
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Long Beach, California, United States
1. San Pedro Breakwater Aquatic Park
A unique marine sanctuary featuring a variety of sea life such as seals, garibaldi fish, and sea lions.
- Marine Sanctuary: Offers protection to a diverse array of marine life.
- Walkable Breakwater: Provides an opportunity for visitors to walk along the breakwater and observe marine life up close.
- Accessible Location: Located near Long Beach, easily accessible by car or public transportation.
2. Rancho San Pedro
A nature preserve with over 400 species of birds and various small mammals, located in the heart of Long Beach.
- Urban Nature Preserve: Offers a unique blend of city life and wildlife within the urban landscape.
- Variety of Wildlife: Home to over 400 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
- Nature Education Center: Provides educational resources and programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
3. El Dorado Nature Center
A 105-acre wilderness area featuring wetlands, riparian forest, and grasslands, home to various wildlife.
- Wilderness Area: Offers a wilderness experience within the city limits.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, guided tours, and workshops about local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing Towers: Features towers for observing wildlife from elevated viewpoints.
4. Los Cerritos Wetlands
A restored wetland habitat providing a home to various bird species and other wildlife.
- Restored Wetlands: Showcases the successful restoration of a native wetland ecosystem.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Nature Trails: Features nature trails for exploring the wetlands and observing wildlife.
5. Rosie the Riveter Park
A coastal park with a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, wetlands, and grasslands, hosting diverse wildlife.
- Coastal Habitat: Offers a unique coastal ecosystem for observing various wildlife.
- Historical Significance: Incorporates historical elements of World War II, honoring the women who worked in factories during the war.
- Nature Trails and Viewpoints: Features nature trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas for enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
6. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
An aquarium featuring local marine life, offering educational exhibits and programs.
- Local Marine Life: Highlights the diverse marine life found in the waters surrounding Long Beach.
- Educational Exhibits and Programs: Provides educational exhibits and programs about local marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Touch Tanks: Offers touch tanks, allowing visitors to interact with various marine species safely.
7. Whale Watching in Long Beach
A chance to spot gray whales and other marine mammals during their migration seasons.
- Gray Whale Migration: Allows visitors to witness the annual gray whale migration.
- Expert Guides: Offers guided tours led by experienced and knowledgeable guides.
- Variety of Tours: Provides a range of tour options, including boat tours, helicopter tours, and land-based viewing.
8. Los Alamitos Wetlands
A wildlife sanctuary featuring diverse habitats, attracting various bird species, and small mammals.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Provides a safe haven for local wildlife.
- Habitat Restoration: Showcases ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the natural habitats of the wetlands.
- Nature Trails and Viewing Stations: Features nature trails, viewing stations, and birdwatching areas for observing wildlife.
9. San Gabriel River Trail
A multi-use trail that passes through various habitats, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Multi-Use Trail: Allows for various activities such as biking, walking, and birdwatching.
- Habitat Diversity: Passes through diverse habitats, including riparian forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Offers chances to observe various wildlife species along the trail.
10. Palos Verdes Peninsula
A peninsula featuring diverse ecosystems, including coastal cliffs, wetlands, and grasslands, attracting various wildlife.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Offers a range of habitats for observing local wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning coastal views and landscapes.
- Variety of Trails: Provides a variety of trails for exploring the peninsula and observing wildlife.
11. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
A coastal park with rocky intertidal zones and coastal woodlands, hosting various marine life and birds.
- Rocky Intertidal Zones: Offers opportunities to observe various marine species in the intertidal zone.
- Coastal Woodlands: Features coastal woodlands with diverse bird populations.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails for exploring the park and observing wildlife.
12. Point Fermin Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse located near a wildlife reserve, offering chances to observe various marine and bird life.
- Historic Landmark: Showcases the history of maritime navigation in Long Beach.
- Wildlife Reserve: Adjacent to a wildlife reserve, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
13. Rancho Palos Verdes Nature Preserve
A nature preserve featuring diverse habitats, including coastal cliffs, grasslands, and woodlands, attracting various wildlife.
- Diverse Habitats: Offers a range of habitats for observing local wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning coastal views and landscapes.
- Variety of Trails: Provides a variety of trails for exploring the preserve and observing wildlife.
14. Rancho San Antonio Park
A park featuring diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, attracting various wildlife.
- Diverse Habitats: Offers a range of habitats for observing local wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning landscapes and vistas.
- Variety of Trails: Provides a variety of trails for exploring the park and observing wildlife.
15. Silver Spur Park
A coastal park featuring wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, hosting various bird species and small mammals.
- Coastal Habitat: Offers a unique coastal ecosystem for observing various wildlife.
- Nature Trails and Viewing Stations: Features nature trails, viewing stations, and birdwatching areas for observing wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts breathtaking coastal views and landscapes.