes and a sidewalk walking trail. You could also stop and have a picnic here. Both the Nature Center and the East park have restrooms.
If you want a little challenge with your walk, then try going up and over Signal Hill, with a reward of a gorgeous view from the top at Hilltop Park.
The San Gabriel bike trail can also accommodate walkers and runs the eastern length of the city, all the way into Seal Beach. Stop at the end for refreshment at River's End Cafe or keep on walking over to Main Street, but I've digressed into Seal Beach!
On the west side of town there is DeForest Park, running along the Los Angeles River from 63rd Street to the Long Beach Blvd. bridge. There are wetlands and forest on the southern end of it, with facilities on the northern end.
