Downtown Walking Loops

Discover Downtown Long Beach one step at a time with five walking loops that reveal the city’s many sides.

Stroll past spectacular murals, explore artsy neighborhoods, admire historic architecture and soak up waterfront views. Looking for a little green space? A nature trail offers a fresh perspective on the urban landscape. Whether you’re out for a leisurely afternoon or eager to uncover hidden gems, these routes make it easy to explore Downtown at your own pace.

PINE & PROMENADE

Begin this 2.4-mile walk at the Los Angeles County Courthouse and head east on Broadway passing spectacular murals and arriving at Pine Avenue, a dining and nightlife hub featuring local favorites La Opera and Bo-beau. Turn south to Ocean Boulevard and west onto The Promenade, a landscaped pedestrian street with parks, including Harvey Milk Park which contains the WPA-era Long Beach Recreation. Enjoy great restaurants like The Ordinarie and brew pubs like ISM, then return to Pine and head north through the historic retail district, where former department stores are now trendy lofts. At Seventh Street, loop through North Pine, then head south along Pacific and Cedar avenues past the stunning and historic architecture of the First Congregational Church at Wilmore and Californian before finishing at Magnolia Avenue.

EAST VILLAGE

This 2.6 mile walk begins at Terrace Theater Plaza then heads east along Ocean Boulevard through Victory Park, where public art includes Aqua Tower and Dream of Simultaneous Connections. Turn north onto First Street for cafes, boutiques and colorful mosaic artworks, then visit East Village Art Park, an intimate pocket park filled with artist-designed benches, fences and a stage. Continue along Broadway to discover more public art integrated into buildings and streetscapes. Head north on Alamitos Avenue for five blocks to find the Museum of Latin American Art and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum across the street from each other. Loop south along Olive Avenue and Fourth Street past creative spaces, galleries and arts organizations, then return to the plaza via Long Beach Boulevard.

WATERFRONT

Begin at the Shoreline Village Drive roundabout on this 3.0-mile walk, then head north past Marina Green Park to Rainbow Lagoon, a waterfront oasis for recreation and wildlife. Walk the Promenade, a raised pedestrian walkway connecting the waterfront to Downtown, then descend the grand staircase into The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, home to boutiques, restaurants, theaters, a Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round. Continue along Shoreline Drive, part of the Grand Prix of Long Beach circuit, toward Catalina Landing, then the Los Angeles River and Golden Shore salt marshes, rich with native plants and wildlife. Follow the waterfront to the Aquarium of the Pacific, then complete the loop past The Pike and Shoreline Village, with coastal views, as well as maritime adventures that include whale watching and pedal powered Swan Boats.

WILLMORE CITY

This 2.6-mile begins along Magnolia Avenue at the gold-domed St. Germain Reading Room, then turns west into historic Willmore City where you’ll see the Home Market Building, an early artist-loft conversion. Continue to Park Circle and Drake Park, passing the historic Flossie Lewis and Bembridge houses. Walk south to Seventh Street and visit Willmore Heritage Garden, a community-created urban oasis. Return north along Daisy Avenue and Loma Vista Drive, where historic homes showcase varied architectural styles. Continue past Drake Park then head south along Cedar Avenue to admire Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Revival courtyards and Queen Anne architecture. Finish at the historic Second Church of Christ Scientist before returning to Magnolia Avenue.

DOWNTOWN NATURE TRAIL

Discover a greener side of Downtown Long Beach on this 1.6-mile nature trail, where urban streets reveal a surprising variety of trees and natural beauty. Begin at Ocean Boulevard and The Promenade, then head west to Lincoln Park to spot Ginkgo Biloba and Coast Live Oak. Continue north along Cedar Avenue, west on Broadway, north on Magnolia Avenue and west on Third Avenue toward Golden Avenue. Along the way, look for California Sycamores, Brisbane Box and Southern Magnolia. Head east on Fifth Street and south along The Promenade to complete the loop, passing spectacular Pink Trumpets and Chinese Flame Trees. With 10 tree species to discover, this easygoing walk combines fresh air, local landmarks and fun botanical facts.

Spend an Evening on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach
Waterfront Restaurants in Long Beach
Art Galleries in Long Beach