At the very western edge of Orange County, Seal Beach meets the Pacific Ocean. Much of Seal Beach is public land, including the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge and “the base” aka Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. The small community is known for its casual, laid-back vibe and strong community spirit. Nestled between the Alamitos Bay Marina and Sunset Beach (part of Huntington Beach), Seal Beach is one of Southern California’s hidden gems.
Originally called “Anaheim Landing,” Seal Beach was once the site of a large amusement park and a popular tourist destination. The same casual, sun-drenched SoCal vibe continues today with classic car shows, summer concerts, and the Lions Club Fish Fry, one of the biggest events of its type in Southern California. These community gatherings are the source of Seal Beach‘s nickname: “Mayberry by the Sea.”
Homes in Seal Beach include the first of two “Leisure World” 55+ communities built in Southern California in the 1960s. Seal Beach’s Old Town has a casual, “home-town” atmosphere that some other coastal communities in Los Angeles and Orange County lack. Oceanfront homes on the Gold Coast range from simple beach cottages to Craftsman homes dating from the 1930s. Homes in the Old Town are comprised primarily of lovingly restored and maintained homes from the 1920s and 30s to new construction and architecturally-distinct masterpieces. Discerning homebuyers may find that prices for oceanfront properties in Seal Beach are less than adjacent beach communities in Los Angeles and Orange County. The Surfside Colony offers private, gated access to its own beach, while the public beach offers pristine white sand and clean water year-round.
