Top 4 Walking Trails in Long Beach

While many people come to Long Beach for, well, the beach, there are plenty of walking trails that offer beautiful views of the city as you get some fresh air and exercise. And given that we’re currently in the throes of COVID-19, we wanted to showcase some of our favorite walking trails that you can still enjoy, even under stay-at-home orders. Just remember to keep social distancing when you’re out! Here’s our short list of walking trails in Long Beach to ease your mind.

LONG BEACH SHORELINE BIKE PATH

The Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path is an out and back path, spanning 3.6 miles one way, for a total of 7.3 miles of beautiful beachfront scenery. Don’t be deceived by the name – you don’t need a bike to access this path. Truly a local favorite, the Shoreline Bikepath is a great way to relax, with multiple places to stop and rest, while you’re biking, running, or walking. It’s clean, accessible, offers amazing views of Long Beach, and the renovated pedestrian path is made with materials that are better for runners’ knees. You can even extend the path by going down the peninsula to Bay Shore Walk and Open Front Walk. Being a local favorite, it can get pretty crowded during a normal season, but definitely worth it, whenever you can make it out.

HILLTOP PARK AND SIGNAL HILL PARK

Hilltop Park and Signal Hill Park are essentially across the street from one another, and just down the street from Signal Hill shopping area. Hilltop Park is exactly what it sounds like – a hilltop, where you get an amazing panoramic view of the city. It’s a great place to get a walk or jog in. Plus, there are plaques with facts about Long Beach’s history to check out, as well as sculptures to enjoy! If you need more of a hike than the hill can offer, there are the Signal Hills trails that jut off of the park to explore.

Signal Hill Park is just down the road and on the other side of Cherry Ave from Hilltop Park. Similar to Hilltop Park, Signal Hill Park offers a beautiful panoramic view of Long Beach. One of the best places to take in a sunset or watch the city light up at night. It provides a calming place to go to get away, with plenty of picnic benches to sit on and simply take in the outdoors. And these parks are in a residential area, so it’s extra quiet and serene when you simply need a break.

While the parking lots to many parks are currently closed (including these), you can still access the parks on foot.

DOMINGUEZ GAP WETLANDS PROJECT TRAIL

If you’re looking for a short walkabout, the Dominguez Gap trail is a 2-mile loop that features wildflowers, wildlife, and preserved wetlands. It’s great for all skill levels, too. Dogs are also allowed, though must be kept on a leash. While it’s moderately trafficked by walkers and runners (and sometimes horses), its beautiful scenery gives you a short respite from the urban landscape. There’s also a lower trail that follows along the marsh.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER PARKS AND TRAILS

The San Gabriel River bike trail features a 28-mile bike path that leads you along the San Gabriel River through El DOrado Regional Park. The southern entrance is in Seal Beach and it’ll take you as far as Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, though it has multiple access points. Dogs (on leash) and horses are also allowed. Parts of the trail are unpaved, but overall it’s perfect for any skill level. Though you’re traveling through more urban areas, the San Gabriel trail is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy nature, while being surrounded by the city.

Even if you can’t go to all your favorite attractions right now, there are still ways you can get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and be safe. We hope this list of our top walking trails in Long Beach help give you some options to explore the outdoors and give you a moment of calm.