3-Day Nature Itinerary in Bell Gardens, California

• Day 1: Begin your day with a visit to the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, a 1,492-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Next, head to the Los Angeles River for a peaceful walk or bike ride along the river trail. End your day with a picnic at the Belvedere Park Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Day 2: Start the day with a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains and experience stunning scenic views. Afterward, visit the Descanso Gardens which has beautiful botanical gardens, art exhibits and a variety of local wildlife. End the day by enjoying a serene picnic at the Legg Lake Park.
• Day 3: Spend your last day exploring the El Dorado Nature Center, a 105-acre nature reserve that offers seasonal interpretive walks, bird watching, and fishing. Take a break at the Earvin Magic Johnson Recreation Area, a large park equipped with sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a pond. End your trip with a breathtaking sunset view at the Long Beach Waterfront.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (2-3 hours, free)
• Los Angeles River (1-2 hours, free)
• Belvedere Park Lake (1-2 hours, free)
• San Gabriel Mountains (4-5 hours, free)
• Descanso Gardens (3-4 hours, $15)
• Legg Lake Park (2-3 hours, free)
• El Dorado Nature Center (2-3 hours, free)
• Earvin Magic Johnson Recreation Area (2-3 hours, free)
• Long Beach Waterfront (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs ($15)

Transportation

The best way to travel around Bell Gardens is by renting a car or using a ridesharing service since public transportation is limited. The estimated cost of renting a car can range from $45-$75 per day. Travel times can vary depending on traffic, so it's important to factor that into your travel plans.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. If you have less time, it's recommended to focus on the San Gabriel Mountains and the El Dorado Nature Center since they offer the most nature activities. Be sure to pack plenty of water and comfortable shoes for your outdoor excursions.

Airports

The closest airport to Bell Gardens is Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is approximately 15 miles from the city center.