This time each year, Californians can expect to see whales migrating from Alaska to Mexico along the California coastline. Therese are the top places to watch whales (and when) in Northern California, according to Visit California.
Mendocino
From November through April, Mendocino is a great place to see California gray whales spouting, breaching, and diving. The best time to see them is from high vantage points on calm mornings. Try coastal trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park and at Point Arena Lighthouse. Get closer by booking the whale-watching charter or rent kayaks.
San Francisco
From December through February, head to Point Reyes National Seashore. Experts say that 94% of migrating Pacific gray whales pass within one mile of the peninsula, about 27 miles north of SF. You can also see them from the headlands in Montara and Half Moon Bay, or hop on a cruise from Pier 39.
Santa Cruz
Gray, blue, and humpback whales can be viewed from Santa Cruz by charter or guided kayak paddles. Head up to Davenport to see whales and other aquatic life from Hole in the Wall and Panther Beach. Dolphins, sea otters, and seals can be observed year-round here, too.
Monterey County
This area is ideal for viewing whales and other marine mammals due to the cold, mile-deep submarine canyon offshore. Whale-watching tours of this area depart from Fisherman's Warf, or you can take a guided kayak tour off Moss Landing. View whales from land by stopping at high points along the Big Sir Coast on Highway 1.
For whale-watching locations in Southern California, go here.
