TRAVELPHOTOBOX

The Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve is in the heart of downtown Long Beac h. Less than two centuries ago, this area was surrounded by wetlands fed by the ocean and the Los Angeles River. By the early 1900s, the Port's creation altered landscape. Dredged and drained, the wetlands of Long Beach were reduced to remnants. The Reserve  was created in 1997 on land that was once ocean and later a boat launch ramp. Nowadays, it helps replace habitat lost to development at Rainbow Harbor. While it is only a fraction of Long Beach's original wetland , it offers a home for wildlife. This protected natural zone is a great spot for bird-watching. You might see: egrets, herons,  cormorants,  ducks, pelicans and a variety of shorebirds. This is an easy walk on level paved ground. The LA River Bike Path goes right around the perimeter of the park.

The Colorado Lagoon is a body of saltwater in east Long Beach and one of California’s few surviving wetlands . It is part of the Los Cerritos Wetlands .This place has a sandy beach with restrooms, picnic areas and parking on the north and south shore. A floating footbridge in the middle allows you to walk across the lagoon. The Colorado Lagoon remains a habitat for animals and plants. Walking around this environment you can easily become a bird-watcher . It’s a rest stop for all kinds of migrating birds . Herons, gulls, ducks and pelicans live in this place. There're benches to relax and a few informative signs with info on the lagoon and the various birds that inhabit it. Great Egret