LONG BEACH, CA — With the holidays behind us, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by hitting the dusty trails to fulfill New Year’s resolutions of staying active and connecting with nature.
Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure.
Hiking regularly can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones and improve balance. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that participants in a winter hiking intervention increased their physical activity levels, which led to better sleep and less stress.
But it isn’t all about physical health. Spending time in nature — especially while hiking — has also been linked to better mental health. According to 2024 research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green spaces can boost mood, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of depression.
Heather Eliassen, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, says even those who live in cities and work indoors can and should try to reap the health benefits of nature.
“If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there],” she said. “Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work.”
AllTrails, a website and app that was “founded on the idea that we’re all made better by spending time in nature,” makes it easy to find nature areas and hiking trails of varying levels near you.
While searching, the website allows users to set the distance, difficulty level, length, suitability and more.
In Long Beach and around Los Angeles County, the website lists dozens of scenic trails — from steep mountainous terrain that can take hours to
ascend to quick and “easy” trails along babbling brooks and wildflowers.
Here are three trails in and around Long Beach to explore:
- Marine Stadium and Marina Pacific Loop – Long Beach
- This trail is a loop trail that is 4.9 miles long and takes an hour and 28 minutes on average to complete, according to AllTrails. The trail is open year-round and is a popular area for birding, road biking and running. Directions and more information here.
- El Dorado Park Nature Trail – Long Beach
- This trail in El Dorado Park is 2.4 miles long and is considered an easy route, according to AllTrails. It takes about 45 minutes to complete and is popular amongst walkers, bird watchers and hikers. Directions and more information here.
- This trail in El Dorado Park is 2.4 miles long and is considered an easy route, according to AllTrails. It takes about 45 minutes to complete and is popular amongst walkers, bird watchers and hikers. Directions and more information here.
- Terranea Discovery Trail – Point Vicente
- This well-known 1.7-mile loop trail takes an average of 40 minutes to complete, according to AllTrails. The trail is open year-round and is a popular area for road birding, running and hiking. Directions and more information here.
- South Coast Botanic Garden – Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Considered a moderately challenging route, this 4.6-mile out-and-back trail takes about an hour and a half to complete, according to AllTrails. The trail is open year-round and is a popular area for road biking, running and walking. Directions and more information here.
- Shipwreck Trail- Palos Verdes Peninsula
- This segment of the Terranea Discovery Trail takes you from Point Vicente Lighthouse and Interpretive Center to Pelican Cove. The 1.8 mile trek is considered an easy route and only takes 41 minutes to complete, according to AllTrails. The trail is open year-round and is very popular amongst hikers. Directions and more information here.
Search for more hiking trails near you.
