Seven Days Nature Itinerary in Artesia, California

  • Day 1: Visit the El Dorado Nature Center - Explore the 105-acre nature preserve with several walking trails to admire the native fauna and flora of California. You can also rent kayaks and canoes to paddle around the lake with stunning views of the mountains.
  • Day 2: Take on a Hiking Trail in Whittier Narrows Recreation Area - Known for its serene lakes and lush greenery, enjoy a hike or a bike ride through the park. Don't forget to stop by the Japanese Garden to see the beautiful koi fish and the traditional tea house.
  • Day 3: Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse - Take a scenic drive to the Southernmost point of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss the historic lighthouse and the surrounding park with stunning views of Catalina Island.
  • Day 4: Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific - Home to over 12,000 ocean creatures from over 500 species, this aquarium is a must-visit for marine and nature lovers. You can also encounter sea lions, penguins, and even touch sharks and stingrays.
  • Day 5: Relax at Huntington Beach pier and Bolsa Chica State Beach - This iconic long beach has over 10 miles of pristine white sand and sparkling water. Relax under the sun, stroll through the pier or try some water activities, and enjoy a romantic sunset.
  • Day 6: Explore the Hiking Trails at Eaton Canyon Park - Begin the day with a trek through the picturesque Lower Eaton Canyon trail or challenge yourself by hiking up the Mt. Wilson Trail with views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
  • Day 7: Visit the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site - Step back in time and learn more about the history of California during the Rancho Era. Follow the walking tour to explore the historic adobe houses and lush gardens of this National Historic Landmark.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • El Dorado Nature Center (2 hours, free)
  • Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (3 hours, $6 for parking)
  • Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse (2 hours, free)
  • Aquarium of the Pacific (4 hours, $36.95 for adult admission)
  • Huntington Beach pier and Bolsa Chica State Beach (4 hours, $15 for parking)
  • Eaton Canyon Park (3 hours, free)
  • Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $57.95

Transportation

If you're flying into LA or Long Beach airports, it is recommended to rent a car during the trip to Artesia as the public transport available within the town itself may not be the best option to get around. Renting a car would allow you to explore the various nature spots with ease and independence. A day of renting a mid-size car can cost around $35 with gas prices ranging from $3.50 - $4 per gallon.

Useful tips

If you have less than 7 days, consider keeping day 2 as a free day to rejuvenate yourself or catch up with some rest. If you have more time, consider exploring more cities nearby like Pasadena or go on a road trip towards the Grand Canyon. Lastly, remember to carry sunscreen and enough water for the nature hikes.

Airports

Long Beach Airport(LGB), located at a distance of 8 miles from Artesia, is the closest airport. LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is 22 miles away and may take up to 1.5 hours in traffic to arrive.

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