Friday Hike Day: El Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach

We stayed local today. This is more of a walk than a hike. Very little kid and family friendly. The nature center also features a paved trail that is stroller and wheel chair friendly-making nature accessible for everyone.

There is a fee for parking. We parked outside in a residential neighborhood. The trail features a nature center at the entrance with a lot of touchable, hands-on drawers, bones, pine cones, various animal jaws and pelts.

There is a small gift shop that features educational and nature themed knick-knacks, books, T-shirts, pencils, bracelets etc suitable for all ages. There are restrooms and a drinking fountain in the nature center as well.

Adventure Kids!

This trail is popular and there are always classes and events going on--don't expect to be alone on the trail. There is a choice to follow a 1 mile or 2 mile trail loop. The two mile trail seemed a little confusing. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest or look around, with benches conveniently located along the trail. There is also another restroom and drinking fountain along the 2 mile trail.

You can expect to see ducks, turtles, squirrels and lizards. This is not a trail for dogs or pets.

This is not a very adventurous trail. It's easy and even the dirt trail is pretty stroller friendly. It is relaxing though and a good mix of sun and shade.

Younger kids will enjoy seeing the ducks and turtles, crossing the bridges and they will love everything they can touch in the air conditioned nature center.

If you do pay for parking, you can access the entire the regional park.

If you are not local, this nature center is conveniently located off the freeway. It is also accessible via bicycle with bike racks outside the entrance.