Coast to Coast: The Best Places in the U.S. for Whale Watching

Encounter Giants of the Sea

To catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals is to witness the mysteries of the sea. As elusive as it is intriguing, whale watching is a thrilling excursion that will turn into a dinner table tale for years to come. Find the ideal place to rest your head and store your binoculars in between chasing giants with these top U.S. destinations for whale watching.

Best Places for Whale Watching in Washington

Known for its rainy days and wild terrain, Washington is also one of the best places to spot Orcas, Humpback, and Minke whales. Whales are a migratory species that keep closer to the Pacific coast during the summer months. Peak season is considered mid-June through early September, so plan your stay accordingly!

Visit San Juan Islands

There are few locales more magnificent than San Juan Islands to cross a whale sighting off your bucket list. In fact, it’s considered a year-round activity on the islands. An increase in salmon conservation has made the food supply for Orcas and Humpbacks stronger than in years past and transformed whale-watching opportunities from rare to frequent. Resident islanders often keep close watch on the local pods through social media, making it easy for visitors to stay up-to-date with these giant neighbors.
 

Stay at Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites

Close to downtown and just steps from the Friday Harbor ferry, this historic bed and breakfast offers Pacific Northwest hospitality at its finest. Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites’ concierge is at the ready to connect you with one of their outfitter partners and help plan your adventure. You’ll also be close to the local Whale Museum, so don’t forget to stop by to brush up on your education between sightings.

Visit Port Angeles

In this cozy seaside Washington town just two hours north of Seattle, visitors will stumble upon one of the top vantage points for whale encounters in the country. Choose to charter a trip or simply head out to Crescent Bay for a stroll through Salt Creek Recreation Area. Keep your eyes peeled across the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a potential Gray whale sighting. This important passageway links the Pacific Ocean to the Salish Sea and is home to whales, porpoises, otters, and more.

Stay at Colette’s Bed and Breakfast

Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, guests of Colette’s Bed and Breakfast might just catch a spray of water from a whale passing by as they savor a gourmet breakfast. Catch a half-day tour with Puget Sound Express to check Humpbacks off your whale-watching log or schedule a three-hour cruise with Orca Spirit Adventures for the chance to spot the magnificent Orca, all conveniently located just minutes from Colette’s.

Best Places for Whale Watching in Oregon

Just south of the Evergreen State awaits another PNW gem with 10 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in its waters. Though these captivating creatures can pop up almost anywhere, Orgeon’s best whale-watching destinations are along the central coast. Twice a year, around 18,000 Gray whales migrate South toward their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico passing close to the Oregon coast. Witness this marvel and catch these mammals heading South from mid-December through January. If you’re looking forward to visiting in the warmer months, you might be lucky enough to see the slower northward migration of mothers and their calves in May.

Visit Depoe Bay

Whale watching season in Depoe Bay, Oregon starts with surge swims near the end of March and continues as late as mid-November. Although wild animals are generally unpredictable, patterns suggest whales are most active in the morning and late afternoon during their feeding times. Not an early riser? Don’t worry, during peak season the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center reports consistently seeing between five and 15 whales per day! 
 

Stay at Whale Cove Inn

What’s in a name? Plan your whale-watching getaway on the rugged Oregon coast at Whale Cove Inn. This luxury boutique hotel is perched high above the pristine Whale Cove, a spectacular spot for spotting whales and sunsets alike. Each guest is provided with a pair of binoculars to aid them in their search for waterspouts. Due to its abundance of cetacean activity, whale watching is free and easily accessible in Depoe Bay. If you’re ready to get a closer look and set sail with a charter, Whale Cove Inn has plenty of recommendations—including what to pack in case of a rainy day.

Stay at Channel House

Indulge in the comforts of a first-class hotel with the congeniality of a small country inn at Channel House. Perched on an oceanfront bluff with sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, guests have the opportunity to spot whales from the comfort of their luxurious rooms. For visitors looking to explore the commotion of the ocean even further, Depoe Bay offers many top-rated charters.

