Exploring Long Beach: Best Outdoor Activities for Seniors

There's nothing like the feel of pure California sunshine! That's why lifelong residents of Long Beach are always eager for a day out. The truth is that cold temperatures, snow, ice, and rain can all make life challenging for seniors in other parts of the country. They can fall into periods of inactivity and isolation during the winter. Meanwhile, year-round sunshine and warm temperatures allow Long Beach seniors to stay active. If you're spending your golden years in Long Beach, you may be wondering if you're missing out on taking advantage of some of the best outdoor activities for seniors. Wonder no more! Simply check out this guide to the top spots for outdoor relaxation and recreation.

Southern California is one of the best spots in the country for parks! Long Beach alone is home to 166 parks with community centers, two historic sites, and two major tennis centers that are managed by the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. Love golf? Offering five courses, Long Beach is also home to one of the nation's largest municipal golf systems. A person could truly spend a lifetime falling in love with all of the beautiful spaces peppering the Long Beach community. Here's a rundown of the top parks in Long Beach where seniors can enjoy some fun and leisure:

Shoreline Park: Situated between the Long Beach Arena and Downtown Shoreline Marina, this park is a 12-acre open green space with a paved walkway. It's the perfect spot when you're in the mood to see people while enjoying lovely coastal views.

El Dorado East Regional Park: This 388-acre park is a top spot for seeing local wildlife and foliage. Enjoy looping pathways, a two-mile dirt trail, crossings that arch over wooden bridges, and paved paths meandering passing by lakes, streams, and forest.

Bixby Park: This is a true community park where seniors can enjoy leisurely strolls on even terrain while surrounded by young families that come to run around, skate in the skate park, and play on the playscape.

Does your idea of a perfect morning involve a semi-rugged walk? Long Beach has an enchanted collection of walking trails that can support your goals of staying mobile and fit for years to come! Locals also enjoy friendly faces and pretty views along the way. Here's a look at top Long Beach walking trails for seniors:

• Heartwell Park Trail: This park has a 4.8-mile paved trail that's easy to navigate. You'll find workout stations along the way that allow you to stretch and work your muscles during a brief rest break.
• Bluff Park Loop: For more dramatic views, this 1.3-mile loop offers a great way to spend an hour out in nature. If you like to walk knowing that you're not alone, you'll be happy to hear that visitors enjoy a year-round trail that is typically filled with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
• Dominguez Gap Trail: This easy 2-mile loop offers a serene year-round setting. While you are likely to see a runner pass by here and there, this is a great spot if you prefer a quieter walk.
• Hilltop Park: In the mood for a climb? Situated in the heart of Long Beach, Hilltop Park in Signal Hill offers stunning views from panoramic vistas. Just be sure you're up for the steep climb that will take you up Skyline Drive. Of course, there are plenty of rest areas and picnic tables where you can rest during the trek!

One of the perks of living in Long Beach is that the beach is close by no matter where you go! So many of the city's best parks and walking trails are situated along the water. Here's a look at some magical waterfront strolls that offer fresh breezes and envy-inducing views:

• Shoreline Aquatic Loop Park: Enjoy views of ships coming into port while taking a leisurely walk along this 2.3 mile loop that hooks around Rainbow Harbor.
• Jack Dunster Marine Biological Preserve: You'll love this easy 0.5-mile path that follows a portion of the Long Beach Marina. The trail is famed for its lush plants. If you're in a mood for exploring, you can even hop over the docks to watch the fanfare of the marina on a busy morning.

One of the things that seniors can appreciate about Long Beach is the liveliness of this city! Not a weekend goes by without something exciting happening around town. One of the best reasons to be out and about in Long Beach is the city's great collection of farmers' markets. Here's a look at market days and locations: 

• Tuesday: Bixby Park (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Wednesday: Marine Stadium (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Thursday: Bixby Knolls (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Friday: Downtown at Fourth Street and North Promenade (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Saturday: Bixby Park (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Sunday: Alamitos Bay (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 

The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department also hosts a Concerts in the Park series taking place around the city throughout the summer. Be sure to check out the schedules for live music at The El Dorado Nature Center and Long Beach Community Center. If you're looking for a fun way to embrace fitness that doesn't involve hitting the trails in Long Beach, consider attending one of the many "yoga in the park" events taking place around the city. There's an outdoor yoga class taking place every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Griffith Park.