Seal Beach occupies the westernmost corner of Orange County, California, where the county meets the Los Angeles County line and the Pacific shoreline curves toward Long Beach. With a population of roughly 25,200, it is one of the county's smaller coastal cities, known for a Main Street that is among the last small-town downtowns on the Southern California coast. The city grew from a beach resort era in the early 1900s — including a colorful run of offshore gambling ships during the late 1920s and 1930s — into a quiet, largely residential community. Two anchors define Seal Beach's character. The Seal Beach Pier, one of the longest wooden piers in the state, extends into the Pacific and serves as the town's visual and recreational centerpiece. Just inland and along the water, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, commissioned in 1944 as a World War II ammunition and net depot, remains an active Navy installation and a significant local employer. Its presence limits development along a stretch of the coast, preserving a buffer of open space next to the city. Seal Beach appeals to a mix of longtime residents, families, and retirees drawn to its walkable Old Town, mild climate, and strong local schools. The city adjoins Leisure World, a large age-restricted community, and sits within easy reach of Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and the broader Los Angeles-Orange County region. The result is a coastal city that feels more like a small town than most of its neighbors, with a pier and Main Street that anchor daily life.