There are a lot of great reasons to visit the city of San Diego, but whale watching is probably the most unique. While there are other great attractions like the zoo and annual conventions, the unique beauty of the whale migrations in this area provoke wonder and draw in crowds regardless of the other events in the city. If you’re looking to see whales from land, here are a few great places to go hiking.
1. Torrey Pines Reserve
With one of the best hikes in San Diego year-round, the trails that provide an ocean view at Torrey Pines are a great place to see blue whales during migration season. The whales tend to stay out at sea a bit, so you’re probably going to want to pack field glasses of some kind to get the best view. Photographers will want a variety of high zoom options for their perfect set, to adapt to that day’s traffic pattern. For whales that move closer to land, the views are fantastic.
2. Cabrillo Tide Pools
Tourists love that San Diego whale watching is pretty good wherever you can get a clear view out to sea, and the tide pools provide that view. They also provide a bunch of other features and sights to see. Not only can you catch the whales in motion from the shore, but you can also take the opportunity to check out the local marine life up close.
3. Beach Trail Loop
Check out Razor Point while you’re on the Beach Trail Loop near downtown to see an amazing view of the ocean that provides the vantage you need to get the most out of your zoom lens. Enjoy the sun and sea air, and park yourself wherever you see the migration. It’s near other attractions, easy to walk, and one of the best places to see gray whales from land.
4. Bayside Trail
Another great choice for its downtown proximity and oceanside views of gray whale migrations is the Bayside Trail. Like the Beach Trail Loop, it is easy for beginners and provides a lot of choices for the perfect vantage point, allowing you to move with the whales. To learn more about whales in the San Diego area, check out these fun facts about gray whales.
5. Ho Chi Minh Trail
This trail doesn’t always provide a view of the ocean, but if you look for the right places on your hike, you’ll have a few opportunities for some really great vantage points. You can do some whale watching from there, but you might have to keep moving to find the next spot. Of course, the best view is always a close one, which is why whale watching tours are so popular.
Tour guides provide detailed information about the species migrating during the season you visit as well as a closer look at whale behavior and some of the best opportunities for photography you’ll find while you are here. Check out tour options today to learn more about tour lengths and trip costs.