• Where is Seal Beach located?
    • Seal Beach is a small beachside community nestled between Huntington Beach and Long Beach. It is the northernmost beach town in Orange County.
  • What makes Seal Beach a great destination?
    • The town is known for its beautiful beaches, seaside parks, wildlife refuges, and a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Visitors can relax at Seal Beach, take a stroll along the Seal Beach Municipal Pier, or enjoy a picnic at Eisenhower Park.
  • Where can visitors watch the sunset?
    • The Seal Beach Municipal Pier offers spectacular sunset views, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll.

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1. Relax on Seal Beach

Relax on Seal Beach


  • What is Seal Beach?
    • Seal Beach is a wide sandy beach located about 35 minutes from Los Angeles, offering excellent surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
  • What views can visitors enjoy at Seal Beach?
    • The beach provides panoramic views of Long Beach, the mountains, and the ocean.
  • What are the natural boundaries of the beach?
    • Seal Beach is bounded by the San Gabriel River mouth to the north and a jetty protecting Anaheim Bay to the south.
  • What attractions are at the center of the beach?
    • The Seal Beach Municipal Pier, Eisenhower Park, and grassy picnic areas are all located in the center of the beach.
  • Where can visitors find parking?
    • There are two parking areas near the center of the beach and an additional parking lot at the north end near the San Gabriel River.
  • Are there dining and refreshment options nearby?
    • Yes, visitors can find restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, and bars along the nearby Main Street.
  • Where is Seal Beach located?
    • Ocean Avenue and Main Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740

2. Go for a stroll on the Seal Beach Pier

Go for a stroll on the Seal Beach Pier


  • What is the Seal Beach Pier?
    • The Seal Beach Pier is a pleasure pier in Seal Beach, California, stretching out over the Pacific Ocean. It offers free fishing and features a restaurant at the end with indoor seating and a spectacular ocean view.
  • Why is it called the Seal Beach Pier?
    • The pier is named after the seals that can often be seen at its entrance. Visitors will also find a bronze statue of a seal named Slick and seal-themed emblems on trash containers, street signs, and children’s playground rides.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at the pier?
    • The Seal Beach Pier is a great spot for watching boats coming in from the offshore oil piers, fishing, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
  • What special features does the pier have?
    • The pier is equipped with a periscope that offers a high-powered magnifier, allowing visitors to see distant objects more clearly.
  • Where is the Seal Beach Pier located?
    • Ocean Avenue, Main St., Seal Beach, California

3. Enjoy birdwatching at the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy birdwatching at the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge


  • What is the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge?
    • The Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is a 965-acre wildlife sanctuary in Seal Beach. It was established in 1972 and is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
  • What types of habitats are in the refuge?
    • The refuge features a variety of eco-systems, including:
      • Saltwater marsh in the Anaheim Bay estuary, an important stopover for shorebirds.
      • Subtidal zones and intertidal channels.
      • Tidal mudflats and coastal salt marsh habitats.
      • Upland habitats that support diverse vegetation.
      • Several islands, including Hog Island, NASA Island (a humanmade island), and a non-native upland area.
  • Why is the refuge important?
    • It serves as a significant stopover and wintering area for shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway, providing essential habitat for many bird species.
  • What endangered species can be found in the refuge?
    • The refuge provides a crucial habitat for three endangered species:
      • The California least tern.
      • The light-footed clapper rail.
      • The Belding's savannah sparrow.
  • Where is the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge located?
    • 800 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740

4. Visit the US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West

Visit the US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West


  • What is the US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West?
  • Where is the memorial located?
    • The memorial is situated just north of U.S. Submarine Veterans Highway, on the exterior grounds of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.
  • What does the memorial feature?
    • The site includes plaques for each of the 52 U.S. submarines lost during World War II, as well as additional plaques for submarines lost during the Cold War.
  • When was the memorial dedicated?
    • The tree-lined memorial was dedicated in 1977 to honor the sacrifices of U.S. Navy submariners.
  • Are there any additional monuments at the site?
    • Yes, the memorial also includes two additional monuments dedicated to the Cold War losses of the submarines Thresher and Scorpion.
  • Where is the US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West located?
    • 800 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5607

