Whale-Watching

Between January and April, hundreds of gray whales migrate along the coast; the rest of the year humpback and blue whales feed offshore at the Farallon Islands. The best place to watch them from shore is Point Reyes, in Marin County.

For a better view, head out on a whale-watching trip. Seas around San Francisco can be rough, so pack motion-sickness tablets. You should also dress warmly, wear sunscreen, and pack rain gear and sunglasses; binoculars come in handy, too. Tour companies don't provide meals or snacks, so bring your own lunch and water. Make reservations at least a week ahead.

California Whale Adventures. California Whale Adventures has year-round whale-watching trips, weekends only, and reservations are highly encouraged. In the fall you can take a great-white-shark tour (weekends only). All trips on Wacky Jacky, the company's 50-foot boat, leave from Fisherman's Wharf. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California. 650/579–7777; www.californiawhaleadventures.com. From $100 per person, $200 per person for great white shark tour.

The Oceanic Society. From mid-May through November, the Oceanic Society operates full-day whale-watching excursions to the Farallon Islands($128) with top-notch guides. Most trips are on weekends, but a few take place on Fridays. Trips leave from Marina Yacht Harbor in San Francisco or Clipper Yacht Harbor in Sausalito. In winter, the group runs half-day trips ($59) from Half Moon Bay. Marina Yacht Harbor, 3950 Scott Street, Marina, San Francisco, California, 94123. 415/256–9604; 800/326–7491; www.oceanicsociety.org.