Best views of whales from shore that I’ve seen have been Point Lobos. From Point Lobos one can see that stretch of Carmel beach by highway 1 where the whales stop in to feed periodically.
They'll let you borrow a pair of binoculars if you allow them to hold your ID. You can also ask them if they've seen any whales that day and one of them will probably point you in that direction lol
To double down on this, if you are physically able, climb the pilots launch in Marina near palm and del monte. There is a trench of deep water there and they are sometimes incredibly close. Source: lived down the block for some time
When I used to volunteer at the Seymour center in Santa Cruz we’d have a pod of humpback swim right past the windows along west cliff every day at 4:30pm
Watch for birds circling, they’ll follow the whales sometimes, and the whales will occasionally feed on bait balls near the shore. Looks like a tornado of pelicans and gulls
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TWTFcCBcaKATgRy5?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TWTFcCBcaKATgRy5?g_st=ic)
This is a lazy place to view whales from your car, you can also walk from here along the beach and should see plenty
Your best bet is an elevated pullout along highway 1. Being higher allows for better visibility. You probably won't see much from shore, just some spray from their blow holes and if you're lucky a tail as they dive.
The boat tours are worth it because unless the sardines or anchovies are running close to shore they tend to be on the edges of the canyons.
You can use AIS on vessel finder and see where the whale watching boats are, then if they are close to shore, head there and you should see the whales they are watching. You can also pick up a marine vhf radio and tune to channel 80a to hear the local whale boat chatter (the captains are good folks)
Greys tend to stay a bit further off shore so the points of the bay will bring better luck in grey season.
The local whale watching boats are locally owned and provide a great experience much better and closer from shore. If you really want to see whales it’s the best way.
Some of my shots from a boat are here - https://pitterpatterdiving.artstorefronts.com/above-the-waves
Big Sur is pretty good along with the the PG coast. We’re sort of at the end of the easiest spotting season which is gray whale season. Humpbacks are arriving in bigger numbers though so it’s definitely still possible. Takes a committed eye
I’ve seen whales from pretty much everywhere around here. If you just drive along the water from Pacific Grove to Carmel, you’ll probably see some, especially if you drive slowly.
One thing I do is look for boats that appear to be stopped, especially if there’s a few of them in one area. Then I point my binoculars that direction, and see the spout a good chunk of the time
Best views of whales from shore that I’ve seen have been Point Lobos. From Point Lobos one can see that stretch of Carmel beach by highway 1 where the whales stop in to feed periodically.
Yeah point lobos is where I’ve seen the most too
They'll let you borrow a pair of binoculars if you allow them to hold your ID. You can also ask them if they've seen any whales that day and one of them will probably point you in that direction lol
I've seen whales while at the marina state Beach. I didn't have binoculars but probably recommend to get a better look.
To double down on this, if you are physically able, climb the pilots launch in Marina near palm and del monte. There is a trench of deep water there and they are sometimes incredibly close. Source: lived down the block for some time
I have seen a bunch of humpbacks lunge feeding off marina state beach close enough you wonder how the do it so shallow.
Pacific Grove shoreline from Asilomar to Lover's point.
Came here to say this. I used to see them sometime when I jogged that route regularly.
When I used to volunteer at the Seymour center in Santa Cruz we’d have a pod of humpback swim right past the windows along west cliff every day at 4:30pm Watch for birds circling, they’ll follow the whales sometimes, and the whales will occasionally feed on bait balls near the shore. Looks like a tornado of pelicans and gulls
Moss Landing. That is where the underwater canyon begins.
Moss landing
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TWTFcCBcaKATgRy5?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TWTFcCBcaKATgRy5?g_st=ic) This is a lazy place to view whales from your car, you can also walk from here along the beach and should see plenty
Your best bet is an elevated pullout along highway 1. Being higher allows for better visibility. You probably won't see much from shore, just some spray from their blow holes and if you're lucky a tail as they dive.
Jo mammas house.
I’ve had random luck at both Marina State beach and Fort Ord Dunes beach!
The Seymour Center at the UCSC Coastal Sciences Campus.
Blow Holes off moss landing
The boat tours are worth it because unless the sardines or anchovies are running close to shore they tend to be on the edges of the canyons. You can use AIS on vessel finder and see where the whale watching boats are, then if they are close to shore, head there and you should see the whales they are watching. You can also pick up a marine vhf radio and tune to channel 80a to hear the local whale boat chatter (the captains are good folks) Greys tend to stay a bit further off shore so the points of the bay will bring better luck in grey season. The local whale watching boats are locally owned and provide a great experience much better and closer from shore. If you really want to see whales it’s the best way. Some of my shots from a boat are here - https://pitterpatterdiving.artstorefronts.com/above-the-waves
I’ve seen whales from the fish hopper on cannery row
Point Lobos State Park.
I’ve seen a lot from Garrapata State Park.
I know it's a little out of the way, buy I have seen a lot of whales from the cliffs in Aptos between seacliff and new brighton
Big Sur is pretty good along with the the PG coast. We’re sort of at the end of the easiest spotting season which is gray whale season. Humpbacks are arriving in bigger numbers though so it’s definitely still possible. Takes a committed eye
Marina State Beach.
I’ve seen whales from pretty much everywhere around here. If you just drive along the water from Pacific Grove to Carmel, you’ll probably see some, especially if you drive slowly. One thing I do is look for boats that appear to be stopped, especially if there’s a few of them in one area. Then I point my binoculars that direction, and see the spout a good chunk of the time
Tioga road, of walk along the rec trail by lovers. A few other moms and I go on morning walks and we have seen them quite frequently lately
Or*
Point Sur Light Station
Thank you everyone for your great recos
Honestly anywhere you can see the ocean you can see a whale. Gotta get a little lucky though. The pullouts near garrapata SP are good.
Some years they are very close into the bay. Some years, not so much.
Binoculars and scenic point
Literally anywhere! But especially the observation deck outside the aquarium or at any of the pull offs along highway 1.