5. Learn to surf with M&M Surfing School

Learn to surf with M&M Surfing School


  • What is M&M Surfing School?
    • M&M Surfing School is one of the most celebrated surfing schools in Southern California, offering lessons and surf camps for all ages for over 20 years.
  • Where is M&M Surfing School located?
    • The school is located on the north side of the Seal Beach Pier at Seal Beach.
  • Who runs M&M Surfing School?
    • The school is run by founder Michael Pless Sr. and his son Michael Pless Jr., who both teach and mentor their students.
  • What types of lessons are offered?
    • M&M Surfing School offers one-on-one lessons, group lessons, and five-day surf camps.
  • Does the school rent out surfing equipment?
    • Yes, the school offers rental of surfboards and wetsuits for students and visitors.
  • Can M&M Surfing School accommodate special events?
    • Yes, the school caters to special occasions such as birthday parties, team-building events, and more.
  • Where is M&M Surfing School located?
    • 802 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740
      Phone: 714-846-7873

6. Visit the iconic Red Car Museum

Visit the iconic Red Car Museum


  • What is the Red Car Museum?
    • The Red Car Museum celebrates the heydays of Seal Beach, when visitors traveled by train to enjoy roller coasters, gambling, and oceanfront fun.
  • How did people travel to Seal Beach in the past?
    • Visitors used the Red Car on the Pacific Electric LA-Newport Line to reach Seal Beach.
  • What historical attractions were in Seal Beach?
    • In its heyday, Seal Beach featured a giant roller coaster, gambling dens, rum runners, and a Bathing Pavilion with 1,000 dressing rooms.
  • Where is the Red Car Museum located?
    • The museum is housed inside a 1925 Pacific Electric Tower Car that was used to service the railroad until 1950.
  • What can visitors see inside the museum?
    • The museum contains historic maps, photos, sea shells, Indian artifacts, and other interesting exhibits.
  • Where is the Red Car Museum located?
    • Red Car Museum, 800-840 Electric Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740
      Phone: 562-453-9762

7. Bike along the San Gabriel River Bike Trail

Bike along the San Gabriel River Bike Trail


  • What is the San Gabriel River Bike Trail?
    • The San Gabriel River Bike Trail (SGRT) is a paved 28-mile multi-use bike path that runs from Seal Beach along the San Gabriel River and through various cities up to Highway 39 above Azusa.
  • Where does the trail start and end?
    • The trail begins at Seal Beach and runs north along the San Gabriel River, passing through El Dorado Regional Park, Baldwin Park, South El Monte, and Irwindale, before ending at the ranger station on Highway 39 above Azusa.
  • What major landmarks does the trail pass?
    • The SGRT crosses the San Gabriel River Parkway Bridge, passes through Santa Fe Dam, and winds around the east of the flood basin and park.
  • What are some highlights along the trail?
    • Notable highlights include a rodeo under the Southern Pacific railroad bridge and the confluence of San Jose Creek and the San Gabriel River.

8. Have a treat at The Crema Cafe

Have a treat at The Crema Cafe


  • What is The Crema Cafe?
    • The Crema Cafe is a European-inspired restaurant and bakery located in downtown Seal Beach, offering refined cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
  • What type of food does The Crema Cafe serve?
    • The menu features classic favorites and new dishes, including:
      • Smoked salmon omelets
      • Pesto chicken paninis
      • Spinach and mushroom quiche
      • Gourmet sandwiches
  • What does the bakery offer?
    • The bakery serves freshly baked pastries, sweet and savory crepes, and an assortment of handcrafted breads, including:
      • Crema Multigrain bread (signature seven-grain)
      • Sourdough
      • Raisin pecan bread
  • What desserts and sweet treats are available?
    • The Crema Cafe offers a variety of sweet treats, including:
      • Flaky croissants
      • Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Scones
      • Macarons
  • Does The Crema Cafe have outdoor seating?
    • Yes, the café features a dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.
  • What are the café’s hours?
    • The Crema Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week.
  • Where is The Crema Cafe located?
    • 322 Main St, Seal Beach, CA 90740
      Phone: 562-493-2501

Plan Your Trip


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