This weekend's adventure took us to the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach. There's nothing like clans of sunning turtles, tunnels made of trees, and flowers in full bloom to make you appreciate our beautiful SoCal weather. Entry into the center is free and parking is $5 ($7 on weekends).
duck, duck, duck, turtle!
The center has a kid-friendly visitor's center with live tarantulas, snakes and hissing cockroaches on display. Grab a hiking guide and trail map there, and then choose from three trails: a 1-mile paved trail, a 1-mile dirt trail, and a 2-mile dirt trail. We chose to do the 2-mile one, which splits off from the 1-mile dirt one after about half a mile.
This largely shaded hike took us through a forest, past lakes, and alongside a river. On the way, we saw ducks, squirrels, butterflies, birds and turtles. Tons of turtles.
Room for one more?
The Nature Center wasn't very crowded on a Saturday morning which made it a relaxing and quiet walk. The trails are well marked, and there are water fountains and a bathroom along the way.
If you're looking for more nature in the area, 365 L.A. reader Laura suggests the Dominguez Gap Wetlands Project as another great place to walk in Long Beach. Can't wait to check that one out-Thanks Laura!
Have you been to El Dorado Nature Center? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!
Yes i have my family and i go their every Easter! we went their today we also got lost in the meadow in 2010 (year of the quake)
ReplyDeleteCool! I bet the flowers were beautiful this weekend.
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