5 Things to Do At El Dorado Park & Nature Center
El Dorado Regional Park is Long Beach’s answer to Central Park; if that sounds like hyperbole, consider that Manhattan’s iconic green space spans 843 acres, while Long Beach’s urban oasis covers an equally impressive 642. Like its East Coast counterpart, El Dorado offers countless ways to spend a day—sports, fishing, picnicking, exploring nature or simply relaxing beneath the trees. The park is so expansive it’s divided into two sections: El Dorado East Regional Park and El Dorado Park West. Here are just a few ways to enjoy one of Southern California’s premier outdoor destinations.
ACT NATURALLY
Located in El Dorado East Regional Park (7550 E Spring St), the El Dorado Nature Center is a 105-acre wildlife sanctuary offering a peaceful escape from city life. Two miles of trails and a paved walking loop wind around ponds, across streams and through wooded landscapes filled with pine, oak and sycamore trees. Along the way, visitors may spot rabbits, frogs, squirrels, wildflowers and dozens of bird species. Don’t miss the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits and art gallery, or the turtles sunbathing near the bridge at the Nature Center entrance.
SWINGTIME
Golfers can spend a day at El Dorado Park Golf Course (2400 N Studebaker Rd), the park’s scenic 18-hole course and one of Long Beach’s most popular links destinations. The 6,921-yard, par 72 is home to the prestigious Long Beach Open; its mature trees, lakes and open green space, providing a fair test for players of all skill levels. Practice facilities and a clubhouse make it easy to spend an entire day working on your game.
GET ACTIVE
Few parks in Southern California offer as many recreational opportunities, as many things to do, as El Dorado. Cyclists can explore miles of scenic bike paths that connect to the San Gabriel River Trail. Didn’t bring a bike? Visitors can rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals, located just south of Wardlow Road near the model boat lake. If you’re into archery, or would like to learn, El Dorado East’s range played host to the archery competition during the 1984 Olympic Games. The park also features disc golf, soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts in El Dorado West Regional (2800 Studebaker Rd) and model boat lake and a field dedicated to flying radio-controlled aircraft in El Dorado East.
GO FISH
Fishing has long been a popular activity at El Dorado’s lakes, which provide plenty of shoreline access, making them suitable for both experienced fishermen and families introducing children to the activity. Anglers can spend a relaxing morning or afternoon casting for trout, bass and catfish while enjoying the park’s tranquil scenery. Even if the fish aren’t biting, the peaceful setting and abundant wildlife make a day by the water well worth the trip.
GO WEST
Families with young children won’t want to miss El Dorado Frontier, which borders the 605 Freeway and Wardlow Road, and is a charming Old West-themed amusement park open on weekends. This family-friendly attraction brings the spirit of a frontier town to life with train rides, gold panning adventures and a variety of kid-friendly attractions. With its blend of hands-on activities and old fashioned charm, El Dorado Frontier offers a fun and memorable outing for families. The park is also a popular destination for birthday parties and special celebrations.
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