Landscape Design in Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a coastal city with its own rhythm, atmosphere, and light — a place where outdoor living is part of everyday life. At LASD Studio, we design landscapes that elevate this lifestyle: refined outdoor environments shaped by art, ecology, and architectural history. Whether you live near Belmont Shore, Naples Island, Bluff Park, or the modern communities around Bixby Knolls, we create gardens that feel truly yours — expressive, functional, and built to thrive in the Southern California climate.
Landscape History of Long Beach
The history of landscape architecture in Long Beach, California can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the city was first established. In the 1920s and 1930s, Long Beach experienced a period of rapid growth and development, as residents flocked to the area for its beautiful beaches and mild climate.
During this time, landscape architects and designers played a key role in shaping the city's public spaces and parks. One of the most notable landscape architects of this era was Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., who was commissioned to design the master plan for the city's parks and parkways.
Under Olmsted's guidance, Long Beach developed a network of parks and green spaces that provided residents with access to nature and recreation. One of the most notable of these parks was Recreation Park, which was designed to include a golf course, tennis courts, and other amenities.
In the decades that followed, Long Beach continued to grow and evolve, with landscape architects and designers playing a key role in shaping the city's public spaces. Notable landscape architects who have worked in the area include Garrett Eckbo, who designed the landscaping for the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, and Lawrence Halprin, who designed the Lincoln Park and its plaza.
Today, Long Beach remains a vibrant city with a rich landscape architecture history. The city's parks and public spaces continue to be an important part of the community, and new developments continue to incorporate innovative landscape design to create sustainable and beautiful environments for residents and visitors alike.
Our Approach to Landscape Architecture in Long Beach
Long Beach blends historic California architecture with modern innovation. Our design method respects this heritage while introducing contemporary landscape thinking — drought-resilient planting, architectural hardscape detailing, coastal-grade materials, biodiversity support, and refined spatial planning.
Every project integrates:
Climate-specific plant palettes
Coastal resilience strategies
Art-driven composition
Water-smart irrigation
Functional circulation & outdoor living zones
Soil regeneration & long-term sustainability
Designing for the Long Beach Coastal Climate
Long Beach’s microclimate brings unique design considerations: ocean winds, salt spray, sandy soils, and seasonal heat. Our landscapes are crafted to thrive naturally under these conditions. We use salt-tolerant perennials, California natives, Mediterranean species, shade-cooling trees, and wind-adapted forms — blending ecological logic with refined aesthetics.
Landscape Architecture History of Long Beach
Landscape architecture in Long Beach has deep roots. From Olmsted Jr.’s early parkway plans to the modern civic landscapes shaped by Eckbo and Halprin, the city carries a legacy of outdoor culture. Recreation Park, the waterfront promenades, and the civic plazas reflect decades of design evolution — from early park systems to modern urban ecology.
Today, Long Beach continues this tradition by embracing resilient landscapes: restoring native coastal systems, upgrading civic parks, and developing gardens that balance human experience with ecological responsibility.
Garden Styles & Architectural Influences in Long Beach
Long Beach architecture ranges from Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes to Art Deco landmarks and contemporary cubes. Our landscape work complements these styles through tailored material choices, planting palettes, and spatial proportions:
Modern / Contemporary — minimal lines, structured plants, coastal grasses, architectural lighting
Mediterranean — stone, olive & citrus, terracotta tones, drought-tolerant flora
Craftsman — layered planting, natural textures, warm wood detailing
Art Deco — strong geometry, symmetry, palms, sculptural planting
Coastal California — soft forms, native species, relaxed elegance
Your architecture informs our landscape design — creating harmony between building, garden, and surrounding environment.
Notable Gardens & Courtyards in Long Beach
For inspiration, Long Beach offers several exceptional garden destinations:
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden — a sanctuary of stillness, craft, and refined planting
Rancho Los Alamitos — historic Californian horticulture with orchards and native gardens
El Dorado Nature Center — ecological reference for native species and habitat systems
Long Beach Waterfront — coastal landscape architecture at urban scale
Belmont Shore & Peninsula — seaside gardens shaped by wind, salt, and light
These places reflect the diverse spirit of Long Beach — from traditional horticulture to contemporary ecological design.
FEATURED PROJECTS by LASD Studio
LASD Studio Services in Long Beach, California
LASD Studio delivers high-end landscape architecture and garden design with a focus on sustainability, artistic identity, and architectural integration.
Our expertise includes:
Landscape Architecture & Garden Design
High-end Residential Landscape Design
Urban & Public Landscape Projects
Mediterranean & California Native Planting
Land Art & Conceptual Spatial Design
Coastal Landscape Planning
Irrigation Planning & Water Management
Lighting, Hardscape & Outdoor Living Design
Biodiversity-driven Planting Plans
Tender Documentation & Construction Support
Every project is custom-designed for its site, climate, and architectural context.
Regenerative Landscape Design with LASD Studio - Where Art, Nature and People Evolve Together in Synergy
Frequently Asked Questions about Landscape Design in Long Beach
Do you offer landscape design services across all of Long Beach?
Yes. We work throughout Long Beach — from Belmont Shore, Naples Island and Bluff Park to Bixby Knolls and the inland neighborhoods. If your property is in the greater Long Beach area or nearby coastal cities, we can usually include it in our service zone.
What types of landscape projects do you design in Long Beach?
We focus on high-end residential gardens, coastal contemporary landscapes, Spanish / Mediterranean-inspired courtyards, and full outdoor living environments with planting, hardscape, lighting and water management. We also consult on small urban gardens and unique artistic or ecological projects.
How do you design for the coastal climate and salty air in Long Beach?
We select plants, materials and construction methods that perform well in wind, salt spray and sandy or depleted soils. That includes salt-tolerant and drought-resilient species, smart irrigation, soil improvement strategies and durable finishes that age gracefully in a coastal environment.
What is the typical budget range for a LASD Studio landscape in Long Beach?
Budgets vary depending on property size and level of detail, but many built gardens we design fall in the medium-to-high investment range. During the first conversations we help you align the scope, priorities and phasing of the project with a realistic construction budget.
Can you work with my existing garden, or do you only do full redesigns?
Both are possible. Some projects are complete transformations from scratch; others build on existing mature trees, patios or structures. We often keep the best elements, improve what is not working, and weave everything into one coherent design that matches your architecture and lifestyle.
Do you help with permits and HOA approvals in Long Beach?
For projects that require permits or HOA review, we can prepare drawings, documentation, and conceptual visualizations to support the approval process. We are used to working with regulations in California coastal cities and coordinating with other consultants when needed.
Whether you're redesigning a private residence, creating a contemporary coastal garden, or seeking a complete landscape transformation, LASD Studio brings decades of international experience and advanced ecological thinking to your project.