Gum Grove Park
A serene urban park with fragrant eucalyptus groves and wetlands, perfect for easy walks and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, wildlife active
Gum Grove Park
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, wildlife active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban park with fragrant eucalyptus groves and wetlands, perfect for easy walks and wildlife spotting.
"A small gem offering a nice escape from city exhaustion with dirt trails and cool birds."
🚗 Parking Tips
Park on the street, but check street sweeping days. Some lots are available.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome on leash! Enjoy the trails with your furry friend.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eucalyptus Grove Trails
Various points along the loop
Wander through fragrant eucalyptus trees, especially stunning with spring blossoms.
Wetlands Wildlife
Adjacent to Los Cerritos Wetlands
Spot frogs, lizards, and diverse bird species, particularly active after rainfall.
Historical Monument Stones
Eastern trail section
Discover ten monument stones detailing the area's rich history from native peoples to land purchases.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Leash Up & Be Aware
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Park on the street, but check street sweeping days. Some lots are available.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome on leash! Enjoy the trails with your furry friend.
Does lb or the surrounding area have anything that's not a flat park (not counting El. Dorado). Even if it's not a park, a place to walk that feels like nature?
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes for the mostly dirt, flat trails. Bring water!
☀️ Shade Seeker
Trails are not very shaded; avoid midday sun if possible.
Does Anyone Know of Any Dog Friendly Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Long Beach?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Park on the street, but check street sweeping days. Some lots are available.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome on leash! Enjoy the trails with your furry friend.
👟 Trail Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes for the mostly dirt, flat trails. Bring water!
☀️ Shade Seeker
Trails are not very shaded; avoid midday sun if possible.
🐸 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for frogs, lizards, and birds, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gum Grove Park is a peaceful urban oasis with pleasant walking trails through eucalyptus groves and alongside wetlands. Visitors appreciate its dog-friendly nature and the chance to see local wildlife, especially after rain. However, some find the noise pollution from nearby activities can detract from the tranquility, and the lack of restrooms is a noted inconvenience.
"The place where the breeze from the nearby Seal Beach is fresh. The trails that even the elderly can easily take a walk, and the wildflowers blooming everywhere are beautiful. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, come to this place and enjoy being alone."
Yoon Choi
"Great little walking trails, quite a bit of sound pollution.. airplanes, gardeners, construction. It seems like it is a different house every single time. There are some amazing nature sounds if you can tune out all the garbage. The best time to visit is a couple weeks after a good rain, everything is green and the wildlife is active. Free parking, no restrooms."
Michael Winchester
"Being in the middle of a busy city can get exhausting and this little hike was such a nice escape from it all. From beginning to end I want to say it was less than 2.5 miles. This is almost completely dirt trails, nothing up hill, and not very shaded if you're going midday. While you visit you will most definitely run into some frogs, lizards, and lots of cool birds.
Parking: can be a little tricky because it's in a residential neighborhood. Park on the street (check which day street sweep is on)!
Dog-Friendly?: Yes 👍🐶 your dog must be leashed (although it seems like a lot of people don't follow this) and please just pick up after them. There are a few trashcans along the way, so pick up the poop! There are lots of coyotes in the area, so just be aware of that (also why it's a good idea to have your dog on a leash. My dog really enjoyed all the little critters he saw scurrying around (squirrels/lizards) and he was able to get a lot of energy out "hunting" lol."
Rylee N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gum Grove Park has two main entrances: the westerly entrance off PCH and Mar Vista Ave., and the easterly entrance at Seal Beach Blvd. and Heron Pointe. Parking is available on the street in the residential neighborhood, but be sure to check street sweeping schedules.
Yes, parking is available on the street in the surrounding residential areas. There are also small lots at some trailheads, particularly the westerly entrance.
The westerly entrance off PCH and Mar Vista Ave. is often recommended for more trail options, including three levels of paths.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but given its location within a residential area, driving is likely the most convenient option.
No, Gum Grove Park is a free public park, offering a great way to enjoy nature without any admission cost.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Like most public trails and parks, Gum Grove Park is open from dusk until dawn, allowing visitors to enjoy it during daylight hours.
No tickets are required to enter Gum Grove Park. It is a free public park for everyone to enjoy.
The park is open from dusk until dawn, so while you can visit during twilight hours, it's not intended for late-night excursions.
Yes, the main trail loop is about 2 miles round trip, making it perfect for a short, refreshing hike.
Information on special events or guided tours is not readily available. It's primarily a self-guided nature park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features mostly dirt trails that are relatively flat and easy to navigate, suitable for all ages.
The trails are not very shaded, so it's advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day or wear sun protection.
Visitors often spot frogs, lizards, and various bird species. The area is also known for coyotes, so keep pets leashed.
No, there are no restrooms available within Gum Grove Park. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Yes, there are picnic tables available, making it a nice spot for a casual outdoor meal amidst nature.
🎫 🐶 Pet-Friendly
Yes, Gum Grove Park is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
The primary rule is that dogs must be leashed. Visitors are also reminded to pick up after their pets.
While dogs can enjoy spotting critters, be aware of coyotes in the area and keep your dog leashed for their safety.
Yes, there are a few trash cans located along the trails for disposing of dog waste.
No, dogs must be on a leash in Gum Grove Park, even though some visitors may not adhere to this rule.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Leashing pets is a must, but dogs are welcome, so your furry family members can join the fun too! The historical monument stones along the eastern trail can also add an educational element to the outing, making it a well-rounded experience for the whole family.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be aware of the presence of coyotes in the area, which is another reason to keep your dog securely leashed. There are trash cans available for waste disposal, and the relatively short loop makes it easy to manage for dogs of all energy levels.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
While some noise pollution can be a factor, the opportunity to immerse yourself in a natural setting within a busy urban area is a significant draw. The historical elements also add an interesting dimension for those interested in the local landscape's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Wetlands
For those interested in the park's natural beauty, visiting in the springtime is highly recommended. This is when the eucalyptus trees are in bloom, blanketing the ground with blossoms and filling the air with their distinct scent. The trails are not heavily shaded, so planning your visit for the cooler parts of the day, like mornings or late afternoons, is a good strategy to avoid the midday sun.
While the natural beauty is a draw, some visitors note that noise pollution from airplanes, gardeners, and nearby construction can sometimes detract from the experience. However, many find that tuning out these sounds allows them to appreciate the "amazing nature sounds" and the active wildlife present.
A Glimpse into Local History
These historical markers offer a fascinating educational component to the park visit, providing context to the land's evolution. Further along this path, you'll find a circular seating area with informative signs. While these signs may be weathered, they still contribute to understanding the area's past. The trail eventually leads to a dead end at a locked double-gate, marking the extent of this historical exploration.
Navigating Parking and Amenities
When it comes to amenities, Gum Grove Park is quite basic. There are picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy a meal outdoors, but notably, there are no restrooms within the park. This is an important detail for visitors to be aware of and plan accordingly before their visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit