01
Closest hidden gem
Gum Grove Nature Park
Edge Of Seal Beach And Los Cerritos Wetlands • Shaded Neighborhood Nature Park • Best Quick Local Escape
A quiet eucalyptus-lined path that feels surprisingly wild for being tucked right into Seal Beach.
Locals head to Gum Grove when they want a peaceful, low-key walk without getting in the car for long. The main dirt trail runs through a grove of tall trees with side paths that peek out toward the wetlands, making it a great spot for dog walking, birdwatching, or a relaxed morning stroll. Go early or near sunset for cooler temps and a mellow, neighborhood feel.
02
Best coastal wildlife hike
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trails
Coast Between Seal Beach And Huntington Beach • Open Coastal Wetland Loop Trails • Top Pick For Birdwatchers
Flat dirt and levee trails wind through tidal wetlands packed with shorebirds, raptors, and coastal views.
Just a short drive down Pacific Coast Highway, Bolsa Chica offers some of the most rewarding easy hiking in the area. Several interconnecting paths and levee tops let you tailor your distance while watching for herons, egrets, and even the occasional osprey hunting over the water. There is almost no shade, so bring a hat and plan for morning or late afternoon when the light and wildlife activity are at their best.
03
Most family-friendly loop
El Dorado Park Nature Trail
East Long Beach • Lakeside Park And Nature Center Trails • Best For Families And New Hikers
Easy paths weave through trees, ponds, and a small nature center that keeps kids engaged between short walks.
El Dorado Park offers a mix of paved and dirt trails, with short loops that feel like real nature without being remote or demanding. You can pair a stroll around the ponds with time at the playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a good choice for multi-generational outings. Parking is straightforward, the grades are gentle, and there are plenty of benches if you want to turn your hike into a lingering park day.
04
Best viewpoint hike
Signal Hill Trail and Hilltop Park
Signal Hill Above Long Beach • Urban Hill Trails With Panoramic Overlooks • Best For Sunset Views
Short but steady climbs lead to sweeping views over Long Beach, the harbor, and on clear days the San Gabriel Mountains.
The web of sidewalks and dirt paths around Signal Hill makes for a flexible out-and-back or mini-loop hike with more payoff than the mileage suggests. Expect some steeper sections as you wind up toward Hilltop Park, where you are rewarded with broad views, ocean breezes, and a front-row seat for sunset. It is a great option when you want a quick cardio hit without committing to a long drive or a full-day trek.
05
Best half-day outing
Newport Back Bay (Upper Newport Bay) Trail
Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach • Scenic Bayside Path And Bluffs • Best Relaxed Long Walk
A gently rolling path traces the edge of Upper Newport Bay, mixing water views, bluffs, and regular wildlife sightings.
If you are up for a slightly longer drive, the Back Bay trail offers a satisfying mix of distance and scenery without much technical difficulty. Walk or bike along the main path, or explore spur trails that climb up to blufftop viewpoints overlooking the bay and wetlands. It is ideal for a social walk, training stroll, or relaxed weekend outing when you want to stay near the coast but get more miles in than a simple beach walk.