El Dorado Nature Center Reviews

Every time we come to Long Beach, one of our favorite activities is to come here. We enjoy the lakes, seeing birds, squirrels, ducks and the turtles. They have some hands on activities for little kids in the visitor center. There's a huge park across the street. Have a picnic there after your walk.

Quite beautiful pond with turtles sunning themselves. The paths are clearly marked and have great informational signs about the plant life. There are classes at times there that teach about the natural wildlife of southern California.

We have an annual pass so we go to the dog park, there is one for small dogs and large dogs.
The Nature center has trails which are nice to go on.
And of course the park has duck ponds, various wild life to be seen.

El Dorado park has many different thing to do.Of course theres the park and train and lake.We love to take walksaround all of them.Across the street by the animal shelter is the Nature Center. Its 5 dollars to park.We just went the other day.I took my older kids when they were little because it was something to do and see for cheap. Now I take my younger kid to visit and see Gods beauty.There is something for the little ones the little walk and museum gift shop. And there is something for the bigger ones. You can do 1,2 or three trails and you do it at your own pace.I saw many fast walker but most people just leisurely pace.

Trails are easy to walk. the nature scenery was enjoyable. My kids loved to play and look at the nature.The gift shop had a lot of exhibit that are hands on.

It's a very relaxing walk which you have the option of 1 or 2 miles. It's mostly shaded which is nice. Overall, really pleasant. The only thing you have to pay $7 on the weekend for parking.

A great walk in the middle of a city. You get inside and feel like you have stepped into nature for a few hours. Trail is easy to walk on. When my son was little he could walk or I could push him in the stroller through the trees, bushes and flowers.

The trails are stroller friendly (and grandparent-friendly too). The trees provide plenty of shade on a warm day. There's room to spread out with a picnic. The education center is great for children of all ages. Kids can watch the turtles in the lake or the hummingbirds buzzing around the porch.

If you're in the area around Halloween, the park does a great day of animal education, handing out candy and giving all the families a safe, friendly way to celebrate the season.

Came here for the first time. Pay $5 to park, can use this as an easy walk and stroll through to see the geese, ducks, birds, squirrels and turtles. They also have a cute free library with books which is a cute idea and also have a small gift shop and a few displays of some animals and insects as well as bones and fossils. Thank you for preserving the most of nature. Will be back again!

A tranquil place to enjoy nature and a walk. It was the last day of a very busy holiday and my husband and I enjoyed sitting watching the turtles swimming in the sunshine

While the long route is only about 2 miles, this is the best hiking in the city for nature. Turtles and water birds galore.

We lover to come here and take in the trail and nature with out having to go far you will see birds, turtles, and small animals around and the trail is a good one as well and it is also located next to the animal shelter

My stop with my Girl Scout Troop to the El Darado Park Nature Center was fantastic. The hike was lovely with amazing views. We saw squirrels, bunnies, birds, turtles, and even baby turtles too. It was a great choice for a quick and fun stop.

It's a sweet place to spend time in nature away from the cars and the hustle of crowds. Walk among the turtles, ducks, squirrels and birds and stop off to sit and enjoy the beautiful trees and plant life.

El Dorado Nature Center on Spring Street close to the 605 is part of El Dorado Park. The Nature Center has a short paved and a longer dirt path for hiking. The paved road is good for small children and those with trouble walking. In the Spring you can see large white poppies that look like Matilija poppies (maybe they really are Matilija poppies). If you buy a pass for El Dorado Park, the pass will get you into the Nature Center as well as the portion of El Dorado park across Spring street that has 2 dog parks (one for large, one for small dogs). We have a pass and use it nearly every weekend.

Excellent park to tour on Two wheels. Good concrete bike path around and through the park. Plenty to see and do.

I love green, especially the nature green!! I saw so much green at this place from hiking! There are two distance of the loops you can take, and it was my first time, so of course we tried the 2 miles loop and it was such a relaxing and easy walking while talking with friends, but if you want to make it a workout routine, you can walk fast and do the loop of 3 or miles. We had picnic on the benches by the parking lot after the hiking. There are shades at most of the paths, but it is better to wear a hat and put on sunblock lotion.
If you live close by, buy the annual parking pass which is $35 because it costs $7 each time which is a little bit high but worth it for me who lives around 60 miles away. I will go again with friends but probably will carpool with the one holds an annual parking pass.

People often thing of Los Angeles as a concrete jungle, a system of freeways, an urban mess and greenery desert. The opposite is true. There are parks and mountains, trees and ponds/lakes. There are dozens of types of birds, hundreds of types of plants, plenty of space, classes, a lake, and lots of natural beauty.

Go, see, explore, and go again, and again, and again.

This is a lovely place to spend a few hours. Take a stroll and wander in a nature center in Long Beach! Would recommend.

Free flowing water, turtles,Canadian geese and the most beautiful trees and plants. The best escape walk in Long a Beach.

Good information and worth the time to see this place, easy in/out. Not huge but enough things to keep ones interest....

I loved this and walked around for a couple hours. It was cools seeing all the animals and the lush green of the park. I actually really enjoyed this place. I was a little surprised at how big it seemed and how many great trails they had to walk around. I did the 2 mile loop and the 1 mile loop since I had a bunch of time. I loved seeing all the turtles. Seemed like a place a lot of moms like to take their kids during the day, but very peaceful unless you encounter the few moms in their "my kid is better than your kid conversations."

A nice and quiet place when you need to get away but you don't have the time to go on an out of town trip. It is lovely to take a hike around the lake and in the "foresty" area. You will encounter a wide variety of animals (squirrels, turtles sunbathing on the rocks, heron and so much more.) . We go there every other months to take in the nature. The offer several programs for kids and families. iIf you have a bow and arrows, you can use the range across the street. Once you are done with your stroll through the woods, step by SPCLA and cuddle with furry adoptable (the shelter is right next to it.)
There is parking with a fee (varies wether it is a weekend/ week)

Beautiful, secluded and fun to observe/experience. Bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes. Pack a light lunch. Bug Spray & sunscreen too.

Easy to follow trails thru the woods around a stream and wooded area. A bit too close to civilization as you can hear traffic but quite good for what it is.

We want educational aspects to each trip so we took the kids here for about two hours during our stay in SoCal. It cost $7 per car to enter. Parking is plentiful. We saw birds, turtles, rabbits, geese, blue heron, and other creatures. The gift shop/exhibit had some hands on exhibits that the kids could touch....antlers from deer, elk, and buffalo horn. The exhibit with the birds and their sounds was nice.
The walks and the creatures we encountered excited the kids (7 and 4). Its a great family time to teach.

Took my kids for an early morning stroll. They were so quiet in their strollers. Had a difficult time navigating the stroller, good workout for my arms. Beautiful and pleasant scenery.

This is part of a large city park in Long Beach and is unexpected in the city. The Nature Center has a visitor’s center which seems to be (appropriately) geared to children. There are three walking paths, one that is a mile long, one that is two miles long and a quarter mile path that is completely accessible. The first two paths wander around two lakes and a creek as well as woods and grasslands. The third is the same without the lakes. At times I could hear cars, but also there was solitude as well as bird song and small animal chatter. Lots of people were out walking on this fine Saturday afternoon. You’ll especially enjoy the turtles that come out to bask in the sun in the ponds!

