3 must-see Northern California whale festivals in 2023

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. Correspondingly, California experiences an upsurge in whale festivals, with chowder and wine tastings and plenty of opportunities for whale-watching. Here are some great cetacean fests scheduled for 2023:

Mendocino Whale Festival: March 4, 11, 18, 25

After a pandemic hiatus, the Mendocino party is back with events scheduled for every weekend in March. Past fests have included art exhibits, wine and coffee tastings throughout the historic town of Mendocino, and whale spotting at the Mendocino Headlands State Park and also atop the Point Cabrillo Light Station.

“Spring is the best time to watch the whales here,” says a staffer at the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce. “They have their babies with them. They’re going slower, because they’re showing them the route, and staying close to the coast because they want to stay safe away from predators.”

Details: mendocinocoast.com/whale-home

Whalefest Monterey: March 18 and 19

This delightful coastal city toasts whales each year with a fest that ropes in marine historians and experts, educational exhibits, boat displays and parades with shark and squid costumes. It all happens right off the diverse Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. For those who want to get out on the water, several local outfits offer whale-watching tours with opportunities to spot orcas and dolphins.

Details: whalefest.org

Whale and Jazz Festival Series: late April to early May (tentative)

All right, so this fest is more about live jazz music. But the fest’s name comes from the Gualala area’s reputation as a supreme spot for observing whales. Just up Highway 1 are two fantastic locations on the Pacific Coast’s Whale Trail (yes, that exists): Pelican Bluffs, with ideal ocean vantage points, and the Point Arena Light Station with high-up views of humpbacks, killer whales and gray whales that swim so close you can sometimes hear them spout.

Details: gualalaarts.org