You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit and feel your best in Long Beach. From parks and bike paths to beach yoga and wellness classes, our city is full of opportunities to move your body in ways that feel good.
At Bixby Knolls Wellness Center, we believe staying active should be simple, sustainable, and enjoyable. That’s why we’ve put together this local guide to help you discover fun and accessible ways to keep moving—no gym required.
Best Places in Long Beach to Walk, Jog, or Bike
We encourage our patients to think of movement as medicine. And thanks to its walkable neighborhoods, year-round mild weather, and abundance of public parks and open spaces, movement is built into daily life in Long Beach.
From quiet nature trails to oceanfront paths, here are a few places to build movement into your day:
El Dorado Nature Center
Located just off the 605 freeway, El Dorado Nature Center offers over two miles of scenic trails winding through forested areas, streams, and lakes. It’s a peaceful place for a mindful walk, solo jog, or quiet moment in nature. The soft trails are easy on the joints, making it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path
This iconic beachside path stretches for over 3 miles along the coast, from Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village. Whether you’re walking, biking, or rollerblading, you’ll enjoy wide-open views of the ocean and a gentle breeze year-round. It’s a perfect spot for early morning movement or sunset strolls with a friend.
Heartwell Park
Heartwell Park offers wide paved walking paths, open fields, and shaded areas for stretching or yoga. It’s popular with walkers, joggers, and families thanks to its central location and spacious layout. You’ll often see locals playing sports, walking their dogs, or enjoying low-impact outdoor workouts.
Bixby Knolls Neighborhood
Right outside our doors at Bixby Knolls Wellness Center, you’ll find a network of quiet, tree-lined residential streets (especially Linden, just behind our office) that make daily walking both enjoyable and accessible. Whether you’re heading to the park, the market, or just taking a loop around the block, this charming neighborhood makes it easy to add more steps into your routine.
Colorado Lagoon & Marine Stadium
For a change of scenery, head to the east side of town. The Colorado Lagoon features a pedestrian path with views of the water, native plants, and birdlife. Just a short walk away, Marine Stadium offers a long, flat path that’s great for walkers, runners, and cyclists. These areas are less crowded than the beachfront, making them ideal for peaceful movement.
Rosie’s Dog Beach
Even if you don’t have a pup, walking or playing at Rosie’s Dog Beach adds joyful, unstructured movement to your day. For dog owners, it’s a great way to sneak in extra steps while your pet plays.
Stay Social While Staying Active
Staying active doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Whether you prefer a long walk or a group class, Long Beach offers plenty of ways to move your body and connect with others:
Free Yoga on the Bluff
In Bluff Park, you can find regular community-led yoga sessions with a view of the ocean. Bring a mat and join in for a low-pressure, donation-based class that’s as calming as it is energizing.
Zumba, tai chi, and dance at local rec centers
Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine runs affordable group classes in Zumba, tai chi, line dancing, and more. These are great options for staying active while also meeting new people in the community.
Free paddleboarding and kayak meetups
Local groups and rental shops often host beginner-friendly paddling meetups around Alamitos Bay. It’s a fun, low-impact way to stay fit while exploring the coastline.
Try pickleball at local courts
With its growing popularity, pickleball is a fun and social sport for all ages. Visit courts at El Dorado Park or Silverado Park to join a game or take a beginner class.
Explore Long Beach walking meetups
From beachside strolls to urban hikes, local meetups provide a relaxed way to meet others while staying active. Look for groups focused on health and wellness walks.
4 Simple Ways to Add Movement to Your Routine
Finally, here are some simple tips to help you bring more movement into your daily life–both at home and out in the city:
1. Take a walk-and-talk coffee break
Instead of sitting down for your next catch-up or meeting, take it on the move. A 20-minute walk with a friend or coworker adds steps and connection to your day.
2. Stretch during TV time
Use commercial breaks or the last few minutes of your favorite show to do light stretching. It’s an easy way to reduce stiffness and increase circulation without changing your routine.
3. Try a 10-minute mobility flow at home
Gentle movements that focus on joint mobility and flexibility are ideal first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting. YouTube and wellness apps offer simple, guided flows.
4. Move for your mood, not just your muscles
Reframing movement as a form of stress relief, mental clarity, or self-care can make it easier to stay consistent. Whether it’s a short walk, light stretching, or dancing in your kitchen, it all counts.
Supportive Care to Keep You Moving
Living in an active city like Long Beach means there are plenty of ways to move your body, but even the most enjoyable routines can take a toll over time. Whether you're walking the Bluff, biking the shoreline path, or just staying busy around your neighborhood, it's important to care for your muscles and joints along the way.
At Bixby Knolls Wellness Center, we offer wellness services that help Long Beach locals stay active, comfortable, and injury-free.
- Chiropractic care to improve mobility, correct imbalances, and support spinal health
- Massage therapy to reduce soreness, release tension, and aid recovery
- One-on-one movement sessions and mobility training to keep your body resilient and ready for daily activity
Call or fill out a form today to schedule an appointment!
