1. Colorado Lagoon

    0

    Long Beach, CA

    Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Colorado Lagoon

    4.3 (97 reviews)

    Colorado Lagoon Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Colorado Lagoon

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Bioluminescent fireworm
    Paul L.

    Visited the Colorado Lagoon to search for bioluminescent fireworms on an April evening about thirty minutes after sunset by the dock. When I arrived, there were already people lined up along the edge, quietly focused on searching for a glowing line that moved like a worm. Parents had brought their children, making it an all ages event. The sight was captivating as the fireworms swarmed near the surface of the water for a few seconds before diving back in. It is said that these creatures rise from the seabed during specific moon phases to spawn at the surface, creating an unforgettable display.

    Miguel R.

    As I was ending my steps in and around the Colorado Lagoon, I spotted a couple on a bicycle built for two (the guy writing in front, the girl in the back) and I said "super cute" as I used my finger to point to the sum of their tandem bike. The guy replied, "thanks, it is the first day we are using it" and I replied, "you all are clearly in love" as I walked away. I heard the girl's nervous laughter that came from a giddy place. The guy said, "have a nice day." This small but meaningful exchange was sponsored by the peace and uplfit I felt after being introduced to the Colorado Lagoon. I have been to enough of these places to know that parking can be a trial of patience. So when I was nearing the place, I parked on the street, not to far away, but enough far away to help me reach my 10,000 step a day goal. As I walked, and drew closer to this place, I knew that i was in for a blue and still treat, I mean the water was clean, crisp, and promised a stroll of tranquil leisure. I tried to capture this feeling in a few photos but, as we all know, seeing a picture of the Mona Lisa does not compare to the feeling one gets when seeing it up close in the Louvre. Thus, if you need a space of peace, I urge you to visit so you feel the pictures I took, not just enjoy their sight. As I stepped into the grassy and sandy area of the place and the hit of quiet pleasure was amplified--- but I could not escape the thought that I came here for steps and although the place was big in blue, it it did not seem big in land for steps. I asked a life guard (I was surprise that this place had life guard's but they made sense give the expansive blue of the place) how big the place was, in terms of trails for walking. He said not very, that I could walk the trails that started after the boardwalk ended, within 10 minutes. He was polite, attentive, and took the time to understand that my goal was 10,000 steps. We concluded the conversation, after he gave me a big bright smile. I wish I could have gotten his name he deserved praise for the way he engaged with me. I guess the peace of the place was contagious to him, and the other life guards. As further proof of this statement, when I was done with my walk, I approached the life guard station. A few steps in, I said to two of them, I have a question, and one of them shot-up from his chair like I had said go. Was he responding to an imagined threat? I hope so, cause that was a life guard ready to respond to duty, not a worker ready to respond to a common question. The boardwalk, or moat, or bridge, was epic. I was walking a plank but I did not fear the water because it was not at my end, it was besides me. I wish I could lay in the wood, I could have, but then I would be in the way of people. Still, I felt like I was on vacation for moments that stretched till forever and a day. The light of the sun above, the blue at either side of me, the breeze of the day, all conspired to make me feel like I was transported out of my head and into the moment, and the moment was a resounding bleep of calm. I might have looked weird, I might have looked odd, but I still took the time to take a deep breath and stretch my body, then come back to center. I did not pay for a Yoga class, but still at the end of my time on the boardwalk I wanted to say Namaste, I think I did say Om. I did walk for about an hour. I walked all of the boardwalk-- shorter than most, and a trail that took me to the streets, also short. But then I walked the perimeter of the blocks that surrounded a golf course. In addition, to Lagoon goers having lunches, and swimming, and playing games, I also saw golf players strolling. I wonder if I could go in one day and not play golf and just walk the green grounds? I want to go back to this place, not for steps but for specific leisure. Get a towel, bring a couple of sandwiches and sit under a tree for shade and enjoy the ripples of the water. It would be nice, and after I wrote that, I realize needed.

    Tony F.

    Beautiful lagoon with small public beach. When we were here, there were several friendly life guards on duty with restrooms and sand showers. Enjoy a short walk across the bridge on well-maintained easy trail.

