5-Day Nature Itinerary in Bellflower, California

• Day 1: Visit the Lakewood Golf Course and play a round of golf in the beautiful, natural setting. Explore the Wasserman Garden, a hidden gem that offers tranquil fountains, colorful blooms, and shaded seating areas perfect for a picnic. At night, head to the El Dorado Nature Center and take a moonlit hike through the wilderness reserve.
• Day 2: Spend the day at the El Dorado Regional Park, featuring 815 acres of natural beauty, including lakes, trees, and wildlife. Go hiking or biking along the trails, have a picnic, or rent a paddleboat and explore the lake. Afterwards, visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden for a peaceful retreat in nature with picturesque landscaping and a koi pond.
• Day 3: Head to the Cerritos Sculpture Garden, a serene park with unique sculptures and art installations amid lush greenery. Then, visit the La Mirada Creek Park for a quiet picnic and bird watching along the creek trail. End the day at the Los Cerritos Wetlands, a restored natural habitat and wetland that is home to various animal species.
• Day 4: Explore the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site, a historic landmark with gorgeous gardens and a museum that showcases the culture and history of early California. Head to the Huntington Beach for some beach time and a swim in the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, witness the beauty of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a bird sanctuary and wetlands
• Day 5: Discover the Aquarium of the Pacific, where visitors can see and learn about all kinds of sea creatures, including sharks, sea otters, and penguins. Continue to the Whaley Park, a peaceful park with plentiful trees, picnic spots, and a large playground. Then, head to the Seaside Lagoon, a saltwater lagoon that offers swimming, picnicking, and waterslides.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lakewood Golf Course (4 hours, $40)
• Wasserman Garden (1 hour, free)
• El Dorado Nature Center (2 hours, free)
• El Dorado Regional Park (5 hours, $8 parking fee)
• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (1 hour, $7 entrance fee)
• Cerritos Sculpture Garden (2 hours, free)
• La Mirada Creek Park (2 hours, free)
• Los Cerritos Wetlands (2 hours, free)
• Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site (2 hours, $5 entrance fee)
• Huntington Beach (3 hours, $15 parking fee)
• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (2 hours, free)
• Aquarium of the Pacific (3 hours, $35 entrance fee)
• Whaley Park (2 hours, free)
• Seaside Lagoon (4 hours, $8 entrance fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: $118 (excluding food and transportation)

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car during the trip to easily access all locations. Local buses and ride-sharing services are also available. Estimated travel time between locations is around 15-30 minutes, and most locations have free parking available. The estimated cost for renting a car is around $30 per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Long Beach Peninsula or the Chino Hills State Park. If you have less time, you may want to skip some of the smaller parks or choose one or two locations for each day. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water bottles, comfortable shoes for hiking, and snacks for picnics.

Airports

The nearest major airport to Bellflower is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is located 25 miles away from the city center. Another nearby airport is the Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is located only 7 miles away from Bellflower. LGB is a smaller airport with less traffic, making it a convenient choice for travelers.