El Dorado Nature Center – Long Beach, CA

This beautiful El Dorado Nature Center is located right off the 605 freeway. You probably have passed it if you drive the 605 frequently. It goes on for miles with bike paths, playgrounds, barbecues, archery, and even a train to ride on the weekends. This regional park is split up into 3 sections with one hosting the El Dorado Nature Center. If you have not been, I highly recommend it.

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A summary of our visit to the El Dorado Nature Center

The El Dorado Nature Center has lots to offer for all ages which is perfect for a family day trip. Upon entering, you will walk over a bridge that takes you to a small island that has a Nature Center Museum. There are maps of the trails and information on the wildlife that live here. Check inside, they have hands on activities for kids along with live creatures to view up close! Surrounding the island is the North Lake and is home to hundreds of turtles. Crossing a second bridge will give you access to the trials.

There are clean restrooms located right outside the Nature Center Museum.

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Trails

From here there are 2 trails that you can take. One is a 1.4-mile paved loop trail. The second is a 1-mile dirt loop trail. This dirt trail can be extended with a third trail that forks off this main path. (Both trails combined is a 2-mile distance.) This 2-mile hike will pass along a second lake. A bathroom is located on this extended trail, along with benches. It is very peaceful… unless you have kids, like mine, and have to constantly ask them not to touch the spiders, pick up the bugs, and chase the squirrels. Never a dull moment! It just adds to the adventure.

This center has picnic tables available next to the parking lot with restrooms. There is a grassy area for the kiddos to run around and play if they need to get out extra energy. My kids always have energy stored away. If there is a space for them to run it out, I am all for it!

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Our Thoughts

This hidden gem is perfect for a quick outdoor excursion or a pre-planned outing with the kids. I have taken my kids here multiple times, and they love it! The trails are easy, and the wildlife keeps the kids engaged. My favorite is a section of the 2-mile trail that feels like you are in the middle of a forest and the path is covered in leaves.

It is always a good time here and will be coming back for years to come.

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Here are all the details to begin this adventure:

• Address:
• 7550 E Spring St
  Long Beach, CA 90815
  United States
• Parking fee: (cash and credit cards accepted)
• Weekday – $6
• Friday – $7
• Weekend – $8
• Holiday – $9
• Nature Center admission: Free
• Nature Center Hours:
• Trails open Tuesdays-Sundays from 8am-5pm *No entry after 4:30pm
• Museum open Tuesdays-Sundays from 8:30am-4pm
• *Closed on Mondays, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Easter.
• Restrooms: There are 3 available. One is next to the parking lot and picnic tables, one is outside of the nature center museum, and one is located on the 2-mile dirt trail.
• Picnic Area: Yes! Bring a snack or lunch. There are a handful of picnic tables located at the end of the parking lot.
• Stroller friendly: Yes! The entrance area and paved trail are stroller friendly. Strollers could make it through the dirt trail near the North Lake. The rest of the dirt trail would be too difficult to push a stroller through.
• Trails/Miles: 3 Trails available.
• 1st trail: 1.4-mile paved loop trail
• 2nd trail: 1 mile dirt loop trail
• 3rd trail: combined with the first trail makes a 2 mile dirt loop trail
• Pet friendly? Service dogs are welcome.
• Difficulty: Easy. There is no climbing required and the trails are short with a stroller friendly option.
• Food and water: There are a few water fountains along the trails. Food is not allowed in the nature center. (You can eat at the picnic tables located outside of the center)

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More Information:

the nature center hosts kids workshops throughout the year. Check out their website for more information: https://www.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/parks-centers-pier/el-dorado-nature-center/

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More Park for One Price:

*Once you pay the parking fee, you will have access to the other two sections of this regional park. If you want to spend more time here, do not exit the parking lot. Near the exit, there is a road on the left, which will take you to the other sections of the park. It runs between the nature center and the main road. Take that all the way down, through a tunnel and bam! You have just entered the second section of the park. This area is quite large and has paved trails for walking and riding bikes.

There are restrooms, a dog park, archery, and lots of grassy/tree shaded areas. If you continue to drive through this section of the park (without exiting) you will end up at the final area of the park. Here you will find multiple playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables, a pond, a train, and wide-open space. (Which is perfect for flying kites on a windy day)

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What are you waiting for? Go explore!