Get Out & Active in the LBC

Thanks to 345 sunny days per year on average, Long Beach offers an eclectic variety of outdoor activities that are too fun to feel like a workout. From roller skating to shooting arrows, here are just a few of the many ways to get active in the LBC.

YOGA

Sure, you can balance your chakras just about anywhere, but there’s a reason so many locals choose to meditate and practice yoga together at Yogalution on the Bluff (Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue). There’s a real sense of camaraderie at the free daily 11 a.m. classes on the grassy cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where dozens of people do sun salutations in the sunshine. For yoga of a different warmer variety, try a class at West Coast Sweat (6324 E. Pacific Coast Hwy) in the Marina Pacifica shopping center, which offers Bikram hot yoga, hot pilates, and other classes focused on building strength and mobility.

ROLLER SKATING

If you haven’t already hopped onto this fitness trend, it’s time to roll around Long Beach on eight wheels with help from Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop (2148 E Fourth St). Once you’ve been outfitted with skates, knee pads, and a helmet, head to the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, which offers a long flat stretch of paved pathway great for beginners. Pigeon’s also hosts monthly rollouts for a group skate; check their Instagram for details.

WATERBIKES

Floating hydrobikes — sturdy human-powered water bikes that can be easily steered — are a common sight navigating the waters of Alamitos Bay and the Naples canals. Long Beach Waterbikes (164 N. Marina Dr.) offers reservation-only rentals, including nighttime glow rides. For more ways to have fun on the water, check out Visit Long Beach’s guide to ocean sports.

ARCHERY

Arrows are always flying at Long Beach’s sprawling El Dorado East Regional Park (7550 E. Spring St.), where the park’s El Dorado Archers practice hitting the bull’s eye from across a grassy field. On most Saturdays, it’s possible to rent equipment and take a beginner safety course, or more seasoned archers can bring their own equipment and shoot anytime during regular park hours.

PICKLEBALL

Pickleball is a great way to meet friends and plug into a fun activity with a low barrier to entry: it’s easy to learn and pickleball culture is welcoming to newcomers. Courts are cropping up all over Long Beach, including at the Bayshore Recreation Center (5417 E. Ocean Blvd), Marina Vista Park (5355 E. Eliot St.), and Billie Jean King Tennis Center (1040 Park Ave). For more details on pickleball in Long Beach, head to our blog.

TENNIS

Game, set, match. With one of the world’s greatest sports legends lending her name to it, Long Beach’s Billie Jean King Tennis Center (1040 Park Ave.) has quite a reputation to uphold. The eight-court, full-service center is a prestigious place for tennis players of all skill levels to racquet up and rally some shots back and forth.

GOLF

If you’re looking for a classic game of golf, Long Beach has several challenging courses, including the rolling hills of Recreation Park 18 (5001 Deukmejian Dr.), which is one of the oldest public golf courses in Southern California, having initially opened in 1929. Private courses also are an option. Don't miss a fun digital golfing experience (with snacks and drinks!) offered at Top Golf Swing Suites (500 E 1st St) inside the Courtyard Long Beach. Or, test your skills at the El Dorado Park West Disc Golf Course (2900 N. Studebaker Rd.), where there are 18 holes spread out under the shade of large ash trees.

ROCK CLIMBING

Those looking to climb to new heights in the new year should look no further than Long Beach Rising (205 E. Anaheim St.). The popular 17,000-square-foot rock gym, nestled among a series of trendy bars and breweries on Anaheim Street, is a one-of-a-kind climbing sanctuary housed in a circa-1926 historic Spanish Baroque-style building that was once a Packard car showroom. Beyond solving bouldering puzzles to reach the top of each wall, the business also has a weight room, sauna and fitness classes.

CYCLING

Long Beach has been building momentum as one of the most recognized bike friendly cities in the world, and pedaling through town is a breeze. The monthly Moonlight Mash is a fun themed ride for adults on the night of the full moon. Rides depart from Pedal Movement (223 E. First St.), with themes and details posted on Facebook and Instagram. There’s also a monthly ride for kids departing from Pixie Toys in Bixby Knolls called Kidical Mass. (For more biking options in Long Beach, check out Visit Long Beach’s Cycle City guide!)

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.