One of Orange County's sleepiest seaside communities, Seal Beach is a quiet, unpretentious town that's often overlooked in favor of its flashier neighbors, Long Beach and Huntington Beach.
And that's too bad, because Seal Beach has a unique 1950s-style charm that shouldn't be missed.
Dating back to 1906, Seal Beach Pier anchors quaint Main Street, which is peppered with tidy art galleries, music stores and cafés. We loved browsing the imported Italian cheeses, sausages and homemade canolis at Angelo's Italian Deli (133 Main Street; 562-431-1113) and admiring the vintage ukeleles inside Seal Beach Music (118 Main Street; 562-430-0594). At Main Street Cyclery (317 Main Street; 562-430-3903), you can pick up a sweet Beach Cruiser from Phat Cycles.
In addition to unique Seal Beach shopping, Main Street has some really cool independent Seal Beach restaurants. Check out Walt's Wharf, famous for its oak-grilled artichokes, fresh fish and oysters; the Kinda Lahaina Broiler, which serves up big breakfasts with ocean views; and O'Malley's on Main, a Seal Beach bar and Irish restaurant that never fails to draw crowds.
Another Seal Beach restaurant worth visiting is Mahé (1400 PCH; 562-431-3022), a Japanese sushi bar and steakhouse in the historic Glide'er Inn. Serving up creative specialties like Cody's Nachos (spicy sautéed scallops and shrimp over wonton chips) and Tropical Salmon Wraps (filled with salmon, crab, mango avocado and pineapple), this restaurant has several loyal fans, including actress Sandra Bullock.
For a bit of 1950s nostalgia, there's a Ruby's Diner at the end of Seal Beach Pier.
If you're planning to stay the weekend, there are several Seal Beach hotels to choose from, ranging from chains like Ayres and Hampton Inn, to independent boutique properties like The Pacific Inn (600 Marina Drive; 562-493-7501). This Seal Beach inn is about as close as you'll get to the waterfront, and it's pet friendly. Free Continental breakfasts are included with your stay.
Kinda Lahaina Broiler serves up hearty breakfasts in a quaint and casual setting. Photo by Veronica Hill.
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Another cool attraction is the Bay Theatre (340 Main Street; 562-431-9988), which dates back to 1947. Now home to independent and silent film screenings, this funky one-screen theater was Steven Speilberg's favorite spot to view foreign films during the 1960s.
Other points of interest include the Seal Beach Navy Weapons Station, which stores ammunition for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the USA Water Polo National Aquatic Center, where you can watch future Olympians swim and train.
Just don't leave without catching a wave. M&M Surf School (714-846-7873) offers Seal Beach surfing lessons and surf camps throughout the year, and the price includes use of a surfboard and wetsuit. If you're in the market to buy a new surfboard, or just need a few surfing supplies, Harbour Surfboards (329 Main Street; 562-430-5614) and Alternative Surf (330 Main Street; 562-431-1010) offer a nice selection of gear.
If you venture out on your own, be aware that a large stingray population resides at Ray Bay, located in the warm ocean waters just outside the San Gabriel River.
Click here for the latest Seal Beach weather, Seal Beach Surf Report and Seal Beach map.
For more information about Seal Beach, including a complete list of Seal Beach city businesses and Seal Beach events, visit the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce at 201 8th Street; 562-799-0179.