Mother's Beach Marine Park
A family-friendly beach park in Long Beach, CA, known for its calm waters, playground, and scenic marina views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Mother's Beach Marine Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly beach park in Long Beach, CA, known for its calm waters, playground, and scenic marina views.
"Love mother's beach. Since I found out about this lovely but very family friendly spot hidden to the eye of normal beach just beneath the bridge of the Marine Park you can find Mother's Beach."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for street parking. :car:
🐶 Doggy Daycare Rules
Dogs are only allowed early morning & after 5 PM. Service animals are an exception. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Waters
Main beach area
Gentle waves and shallow areas make it ideal for toddlers and young children to play safely.

Playground & Picnic Spots
Adjacent to the beach
A well-equipped playground and numerous picnic tables with grills offer fun for the whole family.

Marina Views
Along the promenade
Enjoy scenic views of boats cruising by in the beautiful marina setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know the Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for street parking. :car:
🐶 Doggy Daycare Rules
Dogs are only allowed early morning & after 5 PM. Service animals are an exception. :dog:
Quiet beach to take my mother?
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables and grills available, but bring your own food and drinks. :sandwich:
🏖️ Beach Gear Galore
Vendors often sell floaties and beach essentials, but it's cheaper to bring your own. :sunglasses:
The beach
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for street parking. :car:
🐶 Doggy Daycare Rules
Dogs are only allowed early morning & after 5 PM. Service animals are an exception. :dog:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables and grills available, but bring your own food and drinks. :sandwich:
🏖️ Beach Gear Galore
Vendors often sell floaties and beach essentials, but it's cheaper to bring your own. :sunglasses:
🌊 Gentle Waves
Perfect for little ones! The calm water is a major draw for families. :baby:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mother's Beach Marine Park for its family-friendly atmosphere, particularly the calm, shallow waters perfect for young children. The presence of a playground, picnic areas, and marina views adds to its appeal. However, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on busy days, and dog policies require careful attention.
"Nice place to bring family. 😊. $0.50/ 15 min parking!"
Gene Feng
"Love mother's beach. Since I found out about this lovely but very family friendly spot hidden to the eye of normal beach just beneath the bridge of the Marine Park you can find Mother's Beach. I now enjoy that I can share that excitement I still get with my 2 year old son."
Hugo Mejia
"This beach is NOT dog friendly. Everywhere I’ve read states the beach is dog friendly. I brought my dog here and a lifeguard approached me stating my dog needs to be a service dog to be here. Dogs are only allowed early in the morning and after 5 PM"
Kyauna Southam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mother's Beach Marine Park is located at 5839 Appian Way, Long Beach, CA 90803. It's situated in a beautiful marina setting, easily accessible by car. Parking is available but can be limited, especially on busy days.
While specific bus routes might vary, Long Beach Transit serves the general area. It's recommended to check the Long Beach Transit website for the most current routes and schedules that get you closest to the park.
Parking is available at the park, often with a fee (e.g., $0.50 per 15 minutes mentioned in reviews). Be prepared for it to fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Street parking is also an option but can be competitive.
Yes, it's located beneath the bridge of Marine Park, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Look for signs for Marine Park and then follow them to Mother's Beach.
The park is situated in a marina, so it's a popular spot for boaters. You can often see boats cruising by, and it's a great place for those with their own watercraft to enjoy the calm waters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mother's Beach Marine Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee. However, parking may incur a fee.
As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific lifeguard hours may vary, so it's best to check with the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department for the most current information.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Mother's Beach Marine Park as it is a public space. You can visit anytime during park hours.
The main restriction to be aware of is regarding dogs. They are only allowed during specific hours and are not permitted on the beach itself unless they are service animals.
Yes, Mother's Beach is known for its calm waters and shallow swimming area, making it very safe for families and children. Lifeguards are also on duty.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, playing on the playground, having picnics at the tables (some with grills), playing volleyball, and relaxing on the grass areas. Boats also cruise by in the marina.
Yes, there is a well-equipped playground located near the beach, making it a fantastic spot for families with young children.
The park offers restrooms, sinks, and a rinse-off station, which are convenient amenities for beachgoers.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, and some are equipped with grills, making it a perfect spot for a family BBQ.
Dogs are not generally allowed on the beach itself, except for service animals. They are permitted in the park during early morning and after 5 PM.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't formal restaurants, vendors are often present selling items like floaties and fruit. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially if you plan on having a picnic or BBQ.
Yes, the park has numerous picnic tables, and some are equipped with grills, making it ideal for a family outing.
Vendors at Mother's Beach often sell beach essentials like floaties, as well as snacks like fruit.
It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, as nearby options might be limited or require a short drive.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the calm waters, families enjoying the playground, boats in the marina, and scenic sunset views. The contrast between the calm beach and the active marina is picturesque.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful lighting. Sunsets can be particularly stunning over the marina.
The bridge leading to Marine Park, the boats docked in the marina, and the playground area offer distinct photographic elements.
Yes, the marina is a prominent feature, and photographing the various boats is a popular activity.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide marina shots and close-ups of family fun. A polarizing filter can help with water reflections. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Top tips for families: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and beach toys. Be aware of the dog policy if you're bringing a pet – they are not allowed on the beach itself except for service animals.
Budget Travelers
Key money-saving tips: Pack your own food and drinks for picnics and BBQs to avoid expensive vendor purchases. Bring your own beach toys and equipment rather than buying them from on-site vendors. Enjoy the natural beauty and activities like swimming and playing, which are all free of charge.
Day-Trippers
Day trip essentials: Aim to arrive in the morning to make the most of your day. Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for some beach games. If you're visiting on a weekend, be prepared for potential parking challenges and consider arriving earlier in the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Mother's Beach
Beyond the immediate beach area, the park offers amenities like restrooms, sinks, and rinse-off stations, which are invaluable for keeping little ones clean after a day of play. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience for families is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers highlighting how much their children enjoy the safe environment. It's a place where parents can truly unwind knowing their kids are secure.
Key takeaway for families: Prioritize arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a prime spot with easy access to both the playground and the calm water. Don't forget your picnic essentials and beach toys to maximize the fun!
Navigating Parking and Access
For those who can't find parking in the main lots, street parking is available in the surrounding residential areas. However, this can also become competitive, and some visitors have reported receiving 'stink eye' from residents when forced to park on public streets. This highlights the popularity of the beach and the demand for parking.
Pro-tip for access: Consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services if possible to reduce the stress of finding parking. Alternatively, visiting on a weekday offers a much more relaxed parking experience. If you do drive, be prepared for a short walk from your parking spot to the beach.
Understanding Dog Policies
However, dogs are allowed in the broader park area during specific times. Visitors have noted that dogs are permitted in the early morning and again after 5 PM. This allows pet owners to still enjoy the park with their furry companions, but requires careful timing. Lifeguards are present and will enforce these regulations, as one reviewer experienced firsthand when approached about their dog.
Key takeaway for dog owners: Plan your visit around the designated dog hours if you wish to bring your pet. Always keep your dog leashed and be mindful of the beach-specific restrictions to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit