We are back out in the beautiful city of Long Beach and this time we are exploring El Dorado Park. A massive public park made up of nearly 640 acres that is divided into four sections. The park ranges from the east side of the San Gabriel River down to the 605 freeway and offers a variety of things to do. The entrance fee to the park is only $8.00 on weekends and $6 weekdays, but it has hiking trails, fishing, activity areas, and even an archery range just to name a few.
Upon coming in you can quickly see squirrels running around even in the parking lot and hear the birds in the trees. Just stepping out of the car you can smell less smog in the air, which I think many of us know is a luxury we don’t get to experience often in Los Angeles County. I came to visit the park in hopes of getting some much-needed exercise. After enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, a hike seemed like a decent start to my new year’s resolution.
Hiking the Trails
I do recommend taking some allergy medication for those that are sensitive to pollen and nature. I forgot to do this and suffered a bit for it, but aside from that the hike was off to a great start. I was surrounded by big, lush trees and eventually came up to the lake. The body of water was surrounded by an army of geese. I have seen enough videos online to know how to keep my distance, but it was amazing to be able to see so many of them in one place. On the water you could also see some ducks swimming and mingling with the geese. I couldn’t help but wonder if they got along, the ducks and geese I mean, and they do, surprisingly, I checked while writing this.
I came in with the intention of just taking a walk but was soon distracted by the mini theme park which had an open train ride for kids. If the train isn’t already intriguing enough, other rides were available like a carousel. You could also practice your aim by shooting arrows in the archery field. A line of targets is available so you can easily swing by with your gear and partake in a much larger form of darts. Soon after this, I made it across the bridge.
Picnics, Views, and Bird Watching
While the park had many areas set aside with tables, people were just laying out blankets and enjoying a spread of food. The views throughout the park are amazing. I highly recommend coming, and if nothing else just enjoy a picnic and take in the scenery. I noticed a lot of birds and while it’s easy to get distracted by the geese and squirrels running around, I think the location would be a great option for bird watchers. I could see some people with binoculars out and others with cameras waiting to take photos of the avian predators in the area. Red- tailed hawks, great horned owls, and the peregrine falcons are just some of the few that are known to hunt in the area. It’s not uncommon to see a bird fly down across the lake trying to catch their lunch.
Fishing at the Lake
Speaking of fishing, if you enjoy spending some time around the lake, you can visit the park and fish. Looking for a new photo op for that dating profile? It is that time of year coming up after all. Well, now you don’t have to drive out to Lake Arrowhead but instead visit our local El Dorado Park. You have a chance to catch some panfish, bass, or even catfish. All of which look awesome in photos, or if you just want to catch for the thrill of fishing, just make sure you have your license ready if you are 16 or older.
The park also offers a large, enclosed area for dogs. They have two separate sections; one section is for large dogs and the other for smaller dogs. Each side has trash bags provided and make it easy to have fun, unleashed with your furry friend.
Something for Everyone
El Dorado Park offers a treasure-trove list of activities for friends, dates or family (including pets of course). Just like this amazing park, here at Lakewood Self storage we have something for everyone. Need more room in the garage or maybe you want to work on clearing out an extra room at home? We have various sizes readily available and our prices are locked in for one solid year.
El Dorado Park Estates
7550 East Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 570-1771
https://www.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/directory/el-dorado-east-regional-park/
