Did you know that the best time to spot whales in Northern California is from November through February? Not to mention, it’s fun and pretty magical to escape to the coast during the winter months. These are some of the best places to go whale watching in the coming months. Definitely budget time to explore this seaside destinations while you are there, however!

One of the best places in Northern California to hire a charter boat to view whales is in Mendocino County.
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Not all visitors get as lucky as this gal, but there's always a chance you'll get to see a whale close up.
The Mendocino Headlands State Park is a great place to spot whales.
Wikimedia/Daderot
It's a beautiful area with lots of trails and amazing views, so even if you don't spot a whale you won't be disappointed.
Mendocino County even has its own Whale Festivals that take place every year in March.
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Stop by one of these fun community events and sip wine and eat chowder by the sea.
Further north is Patrick's Point State Park, another place where whales are known to pass by each winter.
Flickr/ Kirt Edblom
This park is located in Humboldt County and features the wild flowers, dramatic cliffs, and jaw dropping views the north coast is known for.

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If you are dead set on seeing a whale, take a tour from one of the many companies located up and down the North Coast.
Wikimedia/NightThree
It's a great way to see another side of the state in addition to catching a glimpse of these remarkable animals.
The Point Arena Light House, also located in Mendocino is another great place to get out, stretch your legs, and keep an eye out for a whale or two out in the Pacific.
Wikimedia/Frank Schulenburg
The lighthouse also features a gift shop and walking trails, so it's a fun destination. Fun trivia: the movie Forever Young starring Mel Gibson was filmed here!
Bodega Head is another great coastal lookout that brings you closer to the whales and other marine life.
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Bodega Head is a peninsula with very interesting geology located just north of Point Reyes.
Fort Ross is yet another great whale watching location. The historic state park here is fun to explore, as well.
Wikimedia/ User:Introvert
Most of the buildings here are replicas, but there are a few original structure from the days when the Russian-American Company landed here in 1812.
Salt Point is another really amazing place to take in the coastal views and keep an eye out for whales.
Wikimedia/paulhami on Flickr
This 6,000 acre park is also located in Sonoma County.

Whales in Northern California are definitely tricky to spot, but the good news is that these wonderful places to view them are so fun to visit they would be worth a trip regardless! Have you seen a whale in Northern California? Where was it?

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