I was visiting family and we went to the park to take some pictures.

There are tons of ducks, geese and other birds as well as squirrels all over the lake and park. They all seem to tame and make for lots of up-close encounters with nature.

All in all, a great place to introduce your kids and grand-kids to the real world while taking some time to relax.

Great little nature preserve in the middle of a busy city. Lots of trails to walk and explore. Dirt and paved roads make for easy access. I was there on a Tuesday morning and the parking lot was already full. There is plenty to see, as the water makes it a haven for turtles and birds. Very quiet and serene. There is an interactive lobby and a gift shop, with knowledgeable staff available to answer questions. It costs $5 to park, but the center itself is free.

El Dorado Nature Center is a convenient and enjoyable spot to take a quick turn around the one or two mile trail with friends or families (many families take the easy to navigate trails) or to enjoy slowly while taking photos or resting on a bench by the water. Trails have a good deal of variety to hold the walker's interest including streams, lakes, varied trees and flowers (especially beautiful in early spring) and a fair amount of wildlife including shore birds, ducks, rabbits, wonderful songbirds, owls, lizards and turtles. Despite the proximity to roads and some power lines looming above, an hour at the center always provides a relaxing escape from the city.

The nature center with fun activities from young children, a small store, helpful staff, bathrooms, and often photographic displays is worth a stop. Stand on the porch and watch dazzling humming birds flit about the feeders. If you live nearby, investing in a yearly parking pass is highly recommended and will encourage you to visit more often.

A very nice stroll where you can see all sorts of birds, flora & fauna. Great for young kids and the young at heart.

Located in the northern section of El Dorado Park it is a little bit hard to find, but it is well worth the trip. the tour of the nature center could be as little a 30 minutes, but it should be enjoyed at a much more leisurely pace. It is an easy walk for the elderly. The paths are wide , level and comfortable. the center is well kept.

upon entering, you cross a bridge over part of the man-made lake. Be sure to look for red slider turtles. The turtles are abundant. Their are hummingbird feeders on the porch of the building. There is a small interesting gift shop and hands on nature items for kids to check out. There are also some tanks with small insects and snakes. There are often local artists work on display. The trails can be 1-2 miles and a handicap trail is available. A highlight is another lake that attracts water fowl. This nature center is a great place to walk, watch birds, enjoy native plants, or just relax on one of the benches. The center is free but parking is paid-it is part of a regional park.

Bring your walking shoe's your in for a treat of nature. It's always a great time to get away from the everyday rat race. Come enjoy the sounds of nature and the fresh air.

I've been hiking in the Nature Center for six years, ever since my best friend took me there for her birthday. I have spent numerous hours strolling the two mile trail and love the sense of serenity I feel when visiting. The foliage is made up of local California trees and plants, with a pleasant fragrance of eucalyptus floating in the air. The ominous herons are a pleasant addition to an early morning stroll and delight me each time. Turtles, rabbits, and squirrels are regularly spotted. Weekends can get very crowded; I find mornings the most pleasant.

We only come down to Long Beach twice a year but once we found this little escape, we bought a season pass. Excellent way to relax, wander through nature and just take in the peacefulness of the forest.

As far as regional parks go, this is a good one. It's definitely a park, in the sense that it's manicured and manufactured, it seems well planned, but it also seems planned. If you're looking for some nature in the city, this might be a good place to go.

Very good place to just walk around, sightseeing. Perfect place to reconnect with nature, so peaceful also clean.

I love to come here and walk. We usually see lots of birds, rabbits, squirrels and turtles. The trees arch over the paths creating shade and an atmosphere of being away from the city. It's beautiful and very relaxing. The nature center is fun for kids. I've even done programs there with Scouts and found all then naturalists to be very knowledgeable.

The Nature Center is located in El Dorado Regional Park in Long Beach. Lovely, easy 1/4 mile, 1 & 2 mile trails with signage about vegetation and wildlife. The visitor center has various nature displays, some are inter active. There is a small gallery with art exhibits from local artists. Great for the family or those wanting to be surrounded by nature. Parking fee $5 -$7 but annual passes are reasonable, which you can use for any entrance of the regional park.

I enjoyed the time I spent at the El Dorado Nature Center. My friend and her family live in Long Beach and wanted to take me to the nature center. It is worth a visit. There is an entrance fee but it is worth it. Put some snacks and water in your backpack, grab your camera and a good pair of walking shoes and spend a few hours walking around. I visited on a Sunday, so it was a little busy but not too crazy. I loved seeing the birds and hearing and feeling like I was not in the city.

The El Dorado Nature Center offers short non-challenging walks through a wonderful park-like setting. the variety of plants and trees made for an interesting walk. The 1/4 mile route is completely paved, level, and appears wheelchair friendly. The 1 and 2 mile routes have a single set of up-down short switchbacks. This is a busy place as we encountered many walkers on a brisk afternoon walk. A nice reprieve from downtown. Saw turtles and waterfowl in the ponds. Looked forward to seeing squirrels and a little more wildlife but it didn’t happen today.

2 knocks ... First, (not the fault of the Nature Center) the Uber ride from the Queen Mary side of Long Beach is expensive for the 7 mile reckoning I made. Second, freeway noise pollution encroaches on the experience. One of the signs asks you to stop and listen to the sounds of nature. Made me sad that I couldn’t hear much besides the drone of background traffic.

This is a somewhat unknown treasure in Long Beach. It's kid of tucked away and you could drive right by it and not even know it was there. It's a very relaxing nature trail with various tress, plants, ponds and all kinds of birds. Around 2 miles in lenght, so you can easily walk it,but take your time and enjoy the surroundings!!

This is a gem in the city! Excellent paths for hiking and relaxing away from city traffic. You almost forget you live in a large city.

I love to come to El Dorado Nature Center and go on the 1 & 2 mile walk. Its like walking out of the busy city into your own tropical forest with a hidden lake surrounded by beautiful foliage and stream. There are animals running though out like: bunnies, lizards, snakes(sometimes), squirrels, bass fish, great blue heron and a rare white heron. There are also two types of water turtles that wade on the logs in the lake and you can often see them swimming in the stream. I've also seen the turtle come on land to find a place to lay their eggs.(do not touch this is a mission for this turtle) There are ducks and other animals meandering about the trails. No bikes or Jogging allowed. I usually turn Pandora on to some relaxing music or modern day classical music and enjoy the serene experience. I really do enjoy coming every week to see the same animals and checking in to see they are still there and doing great. Life really is to short not to come by and take a walk through this little bit of paradise if only once. Maybe I Will See You There! :-}

The first time at El Dorado Nature Center was such a surprise. I had no idea anything like this lovely spot existed in Long Beach. Beautiful lake with turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, blue heron posing lakeside, trails with native California vegetation. Just a wonderful place for families, for outings with friends or even for solitude to enjoy the quiet and the natural beauty.

There are a couple different paths, so you can get less distance and flatter surface, or you can hike on the more challenging path. It is only a couple of miles, so if you are just a weekend hiker, this is the one for you!

