Whale Watching in San Diego

It’s no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature’s ultimate spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing short of breathtaking and should be included when you travel to San Diego. The coastline of San Diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja (California), where females also give birth.

Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to any other mammal, you’ll notice that the gray whale by far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.

If you’ve never experienced whale watching, you’ll be happy to know that anyone will find it memorable – young or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is something that is truly a memorable moment, making you stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome mammals.

If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you’ll find that gray whales are seen most frequently from December through March. While they travel in dozens normally, it’s nothing to see pods of them (2 – 3) as they travel during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego, you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat slow swimmers.

During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring out this pattern makes the success of watching them all the more fun and exciting.

While there are many common places to watch whales, such as on a Newport beach vacation nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals. From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the traveling gray whales.

The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as they make their travels.

Whether it’s a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your friends. Whale watching can definately be exciting, all you have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.

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Posted: April 3rd, 2009 under San Diego Beaches, Travel To San Diego.
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Travel To San Diego – Coronado Island

If you ask anyone in California where the best beaches are, they’ll tell you they’re at Coronado Island in San Diego. Travel to San Diego and find out for yourself why they feel that statement is so true. Linked to the downtown area of San Diego, connected by the Island Bay Bridge is Coronado Island. It’s also the home to the SEAL’s training center as well as the Naval Air Station Coronado, a military powerhouse.

The Coronado Beach is located here as well, along the Travel Channel. Just north of the beach, you will find the Great Weekend Getaway Beach. No matter when you go, even in the summer months, Coronado Beach is never crowded. You and your family will have plenty of room to enjoy the best beaches that California has to offer.

Don’t want to drive over to the island. then take a ferry to The Ferry Landing. The Ferry Landing is also a great addition to what the island has to offer. The marketplace has over thirty shops, restaurants and art galleries. Walk around and take in the view or just take visit to the Tidelands Park. There are some great places to walk or take a bike ride with an awesome view of San Diego’s skyline. If you find yourself there on a Tuesday, you can stop by the farmer’s market.

If you want to see some beautiful landmarks, Coronado is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. A Victorian style seaside hotel that was built in 1888. The hotel has been hosted by some famous people like Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. You will receive some of the best service in California hen you’re at the Coronado. One of the best restaurants is also located in the hotel. This world class hotel is visited by thousands each year because it’s that good.

If you’re one of the many people who love to take a guided tour of the area, you can do so at Glorietta Bay Inn. There are tours several times a week that will show everything that the area has to offer. If you rather not drive, you can let someone else do so by taking a pedicab tour.

If you want to get to the Island, you take the Coronado Bay Bridge off of I-5. You can also catch a ferry in San Diego that runs hourly from 9am-10pm. From there it’s only a little over a mile to the Hotel Del Coronado.

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Posted: December 29th, 2008 under San Diego Beaches, Travel To San Diego.
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