Gray whale migration season is officially underway along Northern California’s stunningly beautiful Mendocino Coast, and March is one of the most exciting times to visit and spot the majestic giants.
The second weekend of March marks the annual Little River Whale Festival, part of Mendocino County’s beloved month-long whale celebrations. It’s the place to be for nature-lovers seeking dramatic coastal views, wildlife sightings, and festive small-town charm.
Don’t miss these weekend highlights for a whale of a time.
Little River Whale Festival — Saturday March 14-Sunday March 15
Every second weekend in March, Mendocino comes alive with a community celebration in honor of the astounding gray whale migration that passes by the pretty town’s coast line. Coastal activities and special programming are held all weekend, throughout town. View the full schedule here.
Whale Walk at Spring Ranch (Van Damme State Park) — Saturday, March 14; 10–11AM & 2–3 pm
Join a CA State Park Interpreter for a 0.75-mile hike along the Spring Ranch trail to look for, and learn about, migrating gray whales. If the weather doesn’t forecast rain, the guided portion of the hike will end at the coast, and visitors can enjoy the 0.75-mile return hike on their own, at their own pace. Park at the Spring Ranch trailhead on the west side of Highway 1 at mile marker 49.00 in Little River, California.
Margarita Madness Competition — Saturday, March 14; 12–3 pm
Watch and sip during this fun competition and fundraiser for coastal state parks. You’ll get to judge sample margaritas and vote for your favorite made by bartenders from near and far who shake, mix, and rim their way to victory. The lively kickoff to the weekend is held at Little River Inn, where guests staying two nights or more can attend through the Margarita Madness Package. Tickets for everyone else are available here.
Mocktail Trail — Saturday, March 14 from 3–5 pm
Prefer no alcohol? No problem. The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce hosts a mocktail tasting event that serves creative non-alcoholic libations across a variety of local establishments. Get tickets here.
WHERE TO STAY
The legendary Little River Inn offers the ideal front-row seat for whale watching from your own room. Perched above the Pacific just two miles south of Mendocino Village, the historic inn serves as both host and home base for the Little River Whale Festival’s weekend festivities.
The family-owned Little River Inn has been welcoming guests for five generations. Each of the inn’s 60 rooms feature stunning ocean views, and many with fireplaces, decks, luxurious steam showers, Jacuzzi tubs, or individual hot tubs. Dramatic and ever-changing ocean views provide a breathtaking backdrop, and the inn’s Whale Watching Tour Package offers two nights plus a whale-watching boat tour for two out of Noyo Harbor.
Little River Inn: 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, California www.LittleRiverInn.com
Photos courtesy of Little River Whale Festival and Little River Inn