    Ayanna W.

    Such a wonderful local preserve near a golf course and near nice housing. A small beach is also there for recreation. There's something for everyone in the family. There is metered parking and street parking nearby. I saw so many amazing bird and plants/fauna there and they had a few educational signs along the trail, in addition to the education center (which was close on Sunday). Will definitely come back!

    Lagoon at night
    Emily R.

    Very beautiful place to walk around or go swimming! Love swimming here in the summer, clean water and lifeguard are friendly! If you don't wanna go swimming it is still a great place to walk around or take your children to the park there.

    Leslie Y.

    This is always a wonderful place to watch the sun come up, with multitude of colors in the sky reflecting in the mirror surface of the lagoon. With the construction of the foot path years ago, the lagoon has gotten even more use, especially during the pandemic. It's a refuge from the chaos and stress in the larger world. The future project that will join the lagoon with the marina is starting imminently, which will further improve the lagoon. A good thing keeps getting better.

    Front row seating
    Brittany S.

    Free, plenty of space for swimming, sun bathing, picnic, bathrooms, easy ups. Get there early to pick a good spot. There's a playground area too. Be early for good parking as well.

    Rob A.

    Lagoon is a cool word. I think they had one on Gilligan's Island. "Skipper, let's go down to the lagoon and get some coconuts to make batteries for the Professor's radio." You know, when you find an area, especially in a location that is urban or sub-sorta-urban, and it's nature, preserved nature, it automatically gets extra stars. I guessing the reaction for most people who stumble upon this spot is kind of the same. Driving, biking, riding, walking, you reach this point and think, "wow, I feel like I've traveled to a recreational area by a lake in the woods." Whether fairly empty on a chilly day or crowded and busy on a hot summer day, this place has the vibe that recharges. The lagoon is used for so many activities. You'll even catch water polo matches going on. Tall trees nearby if you need a break in the shade.

    Lala J.

    Great place for little ones afraid of waves! We love coming here. I have a 10 year old that loves jumping off the bridge and my 6 & 2 year old enjoy the calm water very much. There's also a small playground surrounded by a grassy area and benches. Also a lot of shade. Restrooms are very clean but throughout the day can get slippery since everyone goes in there to change. I found free parking because I like to get there early but there is also meters along the street so make sure to take change. I saw people w their grills and gas tanks the times I've being there but there are signs that say no BBQ so maybe no coal. Not sure. And best of all, there's lifeguards one duty! Definitely a great place to visit. Grab lunch nearby and have fun!!

    sherry u.

    What an awesome area to walk, swim, picnic, play. Spacious, clean, well taken care of. Restrooms were clean. Free street parking.

    Sign at the south side of the lagoon.
    Tim H.

    You HAVE to take a walk here! Currently they are expanding the waterway that connects the lagoon to the Marine Stadium area... but do not let that stop you. See attached photos! Great place at sunset to walk and enjoy the sounds of nature. During summer months the beach area on the shore side of the lagoon gets a little crazy. There will be thumping music and people taking a dive off the bridge area. There are ladders on the open area of the bridge that help swimmers up and down. Wheelchair accessible for most of the walk (but the bridge may require someone to help you up and down steep ramps). Again, I recommend that you walk there in the evenings to catch the jumping fish and the serene ducks and other water fowl. Great for all seasons. Bring your pup.

    What's this???

    See all

    Photo of Kerry T.
    189
    10
    4

    5 days ago

    Beautiful beach with amazing walking trails. Very secluded and easy to get to. Pull up and pull out your chairs!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul L.
    339
    654
    1870

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Confused on why you have a "keep dogs on a leash sign" but then lifeguards saying dogs aren't allowed? If they're not - change the sign.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Great place to walk and spot some interesting wildlife. We saw baby jellyfish and stingray. Free parking across the street.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 1
    Love this 33
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adrian A.
    13
    45
    10

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marbely M.
    39
    107
    118

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 45
    Thanks 0
    Love this 47
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will D.
    199
    55
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike G.
    2
    78
    213

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam S.
    193
    47
    12

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J H.
    0
    3
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laura N.
    2281
    888
    2590

    7 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bryan W.
    1249
    1764
    423

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of james V.
    11
    325
    9

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Geovon H.
    6
    35
    182

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of L U.
    2
    153
    65

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Colorado Lagoon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Colorado Lagoon

    Is it wheelchair accessible?

