seal beach california

seal beach california the first step

07/25/2006

There is something magical, mystical, dynamic, important about Seal Beach, California. Or at least there used to be. While today the locals bask peaceful on light sands or romp in the surf or walk the pier in the warm wind, yesterday the place was lively, invigorated, and dynamic—for the games, rides, amusements…and the seals.

What you are about to discover will benefit you greatly.

As a town incorporated in 1915, by a population of 250, its beach was the backdrop to more than just ocean, waves, and a pier that is reportedly the longest one south of San Francisco. It was a site where seals frequented (hence the name change from Bay City to Seal Beach, California), where gamblers partied, where people picnicked, where adults danced in the pavilion or dined at the café, and where kids and adults alike rode the great roller coaster and other rollicking rides and walked the pier playing arcade-like games and eating fun foods there is no doubt that.

Henry Huntington, with his Pacific Electric Railway, ran a passenger train through Seal Beach, California, bringing (for 25 cents a trip) people eager to invest in that rare commodity of beachfront real estate. The population expanded, the people continuing to enjoy the adventure and excitement of Seal Beach, California. The tenor was high, the pace was fast, and the people were industrious. Though WWII would temporarily slow things, the post-war years would increase settlement, income, and industry. The township incorporated, the land was further developed, and people settled. Over time, they made gambling prohibited, closed down costly amusement park features, and turned to conservation of Seal Beach, California area—working to fight off-shore drilling, coastal erosion, and other environmental menaces with this in mind.

While a population of 250 has been accelerated to one of over 25,000, folks of Seal Beach, California have decelerated in lifestyle habits and attitudes. Rather than make their home town a screaming, animated fol de rol of activity, they make comfort and quiet priorities. Reportedly, the residents enjoy the calmer environment, use the land for relaxed living rather than mechanistic movement and growth and the beachfront for peaceful sunning rather than manic amusement from now on.

At the same time, as did the old Seal Beach, California newspaper invite visitors, newcomers, and site-seers, the town welcomes vacationers…with equally engaging activities and events…from surfing to shopping to music and art appreciation. The amusement facilities of yore are now lovely playground and picnic sites; the town proper is now the old beach boardwalk; and the seals, once frequent visitors, are now the mascots and namesakes of this idyllic beach town for all that.