Mendocino County Whale Festivals Photo

Mendocino County Whale Festivals

Mar 1 - 31, 2024

It's a Whale of a Good Time

Each and every March, coastal Mendocino County celebrates the migration of gray whales. Fun for locals and visitors alike, you'll find wine walks, foot races, beer tastings, interactive science demonstrations, even a Bloody Mary competition – all to celebrate the most majestic of marine mammals. Check out the numerous events and activities for the whole family and enjoy a whale of good time! 

Mendocino Whale Fest
Back by popular demand, the Mendocino Whale Fest is where you want to be the first weekend in March. Check out the Wine Walk through the village – whether by foot or by MCT Trolley! Stroll the Mendocino Headlands and make sure you stop by the Gray Whale Migration Station – otherwise known as Ford House Museum.

Little River Whale Fest
MendoParks offers guided walkabouts around Spring Ranch, where unobstructed views of prime whale watching can be had…and seen even better through binoculars provided prior to the tour. Then head to Little River for the annual Battle of the Bloody Marys – it's a tough gig, but someone's got to do it!

Fort Bragg Whale Fest
The 36th annual Whale Run is happening once again. This race includes a 10K, 5K, 5K Fun Walk and a Kiddie Run – all along the coastal trail in Fort Bragg. Afterwards, take a jaunt through downtown Fort Bragg for the Wine Walk and Craft Fair…or head to historic Eagles Hall for the Rotary Beer Fest. The Noyo Center and MendoParks have interactive activities and walks – it's a whale of a good time for the whole family!

Whale Watching
During the Whale Festivals, sign up for a whale watching excursion - there are numerous charter boats that run out of Noyo Harbor.  You can also sign up for fishing and crabbing trips. Check out The Whale Trail - an organization that lists designated whale watching sites and paths, which include a few spots on the North Coast - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, MacKerricher State Park and Noyo Center for Marine Science.

Mar 1 - 31