Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Colorado Lagoon is a natural park constructed for recreation that is currently undergoing a long term project to help improve the health and recreational opportunities of the area.

Spread across 29 acres, Colorado Lagoon is a natural lagoon making up an end of one arm of Alamitos Bay. At one time, the lagoon was a popular swimming location, however changes to the cycling of natural water instigated by drainage pipes put in place to accommodate planned road construction and many neighborhood gutter drainages flowing into the lagoon led to the water becoming more contaminated and the area losing its popularity as a swimming spot.

Over time, the lagoon has seen a small educational building open and close, along with the popular use of model boats in the water. 

The park is currently under a long term effort to restore the area's native habitat and dredge out many of the contaminants lining the waterway.

While this state of construction will likely last for several years, area's of the park may be closed to public use. A rebuilt playground which includes features aimed toward different age groups and complimented with picnic tables beneath the shade of trees as well as in the sunshine is one of the popular areas. A bridge causeway crosses the lagoon, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to connect with a multi-use path on the opposite side. 

Lifeguard benches sit over the main sandy beach area, and currently summer programs have brought back classes to build and sail model boats.

There is no cost to visit Colorado Lagoon, and the area is often busy with families at the playground and park area while walkers stroll along the multi-use paths. 

The Coastal Commission's plan is for the water to become clean and more free flowing into Alamitos Bay in the future.

Sevearl free street parking spots are available beside the playground on E Colorado Street, while there are many more metered parking spots in a dedicated parking area along Appian Way. 

Colorado Lagoon is open daily from 6am to 10pm. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Street Parking

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Variety of activities. Family friendly.

Cons

Lagoon affected by tides.

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Near lake or river
Picnic tables
Potable water
Covered picnic areas
Playground
Bicycling

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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