Best Places for Whale Watching in California

The California Pacific coastline is vast and varied when it comes to whale watching. When is the whale watching season in California? It all depends on the types of whales and the destination. From the great Gray whale migration to Humpback whales, Blue whales, and Orcas, the seasonal traffic on the high seas is always jammed. You can find a coastal spot almost any time of year to whale watch, but there are a few locations that might give you the upper hand. Monterey Bay Canyon offers a one-mile-deep canyon that provides a unique habitat for migrating whales—and spotting them. Make your way to sunny Southern California year-round for a whale of an adventure. Prime destinations include San Diego, Dana Point, Los Angeles, and the Channel Islands.

Visit Mendocino, CA

North of bustling San Francisco lies Mendocino, California offering high vantage points along the coastline to spot whales on a calm morning. Mix your outdoor activities and plan a shoreline hike in Mendocino Headlands State Park or visit the historic Point Arena Lighthouse. Follow the Whale Trail to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a 47-acre garden nestled along the coast edge. The start of the season varies from species to species, but generally Humpback, Gray and Blue whales can all be seen between April and November. If you want to stop in and celebrate the start of the season early, be sure to add the Mendocino Whale Festival to your itinerary in March.
 

Stay at The Inn at Newport Ranch

Perched on more than a mile of private coastal bluffs, The Inn at Newport Ranch is the ultimate Pacific coast experience. Here, the Mendocino Coast and the Redwoods meet luxury, bespoke architecture, and refined service. Book a spring or fall stay for a chance to see whales passing through from this California beachfront bed and breakfast.

Stay at Noyo Harbor Inn

Rugged coastlines, hidden coves, crystal waters—what more could you need? At Noyo Harbor Inn guests are situated above the riverbank with the sweeping forest as the backdrop. Close to all the best of Mendocino, this luxury historic retreat is the perfect place to find solitude after a day on the water searching for whales—or the perfect place to start your next adventure.

Best Places for Whale Watching in Massachusetts

The New England whale watching season lasts from April to October, making Massachusetts a perfect summer destination to add to your list. Renowned as one of the best places to go whale watching, visitors might spot Humpback, Fin, Minke, Sei, Blue, Sperm, and Northern Right whales if they're lucky. The Humpback whales are most frequently spotted likely due to their acrobatic acts and tolerance for charter boats hoping for a show. 

Visit Cape Cod, MA

With peak migration occurring from June through September, Cape Cod visitors should be sure to add the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to their list of must-see whale-watching destinations. Located at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, this sanctuary is dedicated to marine life conservation and is widely renowned as one of the best places for whale watching in Cape Cod. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary spans 682 square miles of water, providing a rich feeding ground that attracts a significant portion of the global whale population. To explore this marine haven, a vessel is essential! Alternatively, visitors can set sail for the “tip” in Provincetown, also home to many passerby whales. Make the most of your excursion with Dolphin Fleet, a local charter that has partnered with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies to provide naturalists for each trip. We’ll let you in on a little secret, where to see whales in Cape Cod is easy if you book a stay during the right time of year. Deciding where to stay? That is the real challenge.

Stay at Captain’s House Inn

This charming and historic 1839 sea captain’s estate is the perfect place to stay for a romantic Cape Cod getaway. This Four-Diamond bed and breakfast is ideally located in Chatham, Massachusetts, making it a cozy home base for all your day trips from Provincetown to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and anywhere in between.

Captain’s House Inn  

Stay at Captain Freeman Inn of Cape Cod

Make your way to Brewster, Massachusetts and book a stay at this award-winning boutique inn. The Captain Freeman Inn of Cape Cod is perched within walking distance to Breakwater Beach and offers everything from a gourmet three-course breakfast to luxurious seaside guest rooms.

Captain Freeman Inn of Cape Cod  

 

Stay at Seven Street Inn Bed & Breakfast

A quintessential New England escape wouldn’t be complete without a Nantucket stay at Seven Sea Street Inn Bed & Breakfast. Tucked into the serene, tree-lined side streets north of Main Street guests will find warm hospitality and exceptional comfort that only a classic B&B can offer. Originally known as the “Whaling Capital of the World” in the 1830s and 40s, Nantucket has everything you need to catch sight of a whale including the island’s oldest sailing charter, Endeavor.

Seven Street Inn Bed & Breakfast  

Stay at The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn

Escape to this hidden, adults-only gem on Cape Cod at The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn. Centrally located, this luxurious retreat is close to all the best beaches, trails, shopping and more in West Harwich, Massachusetts. Overlap your whale-watching trip with The Harwich Cranberry Festival in September and celebrate the town’s heritage.

