Coastal Southern California features a unique combination of physical characteristics, climate, and hydrology that has created an unparalleled diversity of plants and wildlife. The habitats within Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge are critical for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway and support several federally and state-listed endangered species.

Since its establishment in 1972, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge has continued to protect and conserve essential habitats for many species, including those that are threatened and endangered.
Refuge closed to the public unless prior registration for the monthly tours.

Free tours of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge are offered on the last Saturday of each month. Visitors should meet outside the Navy base main gate at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is required. For details and to register, visit the Visit Us page.

Visit Us

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 may see shorebirds foraging in tidal flats, and occasionally spot a green sea turtle or the elusive light-footed Ridgway’s rail thriving in the refuge’s diverse marsh habitat.

Due to the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach’s military mission of storing and handling ordnance, the refuge is closed to the public except during special events and escorted tours held on the last Saturday of each month (excluding December).

For more details, visit the Activities section.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important stopover for migratory shorebirds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. In addition, the refuge provides a vital island of habitat within a dense urban setting, supporting a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and native plants.

      Tours

      Although public access is limited, specially arranged tours for groups of 15–20 people can occasionally be scheduled throughout the year. Please call (562) 598-1024 at least 2–3 months in advance to discuss scheduling opportunities.

      What We Do

      The purpose of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and preserve salt marsh salt marsh
      Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

      Learn more about salt marsh       and estuarine habitats that are vital for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in California.

      The Management Plan prepared in 1974 identifies two principal objectives:

      1. Preserve and manage habitat for endangered species, specifically the light-footed Ridgway’s rail and the California least tern.
      2. Protect habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds that rely on these wetlands.

      Our Species

      Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge works diligently to support and protect federally and state-listed threatened and endangered species, as well as other species of concern found within the refuge. Key species include thelight-footed Ridgway’s rail, California least tern, and Eastern Pacific green turtles.

      Get Involved

      Join us in making a difference! The Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge invite you to a help keep our community clean and protect fragile coastal habitats.