Did you know that…

Seal Beach hosted the first surfing competition on the continental United States in 1914?
During Prohibition government agents called Seal Beach “the wettest spot on the coast”
In 1917, Seal Beach had the largest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast! (OK, it actually didn’t, but that’s what they advertised!)

You can learn all about this and other intriguing facts about Seal Beach’s unique and colorful history by taking our Main Street History Tour.

Main Street Guided Walking Tours

The Seal Beach Historic Resources Foundation offers guided tours of Old Town Seal Beach on the second Saturday of each month (from May-September).

The 60-90 minute walking tour on city sidewalks brings to life the development of “Mayberry by the Sea.” It’s a new way to experience Seal Beach — and a perfect chance to spend the afternoon enjoying all that Old Town Seal Beach has to offer.

The walk covers 6 city blocks, on flat terrain. All ages and abilities are welcome, as are pets on leash. The tour is free. Of course, if you can help the foundation with a small donation, we won’t object.

Registration is required (limit 16 people). All tours leave promptly at 1:00 P.M. from the Seal Beach Clock Tower at the foot of the Seal Beach Pier. Check-in begins at 12:45. There is plenty of street parking available with a two-hour maximum, and there is also a paid parking lot below the Seal Beach Pier which can be accessed at 8^th St. and Ocean Ave.

Please use the form below to register.

2025 Main Street Walking Tour Dates

May 10 – Cancelled
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 26 (Special Founders Day Halloween Ghost Tour)

Registration

Registration and tickets required. Please use the following this form below to sign up and reserve your spot on the tour. Tour will be canceled if not enough participants register.

Main Street Guided Walking Tour FAQ

What time does the tour begin? The tour departs at 1 pm. Check in begins at 12:45 pm at the Seal Beach Clock Tower at the pier

Where do the tours begin and end? The tours begin at the Clock Tower at the Pier at the foot of Main Street and ends at O’Malley’s on Main pub..

Where do the tours go? After leaving the Pier we walk to Main St. and continue on Main St. to City Hall. Occasionally we cross the street to get a better view of a historic building. All the historic sites presented on the tours are on Main St., with a few exceptions.

How long are the tours? The tours last 60-90 minutes. They involve walking approximately 6 city blocks.

Is registration required? Yes. Click above to register. Hurry, there is a limit of 16 registrations per tour.

Are there any fees for the tours? The tour is free. This includes a free informational tour booklet with photos of historic buildings.

Where should I park? There is plenty of street parking available with a two-hour maximum, but there is a paid parking lot below the pier which can be accesed at 8th and Ocena.

Are there any places to rest along the way? There are a number of sidewalk benches at stops on the tour.

Are the tours handicapped accessible? Yes, the tours take place on city sidewalks.

Is it hard to hear the docents on city streets? Although there is noise from the streets, the docents are equipped with portable microphones that are very effective.

Is there any age limit for the tours? People of all ages are welcome on the tours.

Can I bring my pet on a tour? It is necessary to limit the tours to service animals only.

Should I plan to go on more than one tour? You are welcome to come on as many tours as you like. However, at this time, there is only one itinerary.

What if I have a group of 10 or more people who want to go on a tour together? It is best to arrange for a separate tour for a group of 10 or more people. These can be scheduled at any time that is mutually convenient for the tour group and the guides. Contact Leigh Sentenac by email at LSentenac@verizon.net or call her at 480-600-5973.

For more information about the Old Town Seal Beach Walking Tours – contact Leigh Sentenac by email at LSentenac@verizon.net or call her at 480-600-5973.

Self-Guided Main Street Tour

We will also soon be offering a Self-Guided Main Street Walking Tour (which will be ready by June 2025). The self-guided audio that uses cellphones to showcase the stories and images of Anaheim Landing, the Pier and Joy Zone, rum-runners and gambling ships, the town’s surf culture, great food and even a little scoop on the town’s bawdy bordellos.

Stay tuned here for more info!