The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn  
 

Stay at The Inn at Cape Cod

Find your oasis of tranquility wrapped in the comfort of The Inn at Cape Cod in the pristine sea village Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. This boutique inn is nestled on two acres of private grounds bordering a nature reserve. Just 10 minutes from this charming home away from home, guests can book a one, two or 4-hour excursion from Barnstable Harbor.

The Inn at Cape Cod  
 

Stay at Palmer House Inn

For a charming, seaside stay, there’s no better place on Cape Cod than Palmer House Inn. This enchanting Victorian bed and breakfast is just a short walk to quaint shops, restaurants, and more—including whale-watching cruises. Charter an excursion with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and return to the comforts of this quintessential New England escape.

Palmer House Inn  
 

Stay at The Inn on Main

Built between 1790 and 1810 by E.W. Crocker, this historical escape is pet-friendly and full of New England charm. Located on the Old King’s Highway in Yarmouth Port, The Inn on Main is close to shops, galleries, fine dining and all the Cape has in store—whale watching chief among them. 

The Inn on Main
 

Stay at Old Manse Inn

Delight awaits you at the Old Manse Inn in Brewster, Massachusetts. From luxurious rooms, each with a private bath, to multi-course gourmet breakfast served daily and just a short stroll to beaches, shopping and more, this Cape Cod bed and breakfast has it all.

Old Manse Inn
 

Stay at Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod

Dating back to 1790, this elegant bed and breakfast is steeped in New England history and luxury. Candleberry Inn offers the quintessential East Coast village experience, complete with a multi-course gourmet breakfast, nearby beaches, rich history, and Cape Cod’s renowned whale-watching opportunities. 

Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod  

Stay at The Captain’s Manor Inn

Designed with Southern flair, the craftsmanship, lush lawns and close proximity to Main Street make this Falmouth, Massachusetts retreat the perfect destination for a New England getaway. At The Captain’s Manor Inn, guests can relax in complete elegance after a day of exploring Cape Cod. Stay close to your New England bed and breakfast and hop on a whale-watching tour with Captain John Boats in Plymouth guided by knowledgeable naturalists.

The Captain’s Manor Inn  
 

Best Places for Whale Watching in Maine

It’s hard to know if Maine or Massachusetts is better for whale watching, but why not have both? Much like its New England neighbor, the Maine whale watching season spans from April to October with peak season in the summer months. Familiar species to the Maine coast include Humpback, Pilot, Minke, and the enormous Finback whale which can grow up to 80 feet in length. Occasional visitors (and sightings) may include both Sei and Right whales. Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Eastport are among the best places for whale watching in Maine, though the entire coast frequently earns a sighting or two.

Visit Kennebunkport, ME

One of New England’s most popular tourist destinations, this charming coastal stop is brimming with history and adventure. Dock Square offers many opportunities for boating adventures including whale-watching tours. You can even charter a boat to take you to Jeffrey's Ledge—17 miles off-shore and your best bet to spot whales.
 

Stay at 1802 House Bed and Breakfast Inn

Modern hospitality meets traditional charm at this authentic bed and breakfast tucked away in Kennebunkport, Maine. Indulge in colonial comforts and modern amenities amidst the towering pines of this coastal town. Book a sailing tour on Schooner Eleanor or make your way to Dock Square to find your ideal whale-watching charter, just a short 15-minute walk from the 1802 House Bed and Breakfast. 

1802 House Bed and Breakfast Inn  
 

Stay at The Inn at English Meadows

History meets modernity in a tranquil village setting at The Inn at English Meadows. Lovely rolling lawns, English-style gardens and luxurious guest rooms and suites await along the southern Maine coastline at this picturesque Kennebunkport Inn. Just a short walk from Dock Square, the whale-watching opportunities are endless. Enjoy whale watching or scenic lobster cruises aboard Nick’s Chance with First Chance Whale Watch. Or, bet on New England Eco Adventures' 97% whale sighting success rate. Guests who don’t spot a whale will instead be offered a lifetime pass to join their tours until a whale sighting has been checked off their sight-seeing list!