Best Bird Watching Area Long Beach Near Me

4worldlovers: Coastal southern California includes a unique combination of physical features, climate, and hydrology that have resulted in a diversity of plants and wildlife unlike any other region in North America. The habitats in Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge are essential for migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway and support federally and state listed endangered species. Since the establishment of Seal Beach NWR in 1972, the refuge has continued to protect and conserve essential habitats for many species including those that are threatened and endangered.

Located in the northwest corner of Orange County this refuge protects a remnant of what was once a vast wetland complex. During monthly tours, visitors can expect to see shorebirds darting from one foraging area to another within the tidal flats. The occasional green sea turtle and light-footed Ridgway’s rail thrive within the Refuge’s diverse marsh complex offering a rare appearance.


Because of NWSSB’s military mission of storing and handling ordnance (munitions), the Refuge is closed to the public except during special events and escorted tours held on the last Saturday of each month (excluding December). View the Activities section for more information.


C/O U.S. Naval Weapons Station 800 Seal Beach Boulevard, Building 226 Seal Beach, CA 90740-5607


Established in 1972, the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important stopover point for migratory shorebirds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. The refuge also serves as an island of habitat in the midst of a dense urban setting for a wide variety of fish, wildlife and plants.


Although limited, occasionally specially arranged tours for groups of 15-20 people can be conducted on the Refuge throughout the year. Please contact the Refuge manager 2-3 months in advance for scheduling opportunities.


The purpose for Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and preserve a salt marsh


And estuarine habitat valuable for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in the State of California. The Management Plan prepared in 1974 includes two principal objectives of the Refuge: 1) preservation and management of habitat necessary for the perpetuation of two endangered species, the light-footed Ridgway’s rail and the California least tern; and 2) preservation of habitat used by migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.

4worldlovers:
This ecological reserve is adjacent to or shares marine habitat with a Marine Protected Area (MPA). For the public use regulations for MPAs, see Section 632, Title 14, CCR.

Each parking lot connects to a 4-mile network of public hiking trails, including scenic overlooks. Please note that due to active oil and gas production by California Resources Corporation, a portion of the reserve is closed to public access.

4worldlovers:
North side of Shoreline Dr. (Shoreline Village Dr. and Linden Ave.)

Open space area landscapes the front of buildings and provides an area for special events or a leisurely stroll along the water.

Located north of Shoreline Drive, between Shoreline Village Drive and Linden Avenue, this park is the remnant of Rainbow Lagoon by Auditorium Park before the lagoon was filled for the Long Beach Arena. Rainbow Lagoon is designed in a traditional Japanese style with two connected islands and surrounding park with high arched "rainbow bridges." The area is turf, with accenting trees. The Hyatt Hotel built its pool deck to the Lagoon edge. Rainbow Lagoon is filled with seawater, and maintained at park level, above sea level, through pumps. The pumps and tide gates were replaced in 2004.

The new Swan Boats by Wheel Fun Rentals at Rainbow Lagoon Park are the hottest, one-of-a-kind outdoor activity in Downtown Long Beach. Float across the glistening water as you take in the spectacular views of downtown Long Beach, The Pike Ferris Wheel, and Shoreline Village. You can't miss the opportunity to take a selfie in these retro-chic swan boats! Whether you're looking for a healthy way to spend time with your family, an impressive (and romantic!) date night idea, or a unique Long Beach activity before or after your cruise, there's an experience waiting for everyone at Wheel Fun Rentals Rainbow Lagoon! We offer illuminated swan boat night rides after the sunsets! The last rental goes out 1 hour before closing.