El Dorado Nature Center
El Dorado Nature Center
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
197 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
56
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Barry
9 contributions
Feb 2020
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.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don B
california58 contributions
Jan 2020
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!!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
venckman2017
Fullerton, CA42 contributions
Mar 2019
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.
Written June 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gojojogo
california79 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
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.
Written September 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hank H
Gambier, OH96 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
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.
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.
Written February 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
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.
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.
Written April 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy M
Long Beach, California656 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
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.
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.
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norbert C
Cerritos, CA42 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Excellent scenery full of ducks and birds, turtles and rabbits. Lots of shady trees--and not so many shady people.
Written January 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L A
Long Beach, CA221 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
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.
Go, see, explore, and go again, and again, and again.
Written April 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamakulaka
14 contributions
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.
Written December 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can i get public transport to the park from Los Alamitos, as i do not have a car??
Written October 26, 2017
Natureducation
Long Beach, California
Hi Denise, There is a LB Transit line that drops off in front of the park. You would have to check out routes that connect from OCTA.
Written December 8, 2017
can i get public transport to the park from Los Alamitos, as i do not have a car.
Written October 26, 2017
How much is the entrance? only cars pay? bikes?
Written August 14, 2017
I'm visiting during early March, has anyone gone that early? Would it be too cold to be enjoyable? (I'm from Utah and something like this in March would be covered in snow and not worth going to)
Written November 30, 2016
Last reported snow in Long Beach was listed only as (T) for Trace in 1922.weather in March can be as brrr freezing cold as 60 or as mild as 80,but a light wind breaker might be a pleasant supplement to your shorts and sandals.
Written November 30, 2016
Closed Mondays. Open all other days 8:30-5pm
Written March 8, 2016
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