The best walks and hikes around Long Beach

The Los Angeles River Trail offers a fascinating blend of urban landscape and unexpected natural beauty, making it a unique hiking destination. You'll traverse paved paths and some dirt sections, winding alongside the revitalized river, where you might spot diverse birdlife and lush riparian habitats. The route is dotted with public art installations, like Leo Limán's river cats, providing a cultural layer to your journey through the city.

This moderate 12.1-mile (19.4 km) hiking route, with a gentle 129 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 53 minutes. It's a great choice for a relaxed outing, suitable for families and those looking for an accessible path. While specific parking details vary by section, numerous access points are available, and public transport can get you to popular segments. Always carry water, especially on warmer days.

The Los Angeles River Trail is more than just a path; it's a testament to ongoing revitalization efforts to restore the river's original habitat and open it for recreational use. It connects various communities and green spaces, offering a glimpse into the city's history and its evolving relationship with water resources. This trail provides a different perspective on Los Angeles, highlighting its commitment to urban greening.

The Bluff Park Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll along the Long Beach coastline, providing continuous, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach City Beach. You'll walk along a well-maintained path, passing memorial benches perfect for a moment of reflection, with the chance to spot wildflowers depending on the season. This 1.3-mile (2.2 km) loop is incredibly gentle, with only 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing outing that takes just 32 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Bluff Park Loop is straightforward, as it's easily accessible within Long Beach. Parking is typically available in the vicinity, though it can fill up quickly, especially around sunset, which is a highly recommended time to experience the trail. The area is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms and playgrounds, enhancing its appeal for families and casual walkers alike. No permits are needed, and the trail is enjoyable in all seasons.

This particular Bluff Park Loop stands out in Southern California for its stunning ocean vistas and accessibility, offering a refreshing escape from city life without requiring a long drive. It's a popular spot for dog walkers and those seeking a tranquil coastal experience, with stairways providing direct access to the Beautiful Beach Bike Path below. The trail's ease and beauty make it a local favorite for a quick dose of nature and sea air.

The San Gabriel River Trail offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery, following the river through varied terrain. You'll find yourself on largely paved paths, but don't be surprised by sections of crushed granite or even unpaved segments, especially as you pass through green spaces like El Dorado East Regional Park. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with distant views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making it a pleasant escape from city life.

This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) hike has a minimal elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), taking approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. The trail is well-equipped with amenities like rest stops, water fountains, and bathrooms at various parks along its extensive length. Parking is generally available near trailheads, but it's always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, and consider hiking during cooler parts of the day.

What makes the San Gabriel River Trail stand out is its incredible length and ability to connect numerous communities and regional parks across Los Angeles County. It serves as a vital recreational corridor, linking to other trails like the Rio Hondo River Trail. This particular segment provides an easy hiking experience, perfect for families or anyone looking for a long, flat walk with diverse surroundings.

The Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic experience, perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll enjoy flat, well-maintained paved paths and a waterfront promenade, providing continuous views of Queensway Bay, Rainbow Harbor, and the marina. Keep an eye out for the impressive RMS Queen Mary and the charming Shoreline Aquatic Park Lighthouse as you make your way around this easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) hike, which features only 49 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain.

This route is incredibly versatile and welcoming to all, whether you're walking, jogging, or cycling. With a typical Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop hiking difficulty rated as easy, and an estimated duration of just 1 hour and 9 minutes, it's a great option for families, strollers, and wheelchairs. You'll find convenient parking at Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop with multiple lots available, along with restrooms and picnic areas.

What makes this trail truly stand out is its combination of picturesque views and seamless integration with Long Beach's vibrant waterfront. It offers some of the best skyline and ocean scenery in Los Angeles County, perfect for sunset viewing. Plus, the park connects directly to popular attractions like Shoreline Village, The Pike Outlets, and the Aquarium of the Pacific, making it easy to combine your walk with other activities.

The San Gabriel River Bike Path offers a refreshing escape, particularly along its southern reaches where the river's concrete banks give way to more natural rock and plant life as it nears the Pacific. This section provides a pleasant, mostly paved journey, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery from urban edges to riparian vegetation. It's a gentle experience, perfect for those seeking a tranquil walk without challenging terrain.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is generally accessible throughout the year. Be mindful of sun exposure, as shade can be scarce in some areas, so bring water and sun protection. This is a multi-use path, so you'll share it with cyclists and others; always be aware of your surroundings. Various access points and parking options exist along its extensive length, making it easy to find a starting point.

This trail is part of a much larger system, stretching for many miles and connecting numerous communities east of Los Angeles. Its diverse environments range from urban settings to well-maintained parks like El Dorado East Regional Park, offering a constantly changing backdrop. The path's accessibility and largely flat profile make it a popular choice for a wide range of users, from families to those looking for an easy, scenic outing.