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Orange County: Where the Whales Are
Winter can be one of the best times to visit the California coast because it gives you a chance to see an additional natural phenomenon: whale migration. For millions of years, gray whales have migrated on a 6,000-mile trek from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska down the coast to their winter breeding grounds in Mexico. That migration has bred a whole other tourist attraction: whale watching.
Naturally, the whales love Orange County (doesn't everyone?). And one of the best spots to see them is off the coast of Dana Point, where about 50 whales pass each day. Some scientists believe that the Dana Point Headlands are a navigational landmark for whales, so they come closer to shore here than at other spots along the coast. Each year, about 20,000 people come to Dana Point-named for 19th century author Richard Henry Dana--to set sail in search of the whales. The Annual Festival of Whales at Dana Point Harbor celebrates this yearly wonder with whale watching cruises, a parade, street fair, sand sculpture contest, tide pool tours and educational programs on marine life. Of course, there's plenty of food and shopping to be had as well! This year, that festival will take place on March 8-9 and March 15-16. Local boat operators run the whale-watching tours through the whole migratory season, but the festival gives people a chance to celebrate the whales from the land or sea! Most ocean-bound cruises last about two hours-and most are successful in spotting at least one whale along the way. But even those that don't are frequently entertained by the inquisitive and friendly bottlenose dolphins that frolic and play near many of the cruise boats. It's a truly unique and enjoyable experience. Those who prefer to stay firmly planted on land need not be left behind, however. Besides the art shows, arts and crafts programs and other activities of the festival, the new Ocean Institute is nearby in the Harbor. Here you can tour a replica of Richard Henry Dana's tallship brig, Pilgrim, which is anchored at the harbor, see the institute's exhibits and tide pools or stroll the native plant preserve. Dana Point Harbor and marina adjoin the popular Doheny State Beach, where camping is allowed and surfers often prevail. Nearby, you can choose from hotels and motels to fit almost any pocketbook. And the Dana Point Harbor Village-reminiscent of a New England fishing village-offers plenty of dining and shopping. Fishing charters depart from the marina, and there's plenty of park area to stroll as well. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Where the Whales Are in Orange County is owned by Sandi Cain. Permission to republish Where the Whales Are in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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