About Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1972, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect vital coastal habitats for rare and endangered species.This refuge was created to help the endangered California least tern and light-footed Ridgway’s rail survive, and to provide safe resting and feeding areas for migrating ducks, shorebirds, and other water birds.Covering 965 acres inside the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, the refuge preserves one of the last remaining salt marshes in the Anaheim Bay estuary. It’s a critical stopover and winter home for thousands of birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway each year.Despite being surrounded by a busy urban area, the refuge is a haven for wildlife. Here you might see peregrine falcons, ospreys, green sea turtles, and even marine life like smooth-hound sharks and stingrays. Butterflies such as monarchs and painted ladies flutter through the marsh, alongside countless tiny aquatic creatures.
How to Get There
Get on I-5 South from your location.Merge onto I-605 South toward Seal Beach.Take Exit 1B for Seal Beach Blvd.Turn left onto Seal Beach Blvd.Continue straight; the Naval Weapons Station main gate will be on your right at 800 Seal Beach Blvd. Park in the visitor area near the gate for refuge tours.Approx. Distance: ~30 milesEstimated Time: 35–45 minutes (depending on traffic)Take I-5 North toward Los Angeles.Merge onto I-405 North toward Long Beach.Take Exit 22 for Seal Beach Blvd.Turn right onto Seal Beach Blvd.Continue straight to the Naval Weapons Station main gate at 800 Seal Beach Blvd. Park in the visitor area near the gate for refuge tours.Approx. Distance: ~95 milesEstimated Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (traffic varies)
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1605) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge?
Get on I-5 South from your location.Merge onto I-605 South toward Seal Beach.Take Exit 1B for Seal Beach Blvd.Turn left onto Seal Beach Blvd.Continue straight; the Naval Weapons Station main gate will be on your right at 800 Seal Beach Blvd. Park in the visitor area near the gate for refuge tours.Approx. Distance: ~30 milesEstimated Time: 35–45 minutes (depending on traffic)Take I-5 North toward L…
How do I contact Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 562-598-1024.
References & Official Resources
