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9 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Pacific Coast Highway at Huntington Beach offers long coastal vistas, surfers, beachgoers, piers and dramatic sunsets—ideal for seascapes, roadside compositions and lifestyle surf shots. Best at sunrise for soft light or at golden hour/sunset for vivid skies. Accessible by car, bike or on foot; parking is limited on weekends—arrive early or use nearby public lots. No entry fees; tap into local surf culture and pier scenes for candid portraits and action shots.
Coastal saltmarsh and restoration habitat with wildflowers, migratory birds, oil-well silhouettes and reflective channels — excellent for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Access is limited; call ahead or join the Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust/Audubon guided walks (first Saturday 8:00 AM). Best light: golden hour and early morning bird activity. Parking along Pacific Coast Hwy; some areas normally off-limits. Respect restoration signs and indigenous cultural significance.
Long sandy shore, iconic pier, mellow surf and a quaint Main Street make Seal Beach ideal for classic coastal scenes, pier silhouettes, surf action and lifestyle street shots. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and reflections; sunsets can be dramatic from the pier. Beach is public with free access; paid parking lots and metered street parking near Main Street. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Mild year-round climate; bring wind protection in winter.
Small coastal refuge on an active Naval Base preserving tidal marsh, an inlet and waterfowl habitat. Photograph abundant waterfowl, reflections in calm inlet, and the quiet memorial. Public access is limited — tours run typically the last Saturday of the month and must be scheduled in advance; other visits are prohibited. Best light is early morning for bird activity and golden hour for warm reflections. Expect easy walking paths, limited on-base parking, and respectful behavior near memorials.
Small fenced beachfront playground at the foot of Seal Beach Pier with classic pier lines, sandy sandbox shaped like a seal, benches and easy beach access. Photographers can combine playground candids, family portraits, pier-leading-lines and coastal seascapes; the pier end is good for wildlife (dolphins/whales) sightings. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and fewer people; weekdays and early mornings are quiet. On-site parking nearby, public restrooms close, wheelchair-accessible at
Small gum (eucalyptus) grove and dirt-trail loop along Los Cerritos Wetlands offering intimate woodland scenes, wildflower carpets in spring, birdlife, frogs and lizards. Best at golden hour or after rains for green/wildflower contrast. Trails are flat but mostly unshaded; parking on residential streets or small lot at westerly entrance. Open dusk–dawn, dogs on leash; no restrooms. Expect occasional plane noise and nearby urban sounds.
Small beachfront park overlooking Seal Beach and the pier — ideal for coastal panoramas, pier silhouettes, people-and-ocean scenes, and low-tide textures. Easy access with street parking (limited), restrooms, and dog-friendly lawns. Best at sunrise or golden-hour sunset for warm light and fewer crowds; weekdays are quieter. Seasonal live music and nearby cafes add candid street-style opportunities.
Photograph the restored 1925 Pacific Electric “Red Car” carriage — strong colors, vintage signage and wood textures make compelling subjects. Best at golden hour or overcast for even skinless light. Museum is small and often closed; confirm hours before visiting. No wheelchair ramp; parking is limited paid lot. Combine shots of the car with surrounding Seal Beach streetscape to capture local history and coastal town character.
Small coastal scrub park with two short parallel trails offering shaded dirt paths, sunlit gravel stretches and native plants — good for intimate nature studies, textures, and bird/macro shots. Very short walks (under 15 min end-to-end), no facilities. Park near Seal Beach admin building; limited street parking. Best at golden hour or morning for soft light and fewer walkers; weekdays are quieter. Leashed dogs allowed; terrain is uneven in places.