Orange County’s 42-mile coastline arches to the southeast like a sliver of moon, from San Gabriel River and Seal Beach in the north to San Clemente and San Diego County in the south. During winter months, the California gray whale, as part of its spectacular journey along the coast of North America from summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to its winter habitat in the lagoons of Baja, California, can be readily spotted within a few miles of the coast. Most boisterous—and most entertaining to watch—is the migration south in January, when mature bulls and breeding cows cruise California waters. Their splashy mating behavior, which often includes “breaching,” or leaping up out of the

Practically Speaking

Most other excursion boats leave from Newport Beach, Dana Point, and other coastal locales. Expect to pay at least $15 for a one-hour tour. The Birch Aquarium weekend voyages depart from Point Loma and Mission Bay during winter; call (615-534-3474). Also note: Dana Point’s popular Festival of the Whales, complete with film festival, street fair, and concert series, is held over several consecutive weekends from mid-February into early March.