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There’s two-hour free parking along Main St but you may have a difficult time finding a spot in summer. You might have to park inland, or pay $3 per two hours or $6 for a day at the lots by the pier. The beach is open from 4:30am to 10pm.

Activities

Rent a bicycle at the Pacific Inn, two blocks from Main St, for $15 per hour or $50 per day. Learn to surf with M&M Surfing School ( 714-846-7873; www.mmsurfingschool.com), which offers five-day long surf intensives for about $240; it also leads single-day instruction for $60 to $80, which includes rental of the board and wet suit. Or you can just rent a soft (foam) board for $25 per day. One fast-growing sport – due to the area’s thermal winds – is kitesurfing. A two-day $440 introductory lesson from Kitesurfari ( 562-596-6451, 866-949-5483; www.kitesurfari.com; 452 Pacific Coast Hwy) should give you a sufficient taste of this great activity in the three hours each day.

Festivals & Events

Kite enthusiasts should visit in September for the annual Japan America Kite Festival (www.kiteclub.org) featuring world champion kite flyers and kite ballet.

Sleeping

There are no budget accommodations in Seal Beach; head inland and south along Pacific Coast Hwy (generally called PCH) toward Huntington Beach.

Pacific Inn ( 562-493-7501, 866-466-0300; www.pacificinn-sb.com; 600 Marina Dr; r $149-169; wi-fi) The only motel near town that’s within walking distance of the beach (two blocks) has rooms with extras such as down comforters and comfy mattresses. The property could use a little TLC, but free high-speed wireless access, a sunny central pool and $1 draft happy hours at a nearby pub – there’s a flyer in the room – make up for tired surroundings.

Eating

Nick’s Deli ( 562-598-5072; 223 Main St; mains under $6; 7am-7pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm Sat, 7am-4pm Sun) Don’t be fooled by the extensive hand-scrawled menu hanging over the counter at Nick’s, a local’s joint where traditional deli fare is served alongside Mexican specialties. The crowds flock here for one thing: the scrumptious breakfast tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, bacon, potatoes and cheese. Don’t miss it.

Crema Cafe ( 562-493-2501; 322 Main St; mains under $9; 6:30am-4pm Tue-Sun) Service can be harried at this breezy, open-air café, but all is forgiven after a bite of their ‘basic’ French crepe covered with powdered sugar, whipped crème and caramel sauce. Add strawberries or bananas for an extra splash of flavor. For those in a hurry, the muffins are fab too.

Ruby’s ( 562-431-7829; 900a Ocean Ave; most mains under $10; 7am-10pm, 7am-9pm winter;) At the end of the pier, this red-and-white ’50s-theme diner whips up pretty good burgers and shakes and a great clam chowder. The ocean views are fantastic too.

Taco Surf ( 562-594-0600; 115 Main St; mains under $10; 11am-9:30pm) There’s sawdust on the floor, beach music on the speakers and hot sauce on the table at this Baja-style Mexican cantina that serves yummy fish tacos and homemade salsa. There’s beer and wine margaritas, but no tequila.

Mahe ( 562-431-3022; 1400 Pacific Coast Hwy; mains $8-42; 5-10pm Mon-Sat, 4-10pm Sun, cocktail lounge until late) Raw-fish fans gather barside for the $25 all-you-can-eat sushi-fest offered daily between 5pm and 6pm. The surfboard-chic of Mahe’s front room is great for beach-weary families looking for a sit-down meal, although scoping singles may prefer mingling in the rockin’ back room.

Walt’s Wharf ( 562-598-4433; 201 Main St; mains lunch $7.50-21, dinner $12-40) Everybody’s favorite for fresh fish (some drive in from LA), Walt’s packs them in on weekends. You can’t make reservations but it’s worth the wait for the oak fire–grilled seafood and steaks. Don’t be overwhelmed by the long menu – the knowledgeable waitstaff are happy to share their expertise. There’s a huge selection of wines by the glass. If you can’t wait for a table, eat at the bar.

Drinking & Entertainment

Bogart’s Coffeehouse ( 562-431-2226; 905 Ocean Ave; 6am-9pm Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm Sat & Sun; wi-fi) Sip espresso on