It's Whale Watching Season in California-This Small Town on the Central Coast Is the Best Place to See Them

"The sight of Morro Rock has greeted countless visitors to this part of California's Central Coast for centuries, from the European explorers who came to the area enticed by its calm waters, to the modern-day surfers who ride the swells that break outside the bay. Morro Bay was once a bustling port city that primarily dealt in the shipment of dairy and beef from the local ranches in the area."

"A variety of native animals, such as sea lions, otters, and seabirds, call Morro Bay home, and it's also in the migratory path of one of California's most beloved ocean dwellers: humpback whales. These gentle giants like to feed in the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Morro Bay, particularly in the late summer. "We have gray whales in the winter and spring, and humpbacks from the spring through fall," says Dakota Osborne,"

Morro Bay centers on the 576-foot Morro Rock landmark and offers scenic coastal views and beach access. The town evolved from a busy port shipping local dairy and beef to a tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and hotels along the Embarcadero. Sea lions, otters, and seabirds inhabit the bay, and the area lies on whale migration routes. Gray whales appear in winter and spring, while humpbacks feed nearby from spring through fall. Local guides recommend late summer for humpback watching because of calmer weather and fewer crowds. Boat and kayak tours provide wildlife encounters and coastal exploration.

Read at Travel + Leisure