Seal Beach, California

Welcomes you for a day, a week or a lifetime.

The roaring 20’s were really roaring in Seal Beach, California. Their gambling, booze, and beaches acted as a magnet attracting tourists to this little ocean-side village. The famous Joy Zone was set along the pier with the Jewel City Cafe, Derby roller coaster, beaches, and other diversions. At the end of the pier (where Ruby’s Restaurant is now), a large synthesizer presented a blazing, flashing light show to set the mood. Sophie Tucker and other celebrities acted as judges at the Big Band dance contests. Tourists rented as many as 1,000 bathing suits a day, and 190,000 people visited Seal Beach each week. What was the reason for Seal Beaches’ popularity? It was the only place where liquor could be served. During these early years, seals or sea lions frequented the people’s yards, beaches, and ocean. Sometimes they even got in the way of bathers.

Changing throughout the years, today Seal Beach is a contrast to its past! We feel soft breezes from the ocean, walk along the quaint, historic old town Main Street, see the beautiful shoreline from the second longest pier in California, and enjoy a laid back, small town atmosphere.

by Sandy Zimmerman, Travel Writer