Overlooking Anaheim Bay, Seal Beach is a vibrant coastal city between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Once known as Anaheim Landing, it was established in the mid-19th century as a port for shipping wine and receiving goods. It’s now home to a Navy weapons station and a historic wooden pier, as well as a wildlife refuge that attracts migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.
Things to do in Seal Beach
Stroll along the waterfront to admire the historic Seal Beach Pier, which is one of the longest wooden piers in California. Originally built in the early 20th century, it has been reconstructed several times since following storm damage. From its elevated position, you can watch surfers riding the waves below before letting the kids run loose in the beachfront playground.
In the heart of Seal Beach is the Red Car Museum, which occupies a rare Pacific Electric train car dating from 1925. It once served as a mobile machine shop along the Los Angeles to Newport Line. Today, it exhibits early photographs of Seal Beach and artefacts from the region’s Native American people and houses a wide selection of local history books.
Sprawling across nearly 400 hectares is the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, which provides important habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Join a guided tour to learn about the endangered bird species that have been recorded here, such as California clapper rails and Belding’s savannah sparrow. In addition to interpretive stations detailing the local ecology, there is also an observation deck offering sweeping views across the reserve’s marshland.
Getting around Seal Beach
Seal Beach is around an hour’s drive from Los Angeles International Airport and slightly further from the centre of Los Angeles. Buses travel to Seal Beach and connect most of its attractions.