    Yes. Has accessible parking and path has no stairs, flat or ramps

    Is there private parking or is it very difficult to find parking?

    Not private but timed paid parking makes it easy to find

    Are sharks a possibility?

    Not a possibility

    Do you have to be there early to get a nice spot?

    Nope

    Are dogs allowed in?

    Not in the water/ sand area

    Are dogs allowed to swim here?

    No.

    Can you fish here?

    No fishing here

    Is this a good place for adults to swim or more for kids to splash around at the beach?

    I often see adults swimming laps

    Are kayaks allowed?

    They are. There is a sign at beach entrance near lifeguard building that mentions kayaking and paddleboarding only in designated areas. Which turns out to be the right side of bridge. (As you are facing the lagoon).

    Is there sea life in it?

    Yes, I have seen fish jump out of the water.

    Can I bring a kayak?

    There is a sign - kayaks and paddleboards only in designated area, which turns out to be to the right of bridge as you are looking at lagoon.

    Is the lagoon open during quarantine?

    Yes

    Can I use my inflatable raft on the water?

    We use our inflatable SUP. Only use to the right of the bridge (as you are looking at lagoon from Lifeguard building).

    Can you bring your dog?

    Yes, but it must remain on a leash.

    Are dog allowed?

    Yes, but it must remain on a leash.

    Are dogs allowed to swim in the water ? And if so do they have to be on a leash or can they be off leash?

    I don't know about swimming, but dogs are aloud at the lagoon but must remain on leash.

    Do they allow dogs and fishing?

    Leaahed dogs allowed on path, not in beach or water. No fishing

    Can I throw a 3 year old birthday party here with a jumper rental and bring two of my own tables with a taco man? Is this allowed? My daughter's bday is in the summer. I'd love to be at the park with the water and a playground for the little ones.

    Can you bring your own grill? I have a small one that takes propane

    No private BBQs per a sign posted near beach

    Is the water clean to swim in?

    Yes. I had to ask the water and parks in Long Beach. Spoke with Brian, lifeguard department who knows the beach, and he stated "water is clean and clear, beautiful beach with lots of shade and has a lifeguard on duty during Labor Day and the hotter… 

    View All 34 Questions

    Review Highlights - Colorado Lagoon

    “The water is rated A by Heal the Bay and there is a great bridge to jump off for older kids.”

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool - Tents by the pool

    Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool

    4.1(44 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    If I lived in Long Beach, I'd be a regular here. I was visiting from upstate NY and swam here early…read morein the morning - great atmosphere, friendly employees and patrons, $4 entry fee. Check out the hours because they change based on day of the week. The clocks were also easy to see if you're doing a structured workout. I was easily able to get a lane (to myself!) when I visited, but there are teams that practice here so that might not always be the case. The pool is heated. The air was around 55 and water was high 70s/low 80s I visited. So awesome!

    I came here for a water exercise class on a weekday morning during the heat wave. It was great!…read morePeople were friendly. The class was packed so they opened up some lap lanes so we'd have more room and not hit each other by mistake. The young guy teaching the class was good, and they played music. I took the "shallow" water class, which just meant you could stand in the pool. I was able to bring my water bottle (no glass!) and put it on the edge to hydrate during class. It was a very comfortable environment, wear whatever, I wasn't the only one with a silly sunhat. I had worn contacts with sunglasses instead of my usual glasses in case it was too splashy, but I think I would have been fine wearing my glasses. It was a great class and I enjoyed it. I stayed after to swim a couple laps and hang out in the pool - they don't kick you out after. There were bleachers under a shade where you could put your things or wait for class. The whole place seemed clean and well-maintained. I'd definitely go back.

