From a wheelchair-rider’s point of view, this stretch of shoreline provides a good balance between nature and convenience. You will find long accessible beaches, pathways, piers, and opportunities to watch champion surfers and birds, to enjoy a fire on the beach at night, to visit coastal towns, and to camp.

The Pacific Coast Highway goes through the town of Seal Beach, but the turnoff (Seal Beach Boulevard) is easy to miss. But the town is well worth visiting, with its mile-long beach, long pier, and waterfront with restaurants and antique shops. Continuing south, the highway follows the shoreline again for 8.5 miles, past three contiguous public beaches: Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and Huntington State Beach. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is on the inland side of the highway.