The Grey Whales journey begins in the frigid waters of the Chukchi and Bering Seas. 1211 S. Main St. | Fort Bragg, CA 95437. Or stay on land and visit Point Cabrillo Light Station with its grandstand view of the annual gray whale migration. Catch a Canoe and Bicycle Too! 785 Iversen Ave., Point Arena CA 95468 (707) 882-3171. The California coast experiences a massive migration of gray whales from late winter to spring each year, as the gentle giants chug 12, 000 miles between Arctic feeding grounds and Mexican breeding waters.
Another more active way to enjoy the experience is via rail bike. Hotels in Fort Bragg, CA. In addition, I will also be providing some super handy tips on the best time to go whale watching along the California Coast, what you need to bring for your very first whale watching tour in California and everything else you need to be mindful of when on a whale watching tour. Orcas (Killer Whales): In recent years, these beautiful predators have been spotted off the Mendocino Coast. Andrew Molera State Park: This park offers visitors some of the best hiking trails in Big Sur and a breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Where to Eat in Fort Bragg, CA. Whale Festival Attractions Through Out The Month: -Whale Watching Charter Boat Tours. Looks for birds along the route! Starting in February and March, the whales migrate back north to Alaska with their newborn calves. The whales then pass by again in their greatest numbers in March.
I love this pair of Sperry's waterproof boots and swear by them. Around mid to late fall, the whales begin their incredible 5000 mile journey south to Baja California. If anyone tends to get seasick, pill medications or motion patches are recommended. " Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 23, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Mark Carwardine / Barcroft Media / Getty Images Each winter, an estimated 20, 000 gray whales travel the 6, 000 miles from the chilly waters of Alaska to the balmy bays of Mexico. Elaine Tavelli, a resident of Fort Bragg, was on the coastal trail when down below she noticed the carcass of what clearly is a humpback whale. As consumers, we need to be more mindful of the kind of tour we are choosing so that our whale watching experience is the least disruptive and not harmful towards the whales who call the ocean their home. Visit the vegetable garden and orchard, where staff and volunteers grow fruits and vegetables for donation to the local food bank. Big Sur lodge (where I stayed twice during my trip to Big Sur) advises visitors to meet at the vista point on Highway 1 at mile marker 37 just north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Located along beautiful California Highway 1, Fort Bragg is famous for its Glass Beach, actually a series of three beaches, that feature colorful rounded bits of glass.
WHALE WATCHING TOURS IN BAY AREA: HALF MOON BAY. Here are the details: DAVENPORT. And for the more adventurous folks, the Outdoor Adventure Club offers guided whale watching kayak tours out of Davenport Landing, located about 90 minutes south of San Francisco. This center is one of the several that you'll see along the coast where you can learn about the different kinds of whales, their feeding and breeding behavior and their migratory patterns. Because of large numbers of whales traveling past Dana Point, this town has been designated as the " Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®" and has been recognized by the World Cetacean Alliance as a Certified Whale Heritage Site, the very first location and the only in America to get this distinction. This spacious cottage is 1, 000 square feet and is located close to MacKerricher State Park. Hike the coastal bluffs trail for beautiful water views. The spring migration of the California Gray Whale has these marine mammals putting on quite a show from the bluffs of the Gardens over the past couple of weeks. If you love nature and serenity, plan a trip to Fort Bragg! Fort Bragg Whale Festival @Airbnb. There are benches to sit and enjoy the view. Trails through coastal bluffs are ideal for whale watching. The Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. Your visits to wineries will afford opportunities for barrel and reserve tasting, behind-the-scene tours, discussions with the winemakers, and discounted case pricing.
Again, your best bet to spot them is to join one of the many whale watching tours in Monterey. The migration occurs very close to shore, making the gray whale one of the easiest whales to observe from our coast. The Best Whale Watching Viewing Points From Land. You can park at one end of the wooden trestle bridge, at the parking lot off MacKerricher Road, and then walk the bridge and back. It's a fun activity for kids and adults alike, and a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. "Spring is the best time to watch the whales here, " says a staffer at the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce. This boat can hold up to 25 fishermen and 30 passengers for Whale Watching, Bay and Sunset Cruises. Southeast of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, you will find pastoral Anderson Valley, Mendocino County's wine country, with family-run wineries and a laid-back tasting experience. Mar 14, 23 10:44 AM.
Visit the Noyo Marine Science Center for more information on marine mammals off the Mendocino Coast! The Skunk (officially the California Western Railroad) has been in operation since 1885, ferrying goods and people through the beautiful redwoods route. So, what are you waiting for? The docks, rolls of rope, boats, and the bustle all make for the quintessential seaport scene. The Sonoma coast is an excellent spot for gray whale watching from the bluffs of the Sonoma Coast County Park that stretches along the coast for 17 miles.