I’d never heard of this place until we went with some friends. This is a fantastic place for all ages to go for a walk in the woods. There are different trails, as short as a single mile, to explore and relax in nature. Parking was $7 (Saturday ) and that allows you to park in other areas of El Dorado Park for biking,archery, bbqs and radio controlled airplane flying just to name a few. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to head to El Dorado park to explore

You can walk here everyday of the week and it is always new. Many kinds of birds and other creatures. I use to take the kids there and it is the same now as it was 35 years ago. There is a park close by and you can take a picnic and have a full day of fun! Put on your happy face. Well, if you can't do that I guarantee you will have a happy face when you leave! It's a hidden treasure.

Loved this placed. Great nature walk and there's a cool train next door. I went there with 2 small kids but I could see couples and even trail runners. It's like a nature oasis in an urban jungle. Highly recommend.

I started coming here for science camp in the summer with my kids. It is so peaceful and quiet to walk around, or sit and read, sketch, paint, meditate or just watch and listen to the wildlife. The center has hands on exhibits for all ages. In the days of technology it is a great place to take the family for a picnic and UNPLUG!

I was born in L.B. Sad to say I waited too long to visit this wonderful place. My wife and I played hooky from our responsibilities to come here. Great trees...water...walkways..and birds and animals. peaceful place right in the middle of sprawl. Good place to get easy exercise and enjoy the walk and nature. Sorry we missed this before...take time from your busy life and take a relaxing walk thru here...no need to travel to the ends of the earth for a little peace.

This is a special place! We spent a memorable foggy December morning exploring the trails. We arrived when the park opened (8:00-5:00) on a Sunday morning and it was very quiet. The fog put a hush on everything and it seemed like we were in a remote forest even though the park is right next to the San Gabriel Freeway (605).

The nature center is part of the larger El Dorado Park, and access to both is off East Spring Street. We parked at the nature center on the south side of Spring and walked at both parks. Parking at the nature center is $5-8 depending on the day of the week and whether it's a holiday.

The visitor center is small (8:30-4:00). It offers exhibits about the ecosystem and activities to engage children. A gift shop has t-shirts and souvenirs and restrooms are available. Staff are friendly and can provide a map and answer questions. A covered patio overlooks North Lake.

A network of trails winds around the two lakes on the forested 105-acre property, with options for 1/4 mile, one mile or two mile routes. The 1/4 mile trail is paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It has educational signs about the local environment. The longer trails have a hard-packed dirt surface. They are not considered wheelchair accessible, but we were able to take one on most of the trails with effort and a determined assistant (there are some hills). There are benches for resting, water fountains, and another restroom at the furthest point from the visitor center. We saw squirrels, rabbits, turtles and many birds, including two great egrets. Note that pets and bicycles are not allowed on the nature trails.

After we explored the nature center trails, we walked north across Spring Street into El Dorado Park where there are a couple more miles of paved trails and walkways around a series of lakes (plus connection to the San Gabriel River Trail on the west side of the park). This section of the property is more open and developed, with areas of grass and facilities for recreational activities like picnic tables, playgrounds, fitness course, fishing (license required), paddle boats (fee), an archery range and a miniature train ride (fee). Bike rentals are available. This northern portion of the park also charges the $5-8 parking fee and I don't know if one fee covers both area. You may want to inquire at the entrance or consider walking between them like we did. There's no charge for pedestrians and bicyclists. Long Beach Transit route 104 passes the parks on Spring Street.

Spending 3 nights in Huntington Beach we found this Nature Center on TripAdvisor. What a treat! Entering through the pleasant gates and walking the 2 miles path was a wonderful way to spend the morning. It's always fun to find somewhere new (to us) to discover, so glad we found this.

I have been here a couple of times both with my husband and with my mom. Both times we all enjoyed the walk. The nice thing is that most of the paths are shaded and it doesn't get too hot at all. You can see turtles, squirrels, and ducks around you which I think is also nice for children. I had no idea such a beautiful walk could exist in the middle of a city. I definitely recommend it.

I live a short distance from the Nature Center, and cannot get there often enough. The visitors center is interesting, and the walkways have been redone recently. A must see.

My family had a picnic here. The little ones really enjoyed the park. I would take them again. The Nature Center is awesome.

We enjoyed the Nature Center especially since we are not from this area. It was a good example of plant life we have not seen before. Is it always this dry? It appears to be very popular with locals. I guess it is nice to get away for the hectic urban areas.

This beautiful oasis in Long Beach is a great place to go for a walk, to sit and meditate or to bring the kids. It's a calm and peaceful area, far from the noise of the city. Your blood pressure will drop shortly after you enter, just from the beautiful greenery, watching the birds and the turtles, relaxing in nature.

Spent my birthday in Seal Beach. We went to El Dorado Nature Center and did the 1 mile trail. It was a nice walk, enjoying nature and taking pictures. The other hikers were all friendly. Very nice weather & would go again.

I love the nature center as it is an oasis in an urban setting. There are great walks around the center, either 1 mile or 2 miles in length. We often have the dog, so just walk around the rest of the park as dogs aren't allowed in the nature center, but we do walk there when we can convince the dog to stay at home.

We love coming here with our granddaughters and walking the short or the long trails. It is very fun and also educational. They have a wonderful hands on museum that is also very well done with displays, living insects and snakes, and other fun things for all who come. You find ducks, turtles, rabbits, birds, squirrels, all along the trails. It is a great place to enjoy God's creation and even have some exercise.

So many trails, birds, plants, just a wonderful outdoor space for a walk, take your dog for an excursion or just to sit and enjoy the flora and fauna,

The Nature Center is a hidden treasure of L.A. County. With clearly marked trails of 1/4, one and two mile lengths, anyone can find their ideal path. Many of the trails are along a brook or a lake, enhancing the scenic appeal of this popular walking and hiking venue. The best thing...it's free. There's a charge for parking, though, so consider riding your bike.

I have been coming to the Nature center since I was a kid, and have brought my kids since they were babies. There is a quarter mile paved walking trail & two dirt hiking trails, one is one mile and the other is two miles. The trails are fairly easy, many people will run, walk, or even hike with baby-strollers. There is a mini lake-like area filled with turtles and fish. There are many different bird species, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, lizards and the like. The center has a large lodge in the middle with a small souvenir shop & museum inside. This is a nice little get-a-away for all ages.

This urban park has a $5.00 parking fee and concrete walkways that work well for strollers and wheelchair access. So birders and lovers beware that quiet and solitude is lacking in this urban oasis.

We wanted to expand our knowledge of local activities and made a visit to El Dorado. We did not know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful nature preserve in the middle of long beach. The maturity of the trees and the shade they provided were a welcomed feature as we walked the 2 mile trail. You have the option of a paved 1/4 mile path or a dirt 1 or 2 mile trail. You get to walk along a stream that connects two small lakes. Even more fascinating was the large park to the north of the nature center with additional lakes. Now you cannot eat your picnic lunch in the nature preserve but can eat your lunch in the nearby park. Well worth a visit.