    Photos
    Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool
    Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool - Beach Maintenance

    Beach Maintenance

    Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool

    See all

    Seal Beach Community Pool

    Seal Beach Community Pool

    3.8(4 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    This is an outdoor pool located at the McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach. It is an "L"…read moreshaped pool. It is a very small 25 yard pool with six lanes. The person who told me about the pool told me that there are some very serious swimmers that use this pool. When I came here the other day at lunchtime, each lane had 3 or 4 swimmers in each lane. The swimmers here all knew each other and seemed to have good swim etiquette. Every lane had fast swimmers in it. They would've given me a serious workout if I had swam here. Swimming here is difficult. It is a cashless pool. I was told by the lifeguard that she could not accept my money here. In order to swim here, you must go to Community Services department of the Seal Beach city hall to obtain a card. They have swim passes of 16, 34 and unlimited swims, or if you are like me and don't want a swim pass, you could load up your card with a couple of dollars at a time. The lifeguard told me that a single swim is $3. Even though I had my swim workout earlier in the day, I was hoping that the lifeguard would allow me to try it out. But no luck. They have various hours that they are open for lap swimming. Monday through Friday from 5:30am to 7am, 11am to 1pm, and again from 6:30pm to 8pm. On weekends they are open from 8am to 12 noon. The pool looked older and a little beat up. I didn't see the locker rooms. I don't like pools that are crowded. But, this would be a great place to swim because of the serious swimmers here. I'm willing to pay, I don't like jumping through hoops for a pool that I would hardly ever use.

    Disappointing Seal Beach does not offer a weekend or daily community pool pass for out of town…read morevisitors. Sad this pool is exclusive and the city of Seal Beach is not welcoming to out of town swimmers.

    Rainbow Lagoon

    Rainbow Lagoon

    3.7(12 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    I went to the 3 day Jazz Festival. The first day we had a Cabana and I was also a guest. I knew we…read moregot 2 bottles of wine, but our server was new and didn't know what the guest with Green Bands were allowed (We were told 2 drinks, no buffet) then told the drinks were 2 sodas and allowed to eat at the buffet. I bought a frozen margarita and had to wait forever for a straw. I did have a good time. Day 2, I had front row (VIP). The lot wasn't full but I was not allowed to park there. No Handicap parking and I had to pay $10 across the street. I paid, parked and was asked for my parking ticket. I told the guy I wasn't given one. I gave the guy a $20, he gave me two 5's and waved me in like the car ahead of me. Yep, the parking guy was pocketing cash. Made me feel like a crook. Too far for me to walk back with the guy who asked for my ticket. I already had to walk a ways to get in the venue with my injured ankle. The show was awesome and I met happy people and took jaw dropping pictures and got to talk to my entertainer friends. The food was not great. My beef was horribly dry. I ran off to buy a dinner plate from the Venders. Day 3, I had to park at the Pike. This was a long walk in the hot sun. Security dropped my water bottles on the filthy ground. I'm in pain and drenched with sweat. The stage manager saw me and grabbed my bags and told them I was ok and wouldn't bring anything in because I'd be taken care of once I got in. And that I didn't need to smuggle anything in. Well by then they had already had my belongings in disarray and contaminated my ice cold water bottles on the ground. The volunteers did not know exactly where my seat was I moved three times. But again I had a great time. A long walk to my car and had to pay $21 for parking. I will be back next year. I'll start saving up now. I highly recommend the events here.

