Browsing Tag

LA county things to do

Colorado Lagoon

Posted on February 3, 2018

What Is it?:  The Colorado Lagoon is a 13 acre urban wetland located in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. You can see all types of aquatic life here including jellyfish, birds, turtles, and fish.  There is a walking path around the edge of most of the lagoon, and a pedestrian bridge that goes across it. The beach area is great for kids because the water is shallow and has no real waves.  There is a playground here with a jungle gym and plenty of sand to dig in.  There are picnic tables to eat at, and plenty of shade.

Tips: 

  • – Don’t forget the sand toys!
  • – Check water quality if you want to swim.
  • – No barbecues
  • – Don’t feed the wildlife
  • – Pick up all trash
  • – The on-site bathroom were under construction at press time so there was a Porta-potty.  I would suggest bringing a few napkins in case it runs out of toilet paper.

Cost: Free

Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm.

Stroller Friendly: You can push a stroller on the path around the lagoon and across the bridge, but when the path ends, it’s sand.  Unless you plan on a short walk, I would leave the stroller in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol: No

Parking: Yes, there is street parking but not a parking lot.  During busy times, you may have difficulty finding a close spot and may need to take a couple trips from the car if you brought a picnic or beach stuff, so pack things into easy-to-carry bags

Active family:  Yes

Food:  You can bring food and there are shaded picnic tables to eat at. 

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Colorado Lagoon. The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Colorado Lagoon and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Colorado Lagoon

Posted on February 3, 2018

What Is it?:  The Colorado Lagoon is a 13 acre urban wetland located in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. You can see all types of aquatic life here including jellyfish, birds, turtles, and fish.  There is a walking path around the edge of most of the lagoon, and a pedestrian bridge that goes across it. The beach area is great for kids because the water is shallow and has no real waves.  There is a playground here with a jungle gym and plenty of sand to dig in.  There are picnic tables to eat at, and plenty of shade.

Tips: 

  • – Don’t forget the sand toys!
  • – Check water quality if you want to swim.
  • – No barbecues
  • – Don’t feed the wildlife
  • – Pick up all trash
  • – The on-site bathroom were under construction at press time so there was a Porta-potty.  I would suggest bringing a few napkins in case it runs out of toilet paper.

Cost: Free

Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm.

Stroller Friendly: You can push a stroller on the path around the lagoon and across the bridge, but when the path ends, it’s sand.  Unless you plan on a short walk, I would leave the stroller in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol: No

Parking: Yes, there is street parking but not a parking lot.  During busy times, you may have difficulty finding a close spot and may need to take a couple trips from the car if you brought a picnic or beach stuff, so pack things into easy-to-carry bags

Active family:  Yes

Food:  You can bring food and there are shaded picnic tables to eat at. 

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Colorado Lagoon. The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Colorado Lagoon and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on February 2, 2018

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.