I love walking through the Nature Center! It is fun to watch the turtles come out from the depths and sun bathe on the floating ramps. You feel as though you are walking in the mountains even though the 605 freeway is very close! There are squirrels, Canadian geese and ducks. I love taking the 2 mile walk, it is so peaceful and relaxing. If you have little ones, probably best to take them to the other side of the park where the boats and train are. Note that it is closed on Mondays, but not the main park across the street. There are three trails, 1/4 mile paved walk, good for wheel chairs and strollers, and a one mile and two miles walk.

Nice short hiking trails with coverage, you sometimes see lizards, frogs, different birds. There is a nature center with information and interesting hands on things for the kids. Great place for the family, friends and even a walk alone to get away from it all.

Great place for an easy hike. If it wasn't for the 605 you'd have no idea you were in a city. I live five minutes from here and definitely plan on coming back.

Very beautiful and peaceful. I love the outdoors and live in the mountains, so when I got into L.A. it was a bit much until I visited here. I was able to relax and felt centered.

You can't hear the traffic or see the traffic. You can view some wildlife such and many species of birds, turtles, butterflies, etc. This is a great way to "get away" from it all. They have three different trails. Two dirt trails and one concrete trail that is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. They also have a store where you can purchase wildlife items along with a hands on section where the kids can feel different fur and skeletons.

Parking prices very per day, $4-$8, not sure if it goes higher than that. Not really a hike, but a good chance to walk. Can be crowded.

El Dorado Park in Long Beach has a beautiful nature center to walk around and enjoy. There is a picnic area outside the nature walk to maybe enjoy a snack before or after your walk. There are 3 tails. 3/4 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles. Do one or all three! We took our 97 year old neighbor using a walker yesterday for the short walk and just seeing her face enjoying the natural beauty here. Ride your bike over or drive but know if you drive, parking is $6-$8.. No pets are allowed on the trails along with no food on the trail --- Sounds harsh but this is what it takes to keep it pristine for all. They do have a little "museum" type store. Lots of park benches along the way.

been there many times, and the parks dept. do a great job keeping it clean, quiet, and like you're out of the city.

you can also ride your bike along the riverbed next to the center....around sunset, your kids will see all kinds of critters making their way down to the water

I love this place, and have gone there to get away from it all--either for a leisurely stroll with my grandson, or for a fast workout walk. The minutes you park and step onto the path, you feel like the city life is in another world. It is serene, filled with water turtles and other creatures, huge trees and clearings, and well-marked paths. You have the option of a short 2-mile or a longer hike. There is some uphill involved for those with weak knees.

Not a lot of wildlife, I think they need to introduce some fish. Lots of squirrels and turtles. Did the short paved and the one mile loop. Nice addition to our Long Beach day. Entrance fee was $7.00 Visitor center is small but helpful. There is another park with a lake we did not visit that you can go with the same ticket.

I just went recently because I haven't been in a long time. They updated the pathways to make it easier to walk around. I went by myself and it was nice just to disconnect.

This is a little bit of heaven in a busy city, it is a peaceful experience which makes
you feel like you are in the woods in a very secluded area. You can spend hours
watching the turtles or just sitting on a bench and drinking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Sometimes there are a lot of people walking so I suggest early evening or early
morning walks.

El Dorado is an oasis of nature located between the 405 and 605 freeways. A pleasant setting with trails through dense vegetation and away from the maddening crown, except on the weekends. Trails range from 1 to 3 miles, not paved so expect to get a bit dusty. Lakes are filled with turtles and fish; however, if you want to fish you'll have to go to the lakes in the other sections of the park. Lots of native flora and fauna if you keep your eyes open, even an occasional bald eagle. The Nature Center itself is not extensive and provides a low key overview of local habitats. Parking can be a challenge on the weekend. No running or dogs permitted on the trails.

Quiet nature paths wind amongst tall trees and gurgling streams as dragonflies flit about and birds pass amongst the trees. A relaxing, educational great time. I highly recommended it for outdoorsy types who want to step back from the hustle and bustle, especially with little ones!

love this nature center so beautiful well kept up. so many diffrent animals. and its free. good workout.

gorgeous! if you like nature, you might wanna check this out, it is really good spot to have a good walk (jogging not allowed), or have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the beauty of mother earth! entrance is free but you have to pay parking, i went on a sunday and it's $7 cause it's a weekend,weekdays are a little cheaper i think $5, holidays are a little more expensive always call before going to check if they're open.They are close on mondays.

I love the El Dorado Nature Center. It is a great place to get away from it all. It is a nice reminder of nature. I alway go here with friends to check out the turtles. If you can't get into nature go here to hang out with the trees.

This is a nice area to visit with small children , short trails through various plants and trees, small ponds along the way. Opportunities to teach children about wild life and nature. There is a visitor station that explains about the different things at the center.

A very nice place to have a quick stroll, your afternoon exercise or just run away from the city while not really going anywhere far.
Granted, highway noise keeps reminding you are not that far as may have wished. But this is definitely minor for this great place!

What a great place!! As soon as we walked in, my 9yr was given a scavenger hunt list which he enjoyed. Lovely afternoon walk along the trails spotting animals, flowers, and enjoying the view. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Just a hidden gem in Long Beach with wildlife, nature trails, and a nice informative vistor's center. Always a great place to visit with friends, kids, seniors, and family. They have interesting events day and night too!

Beautiful part of Long Beach and we'll maintained park. Nice trails for relaxing walks. The office has a nice gift store and helpful staff.

Very nice walking trails. An escape from the city. Children love to explore this environment. They will be delighted to see turtles and squirrels and insects. There are two lakes, a stream and a small forested area. They also have a visitors center containing educational materials and books and gifts to purchase.

84 Acre oasis in the middle of suburbia. There 3 trails. One is for those with a handicap or prefer a paved surface. Then there is a one mile trail that branches off about 3/4 of the way into a two mile trail.

There are two lakes connected by a meandering stream. (The second lake is only accessible on the two mile hike.) There are several areas with different indigenous plants types so always something different.

Great for birdwatching and great exercise.

lots to see and the walk around the nature center was easy, bring a camera for all the scenery and animals, the children we brought, loved this center

El Dorado Nature Center is always a surprised. I was there yesterday, June 6, 2017, with my sister who was visiting from HI. She loves it because it is such a surprise in the midst of the urban sprawl of So Cal. The weather was a bit dreary but that only enhanced the beauty of the place. We saw lizards, squirrels, turtles, etc. We took the two mile trail and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was uncrowded. We did some souvenir shopping and thoroughly enjoyed our time there!! A little bit of heaven in Long Beach, CA.

A wonderful spot to go for a nature walk. You can lose yourself in nature and not even realize that you are in the city.

The Nature Center is a great spot to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in Long Beach you will think that you have left the city but you are actually only 10 mins away from Downtown Long Beach. There is some wildlife like wetland birds which if you pay attention when driving near the center you may notice them flying over the freeways.

If you live in the area get a yearly pass, or as we do for our several visits over the year. It is great to do the various walking paths, sit down and just enjoy the calm. Enjoy the turtles or take your time and find some elusive wildlife. Either way a great outing.

