Whether by land or by sea, San Diego is one of California’s best spots for whale watching. Every year, thousands of whales migrate along the coast, offering unforgettable sightings just off the shore. From the thrill of spotting a spout on the horizon to witnessing a breaching giant up close, whale watching is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with nature.
Whale Watching by Land
With just a pair of binoculars, you can spot whales from the high bluffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography—both in La Jolla, about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. These elevated coastal viewpoints offer sweeping views of the Pacific and are excellent for observing gray whales during their winter migration. At Birch Aquarium, visitors can also explore exhibits on marine life and current oceanographic research, making it a great place to learn about the very whales you might see offshore.
Farther south, Cabrillo National Monument offers another stellar land-based whale-watching location. Perched on the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, the monument’s Whale Watch Lookout Point sits 420 feet above the waves and provides sweeping, uninterrupted views ideal for spotting migrating whales. Visit in the winter months—especially from mid-December through March—for your best chance at seeing gray whales heading to Baja California. Bring a thermos, find a seat on one of the stone benches, and scan the horizon for spouts, flukes, and the occasional breach. Interpretive signs and ranger talks add helpful context, making this a rewarding stop for both first-time visitors and seasoned nature lovers.
Whale Watching by Sea
For a closer view, sign up for a whale-watching cruise. A 3-hour trip with San Diego Whale Watch comes with a guarantee—if you don’t see either a whale or a dolphin, you can go out again for free on another day; the same policy is in place at Flagship Whale Watching Cruises. H&M Landing offers local gray-whale tours from December through March; in summer, join an H&M landing journey to the Coronado Islands, a protected marine sanctuary just southwest of San Diego in Mexican waters, to spot blue whales, elephant seals, and orcas too.
City Cruises has what is perhaps the best option if you are unaccustomed to being on a boat—its yachts are some of the biggest and most stable in the business, and they offer cruises as short as three and a half hours. And thanks to their partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum, you can enjoy narration from experts as you search for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. If you don't see a whale, they provide a voucher so you can return another day and try again.
Thanks to its Tohmei anti-rolling gyro boat stabilizers, The Peregrine—the vessel you’ll board if you book a tour with Wild Pacific Whale Watch—is also a good option for those who have yet to find their sea legs. Tours are from 3 to 3.5 hours long, and are available all year long.
All whale-watching cruises depart from San Diego Harbor, just a few blocks from the USS Midway Museum.