Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve
Rate this placeNearby: Santa Cruz Park Cesar E. Chavez Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve is located in Long Beach, California, and is a protected area for marine life.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several good reasons to visit this reserve, including the opportunity to see a diverse range of marine species, including sea lions, dolphins, and various species of fish. Visitors can also go on guided tours and learn about the importance of marine conservation efforts.
Some specific points of interest to see at the reserve include the rocky intertidal zone, which is home to a variety of sea creatures such as crabs, mussels, and starfish. Visitors can also explore the sandy beach areas and observe the many species of shorebirds that live in the reserve. The reserve also has a visitor center with displays and exhibits about the local marine ecosystem.
One interesting fact about the Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve is that it is one of the few remaining saltwater marshes in Southern California. It is also home to the endangered tidewater goby, a small fish that lives in the intertidal zone.
The best time of year to visit the Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, the reserve is open year-round and visitors can enjoy activities such as tidepooling and birdwatching at any time of year.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Seabreeze at Seal Beach Military
|
||
Los Alamitos Army Military
|
||
Bolsa Chica State Beach
|
Santa Cruz Park
Cesar E. Chavez Park
Shoreline Aquatic Park
Rainbow Harbor Esplanade Park
Promenade Square Park