We have enjoyed the nature park much more as seniors. We use it for our walking for the day. The trail offers you a mile or two mile loop. The two mile loop takes you around the lake. Birds and squirrels are found. The last year we had Canadian geese staying in the park. They also offer a quarter mile paved loop. We took my mother in law on that loop. They have benches on all trails. The mile and two mile loop have water available. The two mile loop has restrooms. The gift shop has toys and nature items available. Admission is $6 Monday through Friday with weekends $8. We brought an annual pass $29. I paid the daily rate before writing a check for the annual pass after they deducted $6 from the $35 rate. The trail is has uphill and downhill points along with shaded and sunny sections. The trail is well marked at the two mile junction for the longer walk. A hidden gem in the city of Long Beach.

Nice trails around ponds and through nature. If you enjoy turtles sunning in the pond or seeing an Osprey in the trees, you will enjoy this nature center. There are 1 or 2 mile trail options, or do as much as you like, very versatile.

Great safe hiking! Good for families with small children. You are not out in the wilderness, but it feels like it. Can be crowded, go early. There are turtles, lizards, birds that are easy to spot. Foxes are suppose to live here, but they don't want to see you, so good luck. Great classes thru Long Beach city here too.

Beautiful one- and two-mile trails! Perfectly gorgeous walk where you can't believe you're still in the city. Very peaceful place to get your steps in while chatting with a friend!

This nature park is a neighborhood gem. It is bordered by a busy freeway and 2 major throughways, but you feel like you are out in the middle of the country when you are on the trails. Currently, the parking situation is in need of improvement as they are rebuilding the entrance to the park, but I walk there from my house, and you could also bike in for free to avoid the parking issue. Take your binoculars for bird watching- lots to see!

This nature center and trail is well kept. I love to walk the trails looking for birds and sit at the many benches along the way. The trails are easy for anyone to walk and there is a nice bridge over a pond with turtles floating around. The pond connects to a small lake that gets it's share of ducks and other wildlife visiting. There is also a small creek where you can find snowy egrets looking for dinner or mallard duck couples cruising slowly by. It's worth the time to visit for sure!
Here's a tip though....make sure to visit the rest room before hitting the trail! :-)

Since I moved to Long Beach, I read and heard about this center. It's peaceful, respectful and a good dosage of nature. There is a one and a two mile walk. Nice way to start the weekend. Only bummer is due to the nature of being a center and probably all volunteer, the hours are shorter than I would like. I would be heaven if I could walk this before work or after work.

A little spot of nature in the city. Very natural. Fun place to take the kids to see a non concrete walking trails.

Find turtles in the water as you approach the center. Easy hiking with lots of birds and small animals.

A quiet and serene getaway in the middle of a busy urban area. L.A. is full of surprises, but this quiet park is truly one of the hidden gems. Only reachable by car and you have to pay for parking, but the entry is free. The center is beautiful with abundant wildlife (birds, turtles, etc.), 2 lakes and an abundance of trees and hiking paths. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours.
If you are in the area and miss nature, this is a must do.

What a wonderful place to relax, unwind, as you enjoy the trees, water, and critters. Peaceful place to meditate or just et calm and de-stress. When you are there it is like being way out of the city. Very tranquil, and it is free. Just $5 for parking.

It's such a tranquil experience! Nature, birds, turtles and all minutes from the freeway and beach. I ride my bike over through El Dorado Park and along the San Gabriel river then walk the mile trail through the park. It's hard to believe that it's adjacent to the 405 and 605! Although I've been there several time I still haven't visited the Nature Center Exhibit building! Next time!

So many amenities... so little time:
Archery range with target butts
Barbecue grills - First come, first served
Bicycle trails - paved (over 4 miles)
Campground for Youth Groups
2 Stocked Fishing lakes (license required for 16 yrs+)
Model aircraft flying area (radio controlled)
Model sailboat area (radio controlled)
Nature Center - Closed Mondays
Park Ranger supervision
Physical Fitness Course - 12 stations - Area II
Picnic Areas - first come, first served, and reserved areas
Picnic Shelters
Playgrounds

The El Dorado Nature Center is an excellent walking place to see native California as it was. Pleasant and informative, it is a must see and wonderfully educational for children.

Great place to relax the mind. I have visited the nature center approx 10-times. It's kinda boring, but a great place to walk the trails and get some relaxation of the mind. You can see the cool turtles maybe getting some sun on a wood platform. I enjoy this place with a friend and talk while we walk. It's about $5.00 to park and it closes around 5 or 6pm so look up the hours of operation.

I enjoy this place by myself and when I have out of town visitors and family. A great place for children to enjoy.

The whole of El Dorado Park is amazing.An urban park with sports fields,a dog park,grassy and tree-shaded areas to picnic, a bandstand and lake/fountain with birds(including migratory geese),an 18 hole golf course with restaurant and banquet/event area; and it's crown jewel-the Nature Center.Having grown up in Long Beach;only a couple of blocks away(the whole park extends for 3mi N/S and 2mi E/W along Studebaker Rd,bisected by the San Gabriel River)I've been able to watch this slice of nature over many year and seasons. Raccoons,skunks,feral cats,(yes;they have a place in an ecosystem),opossums,owls,hawks,an occasional eagle,even some waterfowl from the adjoining parkland.Sit quietly and enjoy watching the ever-changing scenery of nature.

This is a great place for walking and take children to check out wild life. There is a one mile trail, a two mile trail and a quarter mile trail for strollers. So you can walk all or a combination. It’s like being in the but close to home. They also have concerts in the park on Thursday nights bring a picnic and low back chairs, wonderful entertainment. Give it a try.

We had been in the huge El Dorado Park and thought we'd check out the nature center for a walk. It's great! The trails are easy and scenic going around two small lakes and through a small forest. Though there were plenty of people there, it certainly didn't seem crowded. We even saw a coyote! We will definitely go back.

Take the kids for a stroll through authentic nature trails and wildlife. You can't beat the experience. Quiet and remote-feeling but inside the city. Reasonable entrance fee, lots of free parking.

An unexpected but really nice find. The walks are nice, though sometimes may get busy. Well upkept. Beware of squirrels!

Well kept nature preserve. well worth the 5 bucks for parking for how well of shape they keep it. hummingbirds everywhere. very pretty and nice people around. Great start to the Cubs winning the world series!

Our family has been taking walks here for over 35 years. Each season brings new delights to experience. I brought a senior group for a tour in June and they loved it. Many on the tour have lived in Long Beach and the surrounding areas for years and never experienced this wonderful Nature Center.

A popular park, even on weekdays. $5 parking charge.
Hummingbird feeders at nature center.—allens hummers.
Nice choice of trails...1/4, 1, 2 mile.
Closed on monday.

El Dorado Nature Center gets better with age. A beautiful place to spend a quiet hour of stress free walking. Quiet, serene, running water, flowers, rabbits, herrons and The Best, the Turtles. Park at the El Dorado Library and take a short walk through the Park and East on Spring Street. Save the Parking Fee and have a great walk. Take the one mile or two mile walk, disabled take the disabled path which is wheelchair accessible. Check the website for great activities during the day and evening. If you Park at the Nature Center, there is a Parking Fee. Once you leave the Center walk to the Animal Shelter and see the animals ready for adoption or just look they are so cute!

Maria, Long Beach, Ca .

It is a great place to either take the kids for an education outing, or get excerise. You may choose between a 1 mile or 2 mile walk though meandering trails. You can see animals like water turtles,rabbits, squirrels and birds. Only down side is you have to pay to park. . I believe weekends is $5.00.

