Top Places to See When Driving From Anaheim, California to Seal Beach, California

California is one of the most scenic states in the country, with a variety of natural and man-made attractions. Driving from Anaheim, located in Orange County, to Seal Beach, which is situated in the western part of Los Angeles County, offers a great opportunity to explore this area's beauty. This stretch of nearly 20 miles takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County. In this blog post, we will share some of the top places to see when driving from Anaheim, California, to Seal Beach, California, that you should not miss.

Stopping at Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland

If you are traveling to Anaheim, then it is almost impossible not to visit Disneyland. This magical place has been a must-visit destination for over 60 years, and its popularity has not waned. The park is divided into two main areas: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland still has some of the original attractions that were built in 1955, such as the Main Street USA, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. However, it also has newer attractions, like the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which features the Millennium Falcon ride.

Disney California Adventure Park, a second theme park located nearby, is also an integral part of the Disneyland Resort. It has themed areas like Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and Hollywood Land, along with many other exciting rides and attractions.

Exploring the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, located just north of Huntington Beach in Orange County, is a great stop for nature lovers. This stunning 1,200-acre reserve is home to over 200 bird species, including the endangered California Least Tern and the endangered Western Snowy Plover. This reserve is also home to many mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Visitors can hike, bike, and explore the reserve's many trails, cross the bridges over the wetlands, explore the interactive interpretive center, and enjoy the many scenic views. It is a great place to stop and take in the natural beauty of the Orange County coastline.

Visiting the Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street

Huntington Beach, located just 9 miles south of Anaheim, is a perfect example of the quintessential southern California beach town. Its wide, sandy beaches attract surfers, volleyball players, and sunbathers from around the world.

The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is the centerpiece of the town, stretching almost 2,000 ft. into the Pacific Ocean. It is a great spot to take in stunning views of the ocean and the coastline. Visitors can also stroll down Main Street, which features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is an excellent spot to grab lunch or dinner while enjoying the town's lively ambiance.

Walking Through the Seal Beach Pier and Wildlife Refuge

Seal Beach, located at the border of Orange County and Los Angeles County, is a charming town that forms the final part of this drive. The Seal Beach Pier, which is just over 1,800 ft. long, is a great place to take in scenic views and watch the sunset.

The Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, which is located at the southern end of the pier, is also worth a visit. This 965-acre wetlands reserve is home to many species of birds, including the endangered Western Snowy Plover, which nests along the beach here.

Exploring the Queen Mary in Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a former ocean liner that has been restored and turned into a museum and hotel. It is an excellent place to explore maritime history, with exhibits on World War II, the Art Deco era, and the ship's towering engine room.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining on the ship, with restaurants that offer a range of cuisine and a Tea Room that serves traditional English tea. It is a great place to take a break and explore the ship's history before ending your drive in Seal Beach.

Conclusion

This article covered some of the must-see places in southern California when driving from Anaheim to Seal Beach. From Disneyland and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, there is no shortage of exciting places to visit. Exploring the natural beauty of southern California and experiencing its vibrant towns and cities makes this drive an unforgettable experience.