New Year’s Day is a perfect occasion to get outside and explore nature.
One bit of advice: Get out early, as it’s a popular hiking day.
Here’s 5 hikes in or within 30 minutes of Long Beach to start off 2022:
Dominguez Gap Wetlands
286 W. Del Amo Blvd., Long Beach
This is an easy hike through a 37-acre flood control basin, which, thanks to millions in upgrades, now sustains year-round habitat for plants and wildlife. There’s plenty to do for various forms of transportation: an equestrian trail, bike paths and walkways, all along the Los Angeles River.
For more information, click here.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
18000 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
You could spend an entire day here strolling along wetlands and bird-watching on the rolling (but mostly flat) trails in this reserve, just south of Long Beach in Orange County. This 1,300-acre coastal estuary includes a number of seabird nesting islands; more than 200 bird species have been identified here. Bring your camera.
For directions and more complete description of various hiking trails, visit here.
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach
The Nature Center is huge, with 105 acres of forest, two lakes, a stream and a ton of wildlife. Park at the main entrance and you’ll find 2 miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved trail through the East Long Beach sanctuary. It’s an easy, peaceful walk that’s suitable for kids, too.
Trails are open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, including parking fees, click here.
Hilltop Park
2351 Dawson Ave., Signal Hill
If you’re feeling a bit lazy, you can drive to the top of Signal Hill and park along residential streets near Hilltop Park and stroll around the paved “trail” and take in the view: Facing south, see the panoramic view of the Port of Long Beach, the THUMS Islands and even Catalina Island on a clear day. To the northwest, see Los Angeles skyline and snow-capped San Bernardino mountains.
If you want a more challenging workout, park at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.) and hike your way up to the top. The full Signal Hill Trail is about 1.7 miles. See a map here.
White Point Nature Preserve
1801 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro
Take the Vista Trail (just under a mile long) for a peek at Catalina Island on a clear day, and see restored wildflower grasslands (beautiful in the spring, too) and thousands of plants used to restore the property. At the top of the trail you’ll also find two 16-inch gun stations built in 1942 during World War II as part of the U.S. coastal defense system.
For a complete guide and description of the trails, click here.