Really a nice place to take the family or children. Would highly recommend this for people who love nature.

This is a great place to take a leisurely walk in nature, do your daily steps, bring the kids out to see squirrels, rabbits, lizards, and other creatures.

Wonderful nature walk for a 2 and 4 year old. Lots of shaded parts. Highly recommended for a couple hours

My husband and I were introduced to this Long Beach gem through one of the people who constructed this place from a bean field, years ago!
It's lovely and such variety of things to do...walk, fish, play, gather with friends, and just sit and enjoy the surroundings!
We joined on our first visit.

On our way back to Las Vegas my son asked to stop here. The family grabbed our cameras and decided to take a stroll.

As we entered the park we saw a plethora of hummingbirds circling the feeders out in front of the museum/giftshop. I would have been happy just sitting here.

Instead we walked inside and the staff was very helpful explaining the lay of the land. The mile area circles a lake with plenty of trees yet the two mile path gets some plains and flower areas along with another pond. If we wanted nature and wildlife do the 2 mile they said.

We were not disappointed as we saw several types of squirrels, rabbits and countless types of birds. Even saw two juvenile night herons (or so the staff and a nearby birder pointed out)

The trails are well made and do have some points where they rise in elevation in an s like pattern. There were many people on the path that were there exercising and most people were polite when walking by.

Humans obviously didn't read the signs about feeding the animals because squirrels would run right up to you expecting hand outs. Great for photographers.

We went at opening around 8:30am and I would recommend bringing a bottle of water with you. There are bathrooms at the start of the trail as well as about 1.5 miles into the 2 mile.

The place is clean with many scenic views. Sadly some trees have been vandalized as people carved their names into them. But all and all an excellent place to nature watch and get some exercise.

This is great local area to go to when needing to get in touch with nature. It's quiet, unassuming, and a place to reflect on God's design. It's simple, yet beautiful. There're different species of turtles, birds, and bugs to watch and study.

Such a fun place to stroll through or take a nice power walk. The trails are beautifully maintained. There are lakes, streams, lovely trees and lots of wild life (my favorite are the turtles). You can enjoy a short paved path or a one or two mile trail. Great gift store, too. Perfect for anyone. Children will love this place.

i can't rave enough about this place, it's such a great place to walk, either by yourself, with your sig other, or as a family. Kids (and adults!) will love the turtles resting under the bridge. The parking fee also gets you into the main El Dorado park across the street, which provides another stop for a great walk is the duck pond. A definite gem of Long Beach!

Been coming here for over 20+ years and always leave feeling like I am refreshed. Didn't really care for the "re-newed" entry, as I prefer it more forresty and lush, but it made it more accessible for stroller, wheelchairs and the such. Great little gift shop with super bargains for everyone. Parking is a bit high at $7 bucks a pop, but you can always get the annual pass if you are a frequent visitor. I like to support El Dorado, as they put the monies back into the park and it is a little patch of secluded relaxation.

The El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach is an enjoyable place for a stop and a way to learn more about the local plants and wildlife.

This is a nice nature walk in the city...Great things to do for kidsto learn about nature and animals.

I love this Nature Center. They have a 1/4 mile, 1 mile and 2 mile trails. Lots of trees, wildlife, flowers and water elements. I come here a few times a year. I forget that I am in a big city because when you get inside you don’t hear the traffic anymore.

I love this place. Once you are inside the city disappears. Trails have signs with suggestions for which animals and plants you can see at each numbered stop and you can choose the 1 mile or 2 mile loop. There is even a paved 1/4 mile look for wheelchairs. Great place for a morning walk. The Nature Center is free but parking is $8.

I always feel wistful when I go to the El Dorado Nature Center because I grew up in nearby El Dorado Park Estates. This has been a favorite "haunt" of mine for years, and many times when I brought my own children to visit their grandparents, we would go over and walk and learn and romp and laugh and explore!

The nature center is over 100 acres, which is a nice surprise tucked away in a very urban environment! The sounds of birds chirping and watching squirrels and other small wildlife scampering about is great for children and adults alike. Even today, my 87 year old mom is able to take a sedate walk on the paved trail that goes past two lakes without difficulty. It is easy walking, and visually attractive. There are also a couple of miles of unpaved trails, and I particularly enjoy speed-walking through those - it's nice to get in 6 or so miles by doing 3 "laps."

There are great kids' programs, and I love the tiny-tot preschool classes! What a great way to introduce younger children to the wonders of nature!!!

I really enjoyed walking here. It's free, just pay for parking. There were lots of turtles on logs, which were fun to look at. On the trail lizards scurried by and there were squirrels too. I liked that there was actual wildlife. It's hard to believe this is in the middle of the city! It's a great escape. I did one of the shorter walks and am hoping to go back sometime soon!

A friend and I have been making a weekly trek to the Nature Center for walks for two years now. The new entry really improves the special feature of this regional park area. . Two staff greeted guest at the new entry to the Nature Center when we walked in. I made purchases of books for Easter in the office, and was greeted and helped by a friendly and helpful staff member. We'd rather financially support local efforts to contribute to the wildlife near where we live.

This is our default walking path if we don't feel like driving. Very good for kids, there is a Nature Center with stuff for kids to touch and do and good paved path, along with a longer (2 mile) dirt path to walk around among the trees. There are also a bunch of turtles usually lounging around the river, highly recommend especially if you live close by.

I have this visited this area over the last six years. It offers a number of pleasant walks with forested areas as well as grasslands. It has some wild life and birding but I consider this are an introduction to the city people who want to get away if ever so briefly on a nice walk . It also offers a good information center and gift shop. I love the big white poppies,that,should be opening this April and May

The Long Beach Nature Center is very beautiful place for a nature walk, a hike, and to allow the little ones explore and learn about nature. There is a nature center where kids can learn about the different animals and interact in different displays. You can also decide to take three of the different paths. My kids are 6, 3, and 2 years old. They enjoy walking and looking for diferente animals. My two year old likes to look for sticks and throw them on the small river from the different small bridges you have to cross.

Nice trails with many trees, animals and plants to see. There is a 2 mile trail or a 1 mile trail that can be taken. The trails are mainly dirt paths so be sure to come when it is not raining.

This is a flat, easy trail with 1 mile and 2 mile options. It winds through several ponds and there are lots of ducks, turtles, birds and other wildlife to see.

The El Dorado Nature Center is a major hidden secret! I have been going to the Nature Center since I was just a kid! Field trips is how it all started for me. Now I go on field trips with my daughter with her school. It looks as Los Alamitos/Long Beach area looked before humans took over. It is peaceful and serene. There is so much to see. It's even a great place to use as a way to exercise when you get tired of seeing the scenery of the city. You feel like you are a million miles away from everything. They also have a small gift shop and often have workshops and an occasional band playing. While you are there, venture across the parking lot to the City Animal Shelter and share some sunshine with the awesome dogs/cats/bunnies who are there waiting for their forever homes.

The park is a lovely oasis for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the very busy city. A very peaceful walking area that has multiple trails. The scenery is lovely with plant life and ecosystems that surround the lake/pond. Paid parking.

