El Dorado Has it All

Enjoy outdoor adventures at El Dorado Regional Park in Long Beach

Egrets, heron and other birds beside a lake at El Dorado Regional Park in east Long Beach Los Angeles County

Every city has its flagship green space, and in Southern California competition is fierce for which one is best. So what’s right up there with Griffith and Elysian, yet less known? El Dorado Regional Park in east Long Beach. This massive park has a bunch of outdoor recreation, including a 2.25-mile stroll through the beautiful Nature Center, a disc golf course, archery range, dog park, model plane field, campsites, even a frontier theme park.

Woman walking under oaks and by a bench in El Dorado Regional Park east Long Beach Los Angeles County

Lake at El Dorado Regional Park in east Long Beach Los Angeles County

Canada Geese walking in a row beside a lake at El Dorado Regional Park in east Long Beach Los Angeles County

Park at the El Dorado Nature Center lot ($6 to $9, depending on the day) and find a trailhead at the north end of the lot. Apart from the impressively manicured system, signage is great and easy to follow. Pass an amphitheater, cross a bridge, and reach the cabin-like center. At the junction, take the right path for a quick 0.25-mile loop before continuing on the 2-mile loop. Meander the path along the stream, passing five bridges with views of two lakes—sanctuaries for turtles, great blue herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. Wind through massive oak groves and beside the creek, stopping at interpretive signs detailing local flora and fauna, such as wild blackberry bush, and predatory birds like the great-horned owl or resident raptors hidden in the trees. When you’re done, check out some of the other amenities at the north and west parts of the park.

El Dorado Frontier in El Dorado Regional Park east Long Beach Los Angeles County

Just across the street, El Dorado Park north has a dog park and duck ponds lined with cattails and frequented by Canada geese. This is a horseshoe lake, where you can fish for bass, carp, bluegill, and more. You’ll also find an archery range, which hosted events at the 1984 Summer Olympics. A 3-mile round trip along the water will get you to the north edge of the park, where you’ll find hobbyists flying model planes, El Dorado Frontier (a western theme park), and plenty of open green space, campsites, and picnic areas. Head to the western part of the park to find the various sports fields and a disc golf course (and yes, regular golf too). Another primary attraction is the duck pond, just south of the willow grove. Mallards, coots, and geese abound here, but also look for egrets, stilts, and a flock of local night herons often hopping around the shores. It’s a great place for birdwatching and a picnic under the pines.

To get to the El Dorado Nature Center parking lot and trailhead, take the I-605 to the Spring St. exit if coming from the north. The nature center and lot will be on your immediate left. From the south, take the Willow St. exit and head west, passing over the San Gabriel River. At Studebaker Rd. take a right, passing by the southern part of El Dorado Regional Park. Take a right at Spring St. and find the nature center and lot on your right. No dogs at the nature center; dog-friendly in other parts of the park!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View