Bluff Park

Ocean Views That Take Your Breath Away

Perched along Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, Bluff Park is a 25.8-acre strip of green space that offers some of the most beautiful coastal views in Southern California. As the name suggests, this linear park sits right on top of a bluff, giving you panoramic sights of the Pacific Ocean - a perfect spot to unwind.

Running from 20th Place to 36th Place, this peaceful escape provides a welcome contrast to the urban bustle of Long Beach. The well-kept grassy areas, swaying palm trees, and winding paths create a fantastic setting for relaxation. There's something magical about watching sunrises and sunsets here, with the gentle sea breeze that keeps things refreshingly cool no matter when you visit.

The sandy bluff between the upper area of the park and the beach

Get Moving or Just Chill

You'll spot all kinds of activities happening along the pathways - joggers getting their miles in, couples taking leisurely strolls, and locals walking their four-legged friends while soaking in those ocean views. If you're into unique hobbies, keep an eye out for people flying radio-controlled gliders - the natural updrafts from the bluff make this a prime spot for aerial enthusiasts.

On clear days, you can actually see Catalina Island sitting out there on the horizon. The vantage point also gives you a great view of Long Beach harbor with its commercial vessels and sailboats dotting the water. If you're lucky, you might catch kite surfers riding the waves below, adding splashes of color to the blue canvas. For a bit of culture with your nature, the Long Beach Museum of Art calls this park home, housed in a historic mansion that's worth checking out.

Sand tracks lead toward distant Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier

Beach Time and Amenities

Feel like getting closer to the water? Stairways scattered along the bluff lead down to the beach, where a paved path awaits for cycling, skating, or skateboarding adventures. The beach area is thoughtfully designed with separate paths - one for walkers and runners, another for wheels - so everyone can enjoy their beach time without collision concerns.

When nature calls, you'll find restrooms down by the beach. And if you're planning to stay a while, the grassy areas up top make ideal picnic spots with unbeatable ocean views as your backdrop. While the park isn't particularly wide, its impressive length gives you plenty of room to spread out. You can usually find street parking along Ocean Boulevard, but do keep an eye on traffic.

Looking north along the park from Orizaba Ave

A Dog Lover's Paradise

If you're a dog parent, you'll love this place. Bluff Park welcomes four-legged visitors with open arms, but you'll need to keep them leashed (Ocean Boulevard is right there, after all). If your pup needs some off-leash playtime, Rosie's Dog Beach is just a short distance away.

The open grassy areas provide plenty of space for gentle play with your furry friends amid gorgeous surroundings. It's no wonder so many locals make this their regular dog-walking route - where else can you get your steps in while enjoying million-dollar views?

Palm trees dot the beachside path with wide ocean views

A Piece of Long Beach History

History buffs will appreciate the Lone Sailor statue installed in 2004, a tribute to Long Beach's rich naval heritage. The park offers one of the best spots in town for watching maritime activity in the harbor, and if you're around for the Fourth of July fireworks, you're in for a spectacular show over the water.

As you stroll through the park, take note of the impressive historic homes that line its borders - many date back to the early 1900s and showcase stunning architecture. It's no surprise that Bluff Park was designated as part of a historic district in 1982, cementing its importance to Long Beach's cultural identity and development.