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Being stuck in the same routine or not being able to concentrate on what needs to get done can take a toll on a person’s mental stability and overall health. Getting some fresh air can help ease those nerves and give stressed college students a much needed break. Long Beach has parks that are great to help with that process.
Marina Vista Park
5355 E Eliot St, Long Beach, CA 90803
10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: With plenty of grass to toss a blanket, Marina Vista Park is a great place to relax. Photo credit: Christina Merino 10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Going outside and getting light exercise like walking along a park path can be beneficial to strengthening mental health. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Right by the ocean and surrounded by a residential area, Marina Vista Park has plenty of open space to do outdoor activities. There are trees providing shade, perfect for setting up a picnic or sitting under while reading a book. The big space allows for enough solitude to relax. The park also has a tennis court and a bike path if people want to do more physical activities to relieve stress.
Bixby Park
130 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
10/5/2021- LONG BEACH, CA: Bixby Park hosts different events for the Long Beach community like farmers' markets. Photo credit: Christina Merino 10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Bixby Park is busy with people walking, riding their skateboards, or spending time with their friends. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Sometimes people prefer to be surrounded by others while they try to regain their energy. Bixby Park is always filled with people skating, biking or walking their dogs. Parking is easy to find earlier in the day, but later on in the afternoon it can become more difficult to find a parking space. Bixby Park also hosts different events like farmers’ markets, which can be something people find joy in.
El Dorado East Regional Park
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: El Dorado Regional Park has plenty of space to sit under trees and bird watch. Photo credit: Christina Merino 10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: El Dorado East Regional Park has a variety of sitting areas to enjoy an afternoon by the pond. Photo credit: Christina Merino
On the northern side of Spring Street, El Dorado East Regional Park has plenty of different picnic areas, ponds and more. There is also a dog park, which people can go to for a quick boost of serotonin. Many people bike and take walks on the path that wraps around the entire location. This is a great place to get lost in thought and look at the ducks for a while. Parking at El Dorado Park is $6 on weekdays, $7 on Friday and $8 on weekends.
Rainbow Lagoon Park
400 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802
10/5/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Rainbow Lagoon Park is a great place to walk around and see others as they paddle their swam boat by. Photo credit: Christina Merino 10/5/2021 - LONG BEACH, CA: Rainbow Lagoon Park is near Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Another park where people can enjoy the ocean breeze is Rainbow Lagoon Park. It is a smaller park but has plenty of space to sit and relax. It is peaceful during the day and very active at night. At $15, the parking costs more compared to the other parks mentioned but people can take advantage of what is nearby. Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue are within walking distance and can make for a great time.