Wonderous Whales & Fin-tastic Festivals Return to Southern California
It’s that time of year for the California Gray Whale to make their annual migration from the frigid waters of the Arctic seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California. With the return of these big, beautiful whales, comes the return of Southern California whale festivities!
Southern California Whale Celebrations
Whale of a Weekend
February 26-27, 2022 [EVENT PASSED]
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Santa Monica
healthebay.org/event/whale-of-a-weekend/all
Learn interesting facts about these gentle giants at Heal the Bay Aquarium through a scavenger hunt, story time, take-home crafts, audio interactives, and short films about the gray whale’s migration habits. Visitors can feel the heft of a whale rib, check out bristly baleen, and even try on a layer of (simulated) whale blubber. Sea star feeding and shark feedings will also be presented.
Don’t forget to stop by their Wildlife Observation Station at the west end of Santa Monica Pier to spy for whales through binoculars and use field guides to identify local birds and marine life.
Dana Point Festival of Whales
March 5-6, 2022
Dana Point
festivalofwhales.com
Known as the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world, the city of Dana Point hosts their annual Festival of Whales. This behemoth event features a jam-packed schedule that includes a “Magical Migration” parade, cardboard boat building contest, car shows, diamond dig, kids fishing clinic, local artists and merchandise booths, and tons more fun.
Whale of a Day Celebration
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Rancho Palos Verdes
www.whaleofaday.com
Enjoy children’s games, crafts, inflatables, face painting, puppet shows, tours of the Interpretive Center’s museum, live music, food trucks, gorgeous view and cliff-side whale watching. Event is free to the public with free parking and free shuttle bus service.
Where to Go Whale Watching in LA & Orange County
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro
310-548-7562
Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point
(949) 415-5954
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
(888) 224-0603
Harbor Breeze Cruise
100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2 Long Beach
(562) 432-4900
LA Water Front Cruises
1150 Nagoya Way, Berth 79 San Pedro
(310) 547-9916
Newport Landing Whale Watching
309 Palm St., Ste. A, Newport Beach
(949) 675-0551
Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
(949) 496-2274
Redondo Beach Whale Watching
140 International Boardwalk Redondo Beach
(310) 372-2111
More Like This:
5 Reasons Every SoCal Kid Should Go Whale Watching
6 Things You Need to Know Before Going Whale Watching with Kids
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Alina Na
