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5 Great Sporting Events in Long Beach CA

5 Great Sporting Events in Long Beach CA

Long Beach, California is a city that attracts many people as a result of an excellent combination of location, weather, and unique beauty.

If you are a sports lover, you won’t be disappointed either, since Long Beach CA is also famous for its sporting events. Here are our favorites.

1. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

5 Great Sporting Events in Long Beach CA

One of Southern California’s unique events – the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, will be held from April 13 to April 15 this year. The event spreads over three days and 2 nights and features six spectacular races, non-stop family fun, and exciting concerts.

The concerts are free for the race ticket holders. The Family Fun Zone is located in the Long Beach Arena section of the Lifestyle Expo and offers video games, racing simulators, rock climbing walls and much more. The ticket prices vary from $27 to $290 depending on how many days you want to attend and which events within the Grand Prix you want to visit.

2. Long Beach Marathon

Long Beach Marathon

There is a running marathon held in Long Beach CA every year and the event for 2018 is scheduled for October 6 and 7. You can choose to participate in a full marathon or in the half marathon depending on your preferences.  The course of the marathon is USATF Certified and an Official Boston Qualifier.

In addition to that, there is a 5-km running and walking event called “Run Forest Run”.

3. Long Beach Triathlon

Long Beach Triathlon

In case you prefer something more than simply running, then the Long Beach Triathlon is the sporting event for you. The competition includes a swim inside the Long Beach breakwater, a bike route that includes Shoreline Drive, the Queensway Bridge, and views of the Queen Mary, and a running course adjacent to Shoreline Village and the Marina.

The event is usually held in September and further details are still to be announced on the official site of Long Beach Triathlon for the 2018 event.

4. Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival

Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival

It comes as no surprise that there are several boating events held at Long Beach CA. One of the most attractive ones is the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival. If you want to experience a mixture of fun, art, food, dances, and competition, visit the Festival on July 28 and July 29 at Marine Stadium.

In addition to the dragon boat competition, both visitors and participants can witness traditional Chinese art demonstrations and dance, Chinese Acrobats as well as other performances with lots of music and dancing.

5. Catalina Ski Race

Catalina Ski Race in long beach

Catalina Ski Race is one of the greatest water ski competitions held in Long Beach CA. The race day is July 21, 2018, and the competition is open both for novice and seasoned participants. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Catalina Ski Race. Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton is once again the host hotel for the event.

The route of the ski race is 62 miles long. It starts and finishes near the Queen Mary and participants race to Avalon and back.

Whether you are an athlete yourself or you simply love watching sports, these events are a must-see. So, if you are planning a trip to Long Beach CA, choose dates that allow you to visit at least one of these 5 great events.

Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA | Hiking Spots

8 Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA

Long Beach CA offers a number of beautiful hikes. Whether you live here or are just visiting, take some time to take in the sights.

Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA | Hiking Spots

Dominguez Gap Wetlands

The Wetlands are situated in Long Beach along the LA River. The trails are great for hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding. If you want to bring your dog with, you can. You don’t have to go to the zoo when you can find animals such as red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures at Wetlands.

This Dominguez Gap Wetlands is actually a 2008 river project. $7 million were invested with the aim to restore the important ecological functions of water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, and aquifer recharge to the urban lower Los Angeles River.

Forrestal Ecological Reserve

32201 Forrestal Dr Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Forrestal Ecological Reserve is located about 12 miles away from Long Beach CA. It is a 25-minute drive to get to the reserve by car and it takes about an hour and a half by bike. Rocky hills on one side and the ocean on the other, it is a great place to go hiking, enjoy nature, and even take some cool pictures.

Ocean Trails by Trump National Golf Course

1 Ocean Trails Dr Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

As the name suggests, it is located just by Trump National Golf Course. It is a coastal hiking destination with a breathtaking view. Hiking is not the only great activity you can enjoy. Other activities include paragliding and enjoying the beautiful picnic spots on the trail. Spring would be a great time to visit this place to enjoy more greenery and even see the whales if you are lucky.

Gum Grove Park

Crestview Ave & Avalon Dr. Seal Beach, CA 90740

Gum Grove Park has a relatively flat landscape and is pretty small (about a mile in length) so it is a great place for an easy hike. If you plan on going there with your dog, watch it closely as there is a chance of coming across coyotes. There are even signs all around the park asking to not feed the coyotes.

Bandini Canyon Trail Park

N Bandini St Los Angeles, CA 90731

This Park is another coastal hiking destination, located about 7 miles away from Long Beach CA. The trail and views are amazing.You can enjoy the view of the sea and cliffs, while hiking the sandy trail. There are some cactuses on the sides, so be careful, especially if you are hiking with kids.

The park dates back to1931, when Mr. George Peck, real estate developer and benefactor, donated most of the Park’s 4.8 acres. The land has been designated as open space since this time.

Willow Springs Park

2745 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

If you do not have a way to get out of town or simply do not have the time to spare, this park is for you. The trails are great and the surroundings are rocky and sandy. Small animals such as rabbits can be seen. Plus, the park is open 24/7.

Admiral Kidd Park

2125 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810, USA

If you are taking kids along on your hike, this is the perfect place. Admiral Kidd Park is situated between two schools. It offers sports fields & courts, a recreation center with youth programs and a playground.

The park is open everyday between 6AM-5PM.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park

3401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

Bring your dog here for a run or simply let it play with other dogs.

Wrigley Heights is open every day between 6AM-10PM

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are lots to do and amazing places to visit in Long Beach, California.