Seal Beach is known for more than just its pristine mile of white sandy beaches. The city’s location provides easy access to all that Southern California has to offer, both culturally and recreationally. Anaheim Landing at Seal Beach Boulevard and Electric Avenue is listed as a State Historic Landmark. The Landing was the port of entry for the Santa Ana Valley, bringing traders to Orange County’s original settlement in Anaheim. Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Movieland Wax Museum, and Medieval Times are a short drive inland from Seal Beach.

Nearby Orange County beach towns include Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Newport Beach, where shopping, adventure eating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, and shell collecting are popular activities. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach showcases sea life from the area. Live performances of every type can be seen at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater and South Coast Repertoire. The world-class restaurants and small craft harbor in Newport Beach, the annual surfing championships in Huntington Beach and the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa are just a few of the local attractions within minutes of Seal Beach.

The city of Seal Beach offers a wide range of facilities to suit residents of all ages and interests. Shopping is varied and available in many places, including the Bay City Center, Shore Village Center and Rossmoor Shopping Center. Another favorite place to spend some money is on Main Street in Old Town. The city is also home to two libraries and McGaugh Elementary School, which is part of the award-winning Los Alamitos district. The Old Ranch Country Club features a private 18-hole course as well as a practice center that is open to the public.

Many institutions of higher learning are located near Seal Beach. Local colleges and universities include University of California Irvine, Cal State Fullerton and Chapman College. There are numerous community colleges in the area, including Orange Coast and Golden West.