You can see whales from the shore at several specific U.S. national parks located along coastal migration and feeding routes.
Glacier Bay National Park (Alaska)
- Whale Species: Humpback whales and occasional killer whales (orcas).
- Best Time: Summer months.
- Details: Humpback whales enter the deep fjord waters to feed on small fish like herring and capelin, offering great viewing from the shoreline. [Glacier Bay National Park]
Olympic National Park (Washington)
- Whale Species: Gray whales.
- Best Time: April to May and October to November.
- Details: You can spot whales traveling along the rugged Pacific coast from beaches like Kalaloch, Shi Shi, and Rialto. [Olympic Coast Discovery Trail Center: The Whale Trail]
Channel Islands National Park (California)
- Whale Species: Gray whales, blue whales, and humpback whales.
- Best Time: Mid-December to mid-March for grays; summer for blue and humpback whales.
- Details: Early mornings provide the calmest conditions for scanning the water from the park’s island shores. [read more here]
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
- Whale Species: Humpback whales.
- Best Time: Winter months starting in November.
- Details: Sightings from the coastal areas are rare, but you can occasionally spot whales arriving at the islands during their breeding season. [read more here]
Redwood National and State Parks (Northern California)
- Whales Species: Humpback whales, gray whales.
- Best Time: November through December and March through April.
- Hotspots: Klamath River Overlook and High Bluff Overlook. [read more here]
Cabrillo National Monument (California)
- Whale Species: Gray whales, Humpback whales
- Best Time: Mid-December through late February.
- Tip: the high cliffs feature a specialized glassed-in observatory with telescopes ideal for spotting migrating gray whales. [read more here]
Tips for Shore Viewing
- Bring high-powered binoculars or a spotting scope.
- Scan the horizon slowly from left to right for spouts or breaks on the water surface.
- Visit during early morning hours when ocean glare is lower.
- Read a complete overview of The National Parks Where You Can See Whales From Shore [World Atlas]
