Colorado Lagoon Long Beach
A serene saltwater tidal lagoon in Long Beach offering calm waters, a playground, and scenic trails for relaxation and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Colorado Lagoon Long Beach
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene saltwater tidal lagoon in Long Beach offering calm waters, a playground, and scenic trails for relaxation and family fun.
"This is a hidden GEM in Long Beach, and I believe the city is doing its best to preserve the wildlife here."
🚗 Metered Parking Hassles
Parking meters can be tricky; some give 10 mins/quarter, others 15. Bring plenty of coins! :coin:
☀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during peak summer season, ensuring a safe swimming experience for families. :guardsman:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Lagoon Waters
Main lagoon area
Perfect for wading, paddleboarding, and kayaking with no waves. A safe haven for families and water sports enthusiasts.

Children's Playground
Near the sandy beach
A fun-filled play area for kids to enjoy while parents relax nearby. Sand and grass areas offer plenty of space.

Scenic Walking Trails
Around the lagoon
Enjoy a peaceful stroll or jog along the paths, offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the lagoon
Keep an eye out for moon jellies, stingrays, and various bird species in this thriving tidal habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Enjoy the Calm
Water Quality & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Metered Parking Hassles
Parking meters can be tricky; some give 10 mins/quarter, others 15. Bring plenty of coins! :coin:
☀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during peak summer season, ensuring a safe swimming experience for families. :guardsman:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🛶 Calm Waters for Water Sports
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking due to the absence of waves. Rent or bring your own! :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Metered Parking Hassles
Parking meters can be tricky; some give 10 mins/quarter, others 15. Bring plenty of coins! :coin:
☀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during peak summer season, ensuring a safe swimming experience for families. :guardsman:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🛶 Calm Waters for Water Sports
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking due to the absence of waves. Rent or bring your own! :kayak:
💧 Check Water Advisories
While generally clean, it's wise to check local advisories before swimming, especially after rain. :warning:
🥪 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic tables and grassy areas make it a great spot for a family lunch or relaxing afternoon. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Colorado Lagoon for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, highlighting the calm waters and well-maintained playground. The presence of lifeguards during peak season and the scenic walking paths are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find the metered parking inconvenient, and water quality can be a concern for swimmers depending on recent conditions.
"It was so peaceful.😎 We went during the week in the late afternoon. We set up chairs 🪑 in the shade with a nice breeze🌬 and it was so relaxing💆♀️ My daughter's service dog 🐕🦺 loves the water. 🐶 ❤️💦 🏖"
Robin Wilson
"Visiting from Vegas and enjoying the amazing weather and quiet tranquility of the lagoon. Such a cute and peaceful area, my son loved the playground and playing in the sand. And my dogs had a blast running in the grass"
Gabriella Delgado
"Nice place, it has restrooms, life guards on duty,childrens play area, water is cold, but, parking spaces with meters.bring coins"
Moises Novela
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colorado Lagoon is located in East Long Beach. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options might require transfers, so driving or ride-sharing is often more convenient.
Yes, there is parking available, but it is metered. Be aware that the meters can be inconsistent with time versus coin, so bring plenty of quarters.
Absolutely! Colorado Lagoon is a great destination for biking and walking. There are trails around the lagoon, and it's accessible from nearby areas like CSULB.
Yes, it's relatively close to other Long Beach spots like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village, making it a good addition to a day of exploring the city.
From most parts of Long Beach, you'll likely use surface streets. Major freeways like the 405 can get you close, but surface streets offer more direct access to the lagoon area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Colorado Lagoon is free. You only need to pay for parking if you are driving.
Colorado Lagoon is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have slightly different hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak summer season.
The playground at Colorado Lagoon is free to use for all visitors.
While not a primary venue for large ticketed events, the lagoon is a popular spot for local gatherings and family outings. Check local Long Beach event listings for any community activities.
Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended if you plan to picnic.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Yes, people swim in Colorado Lagoon, especially during the summer. It's known for its calm, wave-free waters, making it suitable for wading and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the busy season.
You can swim, wade, paddleboard, kayak, fish, have a picnic, use the playground, and enjoy leisurely walks. RC boat activities are also popular.
Absolutely! The calm waters, sandy beach, and playground make it a fantastic spot for families with young children.
Yes, restrooms are available at Colorado Lagoon. They are generally considered okay, but it's always wise to be cautious.
You might spot moon jellies, stingrays, and various bird species. The lagoon is a thriving tidal habitat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no permanent restaurants or food vendors directly within Colorado Lagoon. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
You can find a variety of dining options in the surrounding Long Beach area, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, a short drive away.
While there are picnic tables, dedicated BBQ grills are not explicitly mentioned. It's advisable to check local regulations or bring portable grilling equipment if permitted.
Information on alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the official Long Beach Parks and Recreation guidelines or local ordinances before bringing alcohol.
Pack essentials like sandwiches, snacks, drinks, a blanket or chairs, and any utensils you might need. Don't forget sunscreen and hats!
📸 📸 Photography
The wooden bridge, the calm water reflections, the playground area, and the natural landscape offer great photo opportunities. Sunrise and sunset can also be beautiful here.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks and near wildlife areas. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for golden hour. The reflections on the water are often stunning.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
General park rules apply. Avoid disruptive photography, especially during busy times or when others are trying to relax.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing sand toys for the beach area and water shoes for the kids. The accessibility and variety of activities make it an easy and enjoyable outing for parents and children alike.
🐶 Dog Owners
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers
🛶 Water Sports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project
The project, funded in part by the Port of Long Beach, is designed to restore the lagoon's wetlands and sub-tidal habitat. By improving water flow, the project is expected to enhance water quality and support a more diverse and thriving ecosystem within the lagoon. This transformation is making Colorado Lagoon an even more exciting and ecologically valuable destination.
This revitalization is set to make Colorado Lagoon one of Long Beach's most beautiful and dynamic spots, perfect for families, locals, and nature enthusiasts alike. The ongoing upgrades promise a more vibrant and accessible experience for all visitors.
Water Quality and Safety
However, as with any natural body of water, it's always prudent to be aware of potential fluctuations in water quality. Checking local advisories before swimming, especially after periods of heavy rain or unusual environmental events, is a good practice. The calm, wave-free environment makes it ideal for wading and water activities without the concern of strong ocean currents.
Visitors should also be mindful of the natural wildlife present in the lagoon, such as stingrays and moon jellies. While generally not aggressive, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and avoid disturbing the marine life.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playground, the lagoon's tranquil waters are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can rent equipment or bring their own to explore the serene environment. The surrounding walking trails offer a pleasant way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise, making it a well-rounded destination for a family outing.
With lifeguards on duty during the summer months and a generally safe and friendly atmosphere, Colorado Lagoon provides a worry-free environment for families to create lasting memories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit