You’re going to fall in love with beautiful Seal Beach. It’s a small beachside community nestled between Huntington Beach and Long Beach located at the highest northern point of gorgeous Orange County. This charming city is known for its picturesque beaches, the San Gabriel River to the north and Anaheim Bay to the south. As you can imagine, the water sports in the Seal Beach area are out of this world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Seal Beach Pier, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of seals, dolphins, surfers and mountains. Seal Beach’s location gives you quick access to a number of wonderful towns and cities and vacation rentals near Seal Beach will give you an up close and personal experience without the commute. Here are 11 of the best places to seek vacation rentals near Seal Beach.
1. Huntington Beach
Located just a 20-minute drive south of Seal Beach is Huntington Beach. It’s one of the best places in the area to look for waterfront vacation rentals, as the clean beaches with sugar-white sand and crystalline water are the biggest attraction. Surfing is a way of life in Huntington Beach, but there are plenty of other activities available, including boating, fishing, snorkeling, whale-watching, swimmin, and virtually any other water sport you could imagine. Huntington Dog Beach is the perfect place to spend the day with your canine companion. Take a relaxing walk down scenic Huntington Beach Pier, and then grab a bite to eat at Ruby’s Diner when you reach the end.
2. Long Beach
Seal Beach’s northern neighbor, Long Beach is a wonderful place for vacationers of all ages. It’s a welcoming coastal city that’s pure SoCal. Explore over 11,000 species of fascinating aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Pacific, located right on the bay. Enjoy breathtaking views of the area on a helicopter tour. The Queen Mary, a restored historic World War II ocean liner, has tours, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants in a completely unique setting. While you’re in Long Beach, take an hour-long cruise on the world-class Catalina Express to Catalina Island for an adventure.
3. Newport Beach
Just a few minutes south of Huntington Beach, you’ll find Newport Beach. This delightfully upscale seaside city has plenty of luxurious vacation rentals available, but they tend to be a bit cheaper than the more costly Laguna Beach Rentals nearby. While you’re in Newport Beach, you have to visit Balboa Pier at least once. It’s a great spot for people-watching, photographing the spectacular views, or fishing for mackerel and flounder. If you get hungry, the pier has a Ruby’s Diner location — an Orange County favorite. Spend a day with the family hiking or bicycling through over 1,000 acres of gorgeous nature at the Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.
4. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a quick drive south from Seal Beach. If you want premium, luxury accommodations, look for vacation rentals in Laguna Beach. While the cost may be a bit higher than other areas, you get what you pay for. The area is known for its exceptionally clean and serene beaches, but there are plenty of other reasons to stay in Laguna Beach. Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with the stunning natural beauty at both Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park — two ideal hiking or bicycling locations. Of course, Laguna Beach also boasts plenty of fine dining restaurants, world-class shops, outstanding art galleries, and enthralling entertainment venues.
5. Garden Grove
Garden Grove is known for its thriving plant life, including fantastic local produce such as oranges, strawberries, and walnuts. If you’re staying in Garden Grove, be sure to choose a house with a nice kitchen so you can prepare a feast with delicious local ingredients. It’s a great place to stay if you have kids, as it’s a safe and welcoming community with a variety of family-friendly attractions. Beat the heat at the Atlantis Play Center water park. The Crystal Cathedral is Garden Grove’s most iconic building, and it’s a must-see while you’re visiting. Check the calendar at Festival Amphitheater. The local actors are famous for their Shakespeare performances, but the venue also hosts other performances including music, plays, and dance.
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6. Anaheim
Anaheim is a fantastic city that’s one of Orange County’s most popular vacation cities, and for good reason: Disneyland! The magical theme park attracts millions of visitors every year, and it’s the ultimate vacation spot for families. Staying in Anaheim gives you fast and easy access to the park, as well as all of the other wonderful neighborhoods, towns, and cities in O.C. Besides Disneyland, Anaheim is minutes from a dazzling array of family-friendly vacation destinations, including Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, and Adventure City.
7. Hollywood
The beauty of Seal Beach is that it gives you quick access to the countless O.C. hot spots, but you can also get to Los Angeles in no time, and of course, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in L.A.! Hollywood is the most popular vacation destination in the Los Angeles area, due largely in part to the film industry. Where else can you spot your favorite celebrity’s name on the Walk of Fame, then possibly spot them eating lunch? Be sure to catch a movie at the world-famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and take a visit to Universal Studios, a must-visit for anyone who appreciates movies and thrilling rides.
8. Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is one of Los Angeles County’s three beach cities. It’s a fantastic area for vacation rentals if you want to be able to drive conveniently between both the Los Angeles and the Orange County areas. The classic sunny SoCal beaches are always a hit, and be sure to take a walk along the pier browsing over 50 restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Bring the kids to Seaside Lagoon, a fun little water park surrounded by sand, to cool off.
9. Fullerton
Fullerton is a relaxed city with a great family-friendly vibe. Rent a boat, and take in the beautiful Laguna Lake Park by water, or explore the landscape by a horse. If you’re not quite feeling so adventurous, pack a lunch and enjoy relaxing in the laid-back picnic area. The Fullerton Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must-visit Fullerton spot, featuring more than 4,000 types of fascinating plants, and plenty of paths for hiking or biking. Fullerton is known for its excellent restaurants, as well as vibrant arts and music scenes, so be sure to explore the downtown area.
10. Manhattan Beach
Another one of Los Angeles County’s beach cities, Manhattan Beach is one of the best areas for fishing, or just for lounging in the sun. The Manhattan Beach Pier is the oldest concrete pier on the West Coast, and it’s also home to the Roundhouse Aquarium, a free aquarium that’s great for visitors of all ages. The clean, well-maintained beach itself is a hidden jewel, and it’s surrounded by fun shops, eateries, and entertainment. If you want to give the kids an extra treat, bring them to AdventurePlex, an exciting indoor play structure that’s sure to wear them out before bed!
11. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a Los Angeles neighborhood that attracts countless visitors, as well as L.A. residents. If possible, try to find a vacation rental near Ocean Front Walk. It’s right by the water, loaded with awesome restaurants and shops, and is one of the best places for people-watching you’ll ever encounter. If you visit during peak season in the summer, you’ll be treated to a wide range of one-of-a-kind characters and performers, including fortune tellers, tarot card readers, muscle men, musicians and many other unforgettable people. When you want to do something a little more laid-back, hop on a boat and explore the tranquil man-made canals inspired by Venice, Italy.
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