
Whale Watching in Sonoma County: Bodega Head & Beyond
The annual north-to-south gray whale migration along Sonoma County's coast peaks during the winter months, with good opportunities for whale spotting.
There's something about seeing one of these beautiful and massive creatures gliding through the ocean that brings out a sense of wonder in spectators. You'll see tiny tots and regal elders alike shouting with excitement: "Look, a whale!" or "It's spouting!" People seem willing to wait endlessly to catch even a far-off glimpse of a whale, and the sight of one close to shore can easily make your day.
If you're visiting during the winter whale migration, here are some of the best parks for whale watching in Sonoma County.
Bodega Head is part of the 17-mile-long Sonoma Coast State Park, where many beaches offer tidal pools, hiking trails, and awesome views. All the park's beaches are great destinations for a picnic, too; you can relax on the sand, enjoying lunch and the day, while keeping an eye out for the traveling creatures.
Get your Sonoma Coast State Park map or brochure.Â
Gualala Point Regional Park, Gualala
Marked by five large ceremonial posts crafted on-site by wood carvers from northeastern Russia during the 2014 Days of Sakha Cultural Festival, Gualala Point Regional Park is an oceanfront park nestled between the Gualala River and Mendocino County. The park's expansive beaches, prolific estuaries, 2.9 miles of trails, and stunning vistas make it a haven for hikers, beachcombers, birders, and, of course, whale watchers. During the winter season, Gualala's towering coastal bluffs provide an ideal vantage point for the annual whale migration. Pack a picnic, hike up the winding unpaved paths, and relax as you take in the unparalleled views overlooking dramatic cliffs.
Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner
The coastal town of Jenner is a must-visit for outdoor and nature enthusiasts; and Stillwater Cove Regional Park is one of its crown jewels. Known for sweeping ocean panoramas and incredible sunsets, the park has become a top spot for whale watching in Sonoma County. Stillwater offers more than 3 miles of hiking trails along the Sonoma coastline, including the Stillwater Bluff Trail, located just north of the cove, which winds up along the rocky shore, ending with an inspiring view of the Pacific. During whale migration season, this trail is a great lookout point. The park also a large campground and features a crescent-shaped beach, making it a favored tide-pooling location.
Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner
Salt Point State Park, Jenner
Just 8 miles north of Fort Ross Historic Park sits Salt Point State Park. The park's 6,000 acres encompass two campgrounds, 20 miles of hiking trails, and more than 6 miles of rocky coastline — ideal for day of whale watching. There are several trails leading directly to viewing points on the cliffs towering over the Pacific Ocean, most of which have picnic tables and facilities, making the park a great place to spend the whole day viewing the whale migration as well as other wildlife, like soaring birds and jumping dolphins.Â
Also within the park lies one of the world's greatest wonders — pygmy forests. It's within these forests that you'll find redwood, pine, and cypress trees that are fully mature but miniature in size thanks to the unique ecology of the area. A hike along the 3.8-mile, two-hour Pygmy Forest Trail is the best to experience these natural wonders.
Learn more about Salt Point State Park's Pygmy Forest.
Book a Whale-Watching Tour
If you're keen to get out on the cool Pacific waters, we recommend booking a whale-watching boat trip with one of the local tour providers in and around Bodega Bay. This is a fantastic way to get up-close and personal with the magical mammals. These experience companies, including Bodega Bay Sport Fishing Center, Fish On Charters, and North Bay Charters, have been guiding people along the Sonoma County coastline for decades, so expect to get insider information on whale migration as well as facts on other local wildlife and the history of the area.Â
Find more boat charters and tours in Bodega Bay.
Looking for more activities and attractions along the coast in Sonoma County? Check out this list of 10 Fun Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast.
Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.