A wonderful place to be amongst nature. Winding trails to walk through nature and view all the local flora and fauna. The animals are used to people so they don't scare easily. Squirrels come up to you to ask for food, although you are not supposed to feed the animals. When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, come for a walk at El Dorado nature center. $5 parking last I was there.

We found this nature center on a whim and were so glad we stopped in. We didn’t have a ton of time to spend- but loved the wildlife and turtles.

This is a wonderful place in the middle of the city to meander, listen to birds, and feel as though you are somewhere else under shady walks next to a running brook.

Just a perfect spot if you are in the mood to take a stroll and relax, nature at its best. Pleasant and peaceful to say the least. We had an awesome time and you take a short walk or a longer 1 or 2 mile one, just great.

Great place to bike ride. Have ridden my bike on the river trail and gone to the nature center many times. Sometimes a relative will go with me. When I get tired I sit down near the water and watch the ducks and few fishermen. It is peaceful. Something we need nowadays. Also will bring a little lunch, there are picnic tables to sit at. It is also near the Policemen's fire range.

El Dorado Nature Center is a great place to get out into nature without driving hours to get out if the urban center. Located off of Interstate Route 605 off of Spring Street in the City of Long Beach California, El Dorado Park offers one and two mile hikes on well maintained dirt paths. Suitable for ADA compliant use, El Dorado Nature Center offers programs for youths and adults. Great fir bird watching, nature hikes, and just getting away from it all. There is a parking fee (currently at $8 per visit), but an annual parking pass can be purchased. Entrance to the Nature Center is free. closed on Mondays!

We tried to visit early in the day before the August temps soared to unbearable, and it was a lovely walk. Basically a path winding through the trees with streams and occasional wildlife.

Nice nature center with an easy trail for exploring. Your admission includes a day pass for the larger El Dorado Park east with nice facilities including small lakes for fishing, a nice dog park, train rides for children (check with the park for schedule), Olympic archery range (used in the 1984 LA Olympics), and picnic grounds.

I had lived in Long Beach for more than a decade and it is still quite a treat to come here. I never expected that a nature center as relaxing and peaceful will fit right in but it is quite reassuring that I could escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to leave.

....and believe you're in the middle of the wilderness. There are 1 and 2 mile hiking trails that wind through the park, with plenty of wildlife and beautiful scenery to take in. Dogs are not allowed on the nature trail (squirrel territory), and parking is $7 on weekends, so come prepared. Entrance is on the South side of Spring St.

We visited the nature center and walking paths on a Sunday morning. We arrived before the nature center opened at 8 AM. We walked around the paved areas for a bit and then entered the nature center as soon as the gates were opened. It was a restful and lovely place with open views of the lake, wooded trails and many twists along the path that make you feel you are discovering something new with each turn. After the two mile trail we drove through the other parts of the park. It was amazing how much area there was. While there we saw a cycling club, R/C airplane club, a few families, people on runs, walks and strolls. It is a place that I will be sure to bring my family to next time we all visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the sights and smells (eucalyptus, pine, etc.) and all the wildlife.

This is a wonderful place for long walks and a great place for an educational experience for kids and adults.
A friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand at the center which has lots of kid friendly exhibits.

Buy a year long parking pass form the city of Long Beach and enjoy morning walks in the Nature Center. The trails are well groomed and the wildlife keeps the boredom at bay. I usually bring a camera to photograph birds and dragonflies. It's quite pleasant to walk as soon as the Nature Center is open, although on summer days it can get warm by 9:00 am.

Nice dirt path for wheelchairs. Saw many turtles, ducks and hummingbirds. It's like a little forrest in the middle middle of the city.

A beautiful large park that you can see a lot of wildlife in the middle of the city. I took my dog for a walk here and thoroughly enjoyed it after work

Get away from the city and walk the park paths. Very relaxing and beautiful. Weekdays are better if you are looking for solitude as there are families on weekends.

Unless you've been here, who knew this amazing piece of nature is located in Long Beach. The nature center has two miles of paths and a 1/4 path for the handicapped. This is a great time of year to see white heron's, geese, ducks and an occasional cottontail rabbit. The foliage is also changing this time of year, the weather is cooler and you feel transported to another place. As John Muir says, "Come to the woods, for here is rest." A great way to start your day, letting nature surround you.

Along with the Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach (free) this is another secret nature hideaway. But it costs $5 or so, which sucks, but it's based on the car, so pack a bunch in one and check it out. There is a 1-mile and 2 mile trail, and a 1/4 mile or so handicapped trail, concrete, for people in wheelchairs.

This is somewhat of a great sanctuary for wildlife. The walking path is long enough, but the rest of the park you should ride the car through to see it all. The visitor's center is worth looking through. Try to see all of the grounds for there are quite a few beautiful scenes to photograph. We liked how they gave the turtles a place to rest in the pond.
Except for pedestrians and bicyclists there is a $5 cash only Monday-Thursday vehicle entry fee.

This is a truly special place. Best deal in town if you are a nature lover. Despite the freeway being right next to it, you are transported into a different world.
Respect your fellow nature lovers and the best walk in Long Beach.
You can buy a season ticket at a price that is ridiculous.

Would I recommend a tourist visit here? NO, only if they had lots of extra time and had seen all the great sights LB has to offer.

But for locals it really is a must see!

It’s huge, very serene, lots of area for kids and teens to explore.

Sometimes you pay for parking, sometimes you don’t. That area has no street parking so you have to park onsite. I’ve taken small children and have gone there with our Boy Scout Troop.

They do have different activities and events so plan your visit by researching their calendar online.

Across the street you must pay again but there is a big park to walk around in and the dog park.

This can be a great relaxing Saturday or Sunday family event. I highly recommend it!

This nature center is very serene and beautiful. It is a very beautiful walk if you're looking for some nice scenery. The biggest downfall is you can't take pictures there, and the staff is pretty strict about it! That s why i do not give it 5 stars.

For a break take the 3 mile walk in the nature center over bridges and near a lake with great bird viewing and the omnipresent turtles sunning themselves. The small visitor center is a delightful place to purchase small nature oriented gifts or view their exhibits, including different kinds of fur displayed in the drawer, icky insects, snakes and other critters in this tiny satellite of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. The displays are just the right size for children, as is the small walk on the concrete pathways or the shorter pathway on the regular trail. Read the naturalist's report on bird sightings and talk to the great volunteers that staff the front desk and trails. During the summer the nature center hosts excellent concerts from country to Calypso.

Nestled within El Dorado Park, the Nature Center is a little world unto itself. Surprisingly spacious, with a nice variety of hiking trails (1/4 mile, 1 mile, and 2 miles), a couple of hours spent here is a rejuvenating experience. You will forget that you are in the middle of Southern California's urban sprawl, butted up against one of the region's busiest freeways. The elevation is variable as the trails wind through meadows, shady oak groves, along little brooks and around a couple of lakes, populated by turtles, egrets, herons, and geese. I was there on a work day and the crowds were low, consisting mostly of moms and kids, but the place can get crowded on holidays and weekends. Plan accordingly. This place is a treasure, and a must-visit for any local seeking a respite from the daily grind.

