Walk on the Wild Side: Top 5 Parks Near Long Beach, CA

If you're visiting Long Beach, California, the port city is a prime starting point for exploring the great outdoors. It often only takes a short drive to find rugged coastal mountains, crashing Pacific surf and dramatic displays of raw natural splendor.

Get out of town and onto scenic trails in some of California's finest state and national parks. Each location showcases a different side to the bio-diverse ecosystems that make Southern California an outdoor lover's dream come true.

1. Crystal Cove State Park

Thirty-two miles down the coast from Long Beach lies one of the largest and most popular wild coastlines in the state. Crystal Cove State Park boasts more than three miles of pristine golden sand beaches, backed by more than 2,000 acres of wilderness. The park is an ideal place to disconnect, if just for an afternoon, and enjoy paradise not far from the city.

Crystal Cove attracts huge crowds on the weekends, especially in the summer. However, the clear blue waters and endless tide pools are worth braving the masses for. Stop by the federally listed Crystal Cove Historic District for a seaside lunch at Beachcomber Café and check out the 1930s era cottages – some are even available for overnight rental. Once you’re well-rested, hit the 18 miles of trails that head inland through the wildflower studded backcountry. Hike along Moro Creek to a bluff-top campground with sweeping views of the vast coastline.

2. Chino Hills State Park

Enter the solitude of the golden grass-covered Santa Ana Mountains in Chino Hills State Park, located approximately 50 miles straight inland from Long Beach. Home to willow and sycamore woodlands where redwing blackbirds and bobcats make their home, this raw slice of California's original habitat offers more than 90 miles of trails. Explore your way through approximately 14,000 acres of park land surrounded by dense urban sprawl.

Stop by the Discovery Center to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. Then, head out along Telegraph Canyon Trail to McDermott Springs, the best spot in the park to view wildlife. For awesome views of the surrounding Southern California metropolitan area, hike up to McLean Overlook, which sits at about 1,000 feet above sea level.

3. Channel Islands National Park

The five rocky, ridge-lined islands that make up Channel Islands National Park consist of a breathtaking coastal wilderness. The park offers several days of sights and attractions – and the journey there is half the fun. Make the 90-mile drive up the California coast to Ventura Harbor from Long Beach. From there, you can book a boat trip on board an Island Packer, which makes one to three-hour trips to each separate island.

Marvel at the huge sea lion colonies on wind swept San Miguel Island, once an important center to the local Chumash Indians. Or hike up to Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island, where splendid views of the complete island chain take your breath away.

Sea kayaking around Santa Cruz Island and diving in the kelp forest around Anacapa Island allow you to see the unique marine environment up close. Whale watching in the area is also a must-try experience during migratory seasons.
 

4. Joshua Tree National Park

It's a little farther (approximately 140 miles) from Long Beach, but some of the best stargazing on the planet awaits at Joshua Tree National Park. Situated at the meeting point of two important ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado deserts, Joshua Tree is an arid wild area of epic proportions.

If you enjoy rock climbing, the red rock-strewn desert landscape offers challenges around every corner. You can traverse one of the many trails on foot, bicycle or even horseback. Must-sees include the exotic forests of Joshua trees, the short nature trail up to Skull Rock, and the panoramic vistas over the entire Coachella Valley from Keys View.

5. Mount San Jacinto State Park

Approximately 115 miles from Long Beach lies Mount San Jacinto, the second-highest mountain in Southern California. It’s also a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

At nearly 11,000 feet at its summit, the weathered granite peak boasts snow caps for most of the year and should only be climbed with the proper equipment. The mountain and the surrounding areas are accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the opposite side of the park.

From Stone Creek Campground, take the Panorama Point Trail Interpretive Audio Tour. It provides the unique history of the area while taking you through the alpine forest to a picturesque view of the valley floor below. Drive-in campgrounds are available near the town of Idyllwild, a postcard-perfect historic lumber town-turned-artist colony. The town is also home to some excellent restaurants as well as galleries, cafes and nightly cultural events.
 

The wilderness areas within a day's drive of Long Beach are some of the most dynamic and stunning sites on the planet. Share your photos of this beautiful area with us on Instagram and don’t forget to check our blog for more travel tips.