The ultimate guide to whale watching in California

The West Coast of the US is the best place in the country to go whale watching. And few locales offer more opportunities to spot these majestic mammals than California’s 840 miles of pristine coastline.

Not only is the scenery great, but the region’s submarine canyons, nutrient-rich waters, and huge fish and krill populations make California both a playground and buffet for gray whales, humpbacks, minkes — and even the massive blue whale. However, some spots are better for spotting whales than others. Fortunately, this guide points you to the very best locations for whale watching in California.

Why is whale watching popular in California?

California is a particularly fine destination for whale watching as its coastline happens to be right along the main migratory route for various whale species. Think of the California coast as a superhighway for gray whales, humpbacks, minkes, and fins.

What is the history of whale watching in California?

California was slightly ahead of the curve in offering whale-watching experiences. Official tours first started popping up in San Diego in the 1950s, earlier than almost anywhere else on the planet. Back then, the goal was to observe migrating gray whales in their natural habitat.

Today, you can find whale-watching tours in most cities and coastal towns in California.

When is the best time to go whale watching in California?

It’s possible to spot whales throughout the year in California. That said, different species appear at different times. The most famous of all is the gray whale. These whales migrate during the winter from Alaska down to Mexico, passing California from December to April. Humpback whales can often be seen performing for the crowds with tail flaps from April to November. The best chance to spot the blue whale — the largest mammal in the world — is during summer in California (from June to September).

The best places to go whale watching in California

1. Monterey Bay

The deep ocean canyons in Monterey Bay, particularly the Monterey Canyon, play a significant role in attracting a variety of whale species to this area. These canyons offer not only shelter but bring nutrient-rich waters closer to the surface, creating ideal feeding grounds for whales.

Boat tours leave just north of town at Moss Landing. If you want to enjoy sightings from land, nearby sites like Point Lobos State Reserve and Lovers Point are ideal spots.

Best time to visit

The deep ocean canyons just offshore attract plenty of humpback whales to this coast, from April to November.

2. Santa Barbara Channel

A bit further south of Monterey Bay lies Santa Barbara. Just offshore is a group of islands protected as a national park. Though they are beautiful, the real treasure lies between them and the mainland in the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, which attracts an abundance of marine life.

Best time to visit

Humpback whales are common sights from March to November, and gray whales migrate both north (March to May) and south (December to February) along this waterway. Also, if you want the best chance of spotting blue whales, come here between June and September.

3. San Diego

California’s southernmost major city is a great place to embark on a whale-watching trip, as boat tours conveniently leave from the downtown harbor toward prime sighting areas like La Jolla and Point Loma. You can also spot whales from land at the Cabrillo National Monument, located at the southern end of Point Loma.

Best time to visit

Head out on the water from December to April and you can spot gray whales cruising down to Mexico and the warmer waters of Baja California.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore

Head just north of San Francisco and turn left from the quiet residential area of Marin County, and you’ll reach Point Reyes. This protected headland is home to dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches.

The two best whale-watching spots are located at the southernmost tip of the headland: Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock. From either one, you can observe gray whales traveling in pods before setting off down the Chimney Rock trail.

Best time to visit

This is one of the best land-based locales to view gray whales from December to April, as well as humpbacks and blue whales during the summer months.

5. Dana Point

The beaches of Orange County not only offer great surf conditions, but the area is informally known as the “dolphin and whale watching capital of the world.”

It’s hard to argue, as year-round you can spot various whale species. Leave from the harbor on a boat tour, or stake out a spot at the Dana Point Headlands for land-based viewing.

Best time to visit

You are more likely to spot gray whales from December to April, and blue whales from May to October.