Wet Lands

Got a need for mead? Before you wet your whistle at Honest Abe Cider House and Meadery (LA’s first of its kind), whistle while you walk through the Dominguez Gap Wetlands in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.

Park at the expansive lot at C. David Molina Park and find the Dominguez Gap Wetlands at the western edge of the park, marked with a historical sign. Originally a flood control basin, in 2008 the city renovated the space to a 37-acre wetlands preserve. See it on a 2.3-mile rectangular loop through the riparian environment. Head south along the wide dirt trail that borders the river (to your right) and the wetlands (to your left). 

While the natural sights are unchanging during this flat stroll, they are incredibly picturesque. As you walk under sycamores, look to the water for the plentiful resident waterfowl, including ducks (of both the mallard and wood duck variety), coots, and cormorants. There are also bridges along the way for some picturesque photo ops.

If you’re looking for more Bixby Knoll history and nature, check out Rancho Los Cerritos, a national historic landmark only a few miles from Dominguez Gap. Free to enter and full of helpful docents, explore the indigenous garden trail (look for the popcorn bush, named for the smell its leaves produce) and check out the historic adobe and museum, once home to the father of Long Beach, Jotham Bixby!

Bonus Mead: After all that history, you’re surely thirsty! Head to Honest Abe Cider House and Meadery, now partnered with SoCal Vibes Co. You can try a variety of local beer and cider, but we recommend you go for the mead tasting flight. They are all delicious, and perfect for autumn. We really liked the Cactus Kooler (orange and pineapple) and Wildflower (if you prefer dry). Grab a snack and a table outside.

To get to the Dominguez Gap trailhead at C. David Molina Park, take the I-710 southbound to the Del Amo Blvd. exit. Turn left at Susana Rd. followed by an immediate left onto Del Amo Blvd. Take the first right onto Oregon Ave. and the park will be on your immediate right. Dog-friendly!