If New York has Central Park or San Francisco has Golden Gate park, El Darado Park is Long Beach's answer to it. El Darado Nature Centre is located in one side of the park giving visitors a chance to relax and experience quiet forest walk. There are 3 trails - 2 mile , 1 mile and quarter mile trails. All are easy hikes with almost no gradients and makes it best to walk along with small childrens too. Squirrels, Ducks and Chipmunks are common in sighting and if lucky you may find turtle or tortoise crossing your way. Along way are small streams and bridges. There is a informative Visitor centre with fun activities for children. Children can play with bones and antlers, view frog and snake in glass containers. There is a clean restroom in a visitor centre and souveniors for purchase in visitor centre and chairs to rest after long walk. The water ponds in the trails are great place to spot cranes, egret and other migratory birds and often attract photographers. Trails have beautiful flowers in spring time. Visitor centre conducts various sessions in different seasons for kids and adults. There is no fee for trails however there is a parking fee for 7-9 dollars depending on the weekday or weekends. Overall a gem in centre of the city. I have been more than 20 times and will continue visiting.

My husband and I hike 2 miles here every day except Monday when they are closed. It is an excellent workout with beautiful scenery. We always see squrirrels, egrets, and turtles and enjoy the solitude.

If you want to go for a beautiful walk and immediately feel like you are out of the City, this is the place for you. It is a part of the 330 acre El Dorado Park and is a setting filled with trees, animals and lake. A great place to go for an exercise walk also.

This small Nature Trail offers a unique display of the many various and distinct types of environments within the state features water and wildlife such as coyotes, rabbits and water fowl. It is only about 2.86 miles to walk both trails and always makes me smile! Parking rates are variable based on weekday and weekend visits. Wear good shoes!

I took my boys to the nature park ...I watched this park being built...great still I love long beach parks we are very lucky.

The Long Beach Nature Center is a surprising oasis on the east side of Long Beach. Nestled in the southern part of Eldorado Park East, it has delightful trails and ponds meandering through the reserve. You must pay the entry fee for the regional park unless you walk in. Free parking is quite distance away

By offering 1 mile and 2 mile trails, the El Dorado Nature Center encourages people to get out and experience nature without leaving the city. There is also a 1/4 mile paved trail for handicap access. Although Southern California does not offer the weather extremes other parts of the country do, by visiting the Nature Center several times of year one can still experience the miracle of seasons. Please be advised, do not try to bring your dog into the Nature Center, there are other canine species (raccoons, coyotes) that reside in the park and can harbor canine diseases. And please, do not feed the squirrels or pick the wildflowers.

The El Dorado Nature Center is a great place to just come out, enjoy what nature has to offer. You have the option to do a 1 mile trail or 2 mile trail. Not that many switchbacks, the trails are for the most part flat with a few up hills but nothing drastic. For the time that you are out there, you may forget that you are in an urban City. Nature is all around you, lakes, streams, a great place for taking pictures of nature, or just to admire. Having a rough day or just a need a day out, take a couple of hours and just take a hike....

This is a huge park in the heart of an urban area. It costs $5/car Mon-Thurs, $6 on Fri, $7 on Sat-Sun, and $8 on holidays. The fee is per car, so bring your friends and family. If you head for the Nature Center itself, you'll also be next to the Animal Shelter. It's a clean, modern, humane facility. We enjoyed visiting the animals and struggled to remain firm in our resolve not to take one home. Across the parking lot there is a paved, 1/4 mile handicapped accessible path, and a 1 and 2 mile path that's dirt, but fairly easy to walk. (I was in a cast and mostly managed it fine.) There's not a lot of wildlife, mostly ducks, but we did see a cormorant. It's a great place for kids to race around, and there are quite a few benches along the path. We visited in December, but the path is heavily shaded, so it should be comfortable in the summer, too.

The El Dorado Nature Center is a great respite from urban life. Located in El Dorado Park, you'd think you'd driven miles to get to a remote place for a hike.
There is a 1 mile and a 2 mile hike/walk that takes you through several different plant and animal communities. You'll see turtles, birds, maybe a rabbit, snake, fox or squirrel. Most of all, you will experience a relaxing walk in the woods.

This place is filled with beautiful environment which is a great escape from the city of life from downtown Long Beach.

Very relaxing while close to major metro areas. No crowds just nature. Easy access from 2 major freeways.

An oasis in a big city. I go for exercise, nature views, and for relaxation. Also can see wild animals and migrating birds in a beautiful natural setting.

Our neighbors with a park seasonal pass invited me to a morning hike at the El Dorado Park, located practically alongside the 605 freeway with traffic zooming by. It felt like stepping into another world past the entrance to this sanctuary. The calming, serene environment was a welcoming break from the city bustle and humdrum routine. How wonderful to have a nature park within minutes from our home. Our leisurely walk along the easy 2-mile trek on this beautiful morning with clear blue sky truly showcased Southern Californian living with its great weather and easy access to a wide multitude of outdoor activities.

This is a great place to come with kids if you want to introduce them to hiking. The trail is well-marked, paved, easy to follow and you get to see plenty of bunnies, lizards, squirrels and birds on the way. There are a few places along the way that has benches if you need to catch a break. Lots of shade means you can come here in the middle of the day and not worry about getting too hot. Also, you have the choice of doing just a mile or completing the loop by doing 2 miles. Definitely worth doing if you live in the area!

Most of this part of town is flat but the Nature Center has some hills and a stream, a couple of ponds and loads of shade from which to enjoy the turtles, ducks and other creatures. There are good signs to let you know what you're seeing and it is also handicap accessible at least in large part.

Just near the heart of Long Beach, CA, a wonderful family place. 2 trails to walk, well marked, the one mile or two mile gentle slopes of dirt. Or walk both for three miles. Outhouses pretty regularly, or go in the nature center before walking. Lots to trees keep you in the shade. The turtles are always out in the various ponds, also see lizards, rabbits, raccoons at times, keep your eyes open. Beautiful flowers and plants.

Our two-year old grandson, a big fan of Thomas Trains, is visiting from out-of-town. I remembered seeing a little train ride from the Southbound 605 freeway past the Long Beach Town Center exit so I searched Google and found the Caboose Corners listed as part of the Long Beach El Dorado Park attractions; and it's open on weekends. Entry fee to the park was $7 at the gate. The ride itself was a reasonable $3 per passenger (kid or adult). The track was pretty long and the place was clean, open and fun. Because it had rained earlier so the park was not crowded which made it even more enjoyable. My grandson had a great time, We then walked to the lake to feed the ducks. There was also a playground with slides close by (a short car ride within a big park), making it a good, complete outing for an energetic kid. Next time we will pack a lunch and maybe plan a picnic. For us, this Caboose Corners is so much more convenient than having to drive all the way from North OC to Griffith Park to ride the little trains.

Great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City. Nice trails with surrounding vegetation and water. Plenty of flowers on season. Come and see the place during spring time look at the California Puppies. We love to come and walk when we want to look at the turtles and other water fowls.

We like to go here during each "season" to see what has changed in the foliage and wildlife. It is so relaxing and a nice hike without getting really dirty. Great for kids!

Excellent scenery full of ducks and birds, turtles and rabbits. Lots of shady trees--and not so many shady people.