    The interpretive signs around the lagoon tells you that it is a haven for wildlife. There is half a…read moretruth to what they say. But that means that there is also a big fat half-lie too. There is very little natural habitat here. The upland areas are mostly covered with lawns and non-native palm trees. It's a very urban park here, and there isn't to support wildlife here. In the last century, most of this area was open ocean. The semi-circular Rainbow Pier was created in the 1920s, along with the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium. Soon after, the City began filling in the open water behind the pier. With the decline of Long Beach's downtown in the 1970s and 1980s, the City undertook aggressive revitalization plans, which included massive filling of the area behind the pier, to create the modern-day landscape. Thus, Rainbow Lagoon is the vestige of the sheltered cove that was once protected by Rainbow Pier. The park is much more welcoming for human inhabitants than wildlife. There is a beautiful winding path that take you over colorful bridges, and paddle boats to take you over the water. It is a lovely park, just not wondeful for wildlife, notwithstanding this semi-informative interpretive signs. Oceanic water fills Rainbow Lagoon via underground pipes and culverts. This keeps a marine, but wave-free environmnent. In some ways, this is similar to natural lagoons (such as Malibu Lagoon) where waves are cut off by natural sand bars, which come and go with the seasons. In a natural state, this still water would be conducive the establishment of salt marsh plants, like cordgrasses. However, there are none to be found here. In contrast to a natural lagoon, Rainbow Lagoon is paved with concrete and in general has a very hard "edge" which prevents the establishment of plants. As you can see in the picture above, there is no gradual shift from deep to shallow water; these gradients normally create a variety of depths, which are essential to a diverse fish community with species of different sizes. The far edge in the photograph is rocky, which adds a little diversity. But the hard substrate again does not allow plants to establish. No doubt the plant-free environment is an intentional component of the park management, as such plants could create nuissances in such an urban environment. The blunted tidal inputs creates other problems for the lagoon: lack of oxygen. Wave energy and fresh inputs of ocean water would normally keep the oxygen levels high. Making matters worse, the concrete lining makes the water heat up in the sun, further depleting oxygen. To prevent oxygen levels from getting too low (which would result in massive fish-kills), water is agitated and circulated by fountains. These fountains also improve the aesthetics of the park. And despite my griping, you can see some interesting birds hunt the little fish in the lagoon. I saw a Green Heron here the other day, and these shy birds aren't so easy to spot sometimes!

    Photos
    Rainbow Lagoon
    Rainbow Lagoon - Long Beach Festival: VIP area

    Long Beach Festival: VIP area

    Rainbow Lagoon - Cabana view

    See all

    Cabana view

    Aquatic Explorations & Safety Training

    Aquatic Explorations & Safety Training

    4.7(136 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    20 years in business

    As parents of a child with special needs and medical challenges, finding activities that are both…read moreinclusive and supportive of his individual needs can be challenging. Aquatic Explorations has given our son a place where he can participate, learn, grow, and feel included, and we are incredibly grateful to have found them. Our son began his swim journey with Coach Oliver, and we couldn't have asked for a better start. Coach Oliver was calm, patient, and understanding, always meeting our son where he was and allowing him to progress at his own pace. Those first swim experiences were incredibly positive and welcoming and helped build the foundation for the progress we are seeing today. He is now with Coach Jason, and all I can say is WOW! Slowly but surely, we have watched him become more comfortable, confident, and independent in the water. Coach Jason is exactly what he needs. He is kind and patient, but also firm and knows when to push him to do a little more each session. As parents who want to protect our child every step of the way LOL, having a coach we can truly trust means so much to us. Coach Jason is making such a positive difference in our son's life, and watching his progress and growing confidence in the water means more to us than words can express. We are so thankful to Coach Oliver, Coach Jason, and the entire staff for creating a place where our son is supported, encouraged, and included. Aquatic Explorations is truly the BEST!

    What an incredible swim program ! I am so happy with every…read morecoach we have tried for my daughter she is about 16months & has been swimming here since she turned 1yrs old so not too long, but long enough for both of us to fall in love with this (Swim) school the instructors and the office staff are so helpful , nice , and informative about the program and policies. Even though she is young, I see that they have other programs available as she progresses and advances through her swimming like the swim club, the snorkeling program, and the surfing program. I even took a surf lessons myself with the owner, who is absolutely fantastic. It is a great place not just for children to learn how to swim, but for adults to strengthen their skills or even explore other opportunities in the water. Ps they offer free trials

    Photos
    Aquatic Explorations & Safety Training - Aquatic Explorations, Aqua Tots class

    Aquatic Explorations, Aqua Tots class

    Aquatic Explorations & Safety Training
    Aquatic Explorations & Safety Training - Hang loose

    See all

    Hang loose

    Colorado Lagoon - swimmingpools - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...