Every year, more than 20,000 gray whales make their way along the Oregon Coast, offering a unique opportunity for travelers to spot these marine mammals. The Seashore Inn on the Beach invites you to experience whale watching in Oregon in the charming town of Seaside. Enjoy a front-row seat to whale watching from our oceanfront hotel, or head out to our local state parks for even more opportunities!
When to Go Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
While you can see whales in Seaside year-round, the winter and spring migrations offer the best opportunity for whale watching. The winter migration lasts from mid-December through mid-January, when nearly 18,000 gray whales pass Seaside on their way to Baja Mexico.
The spring migration is when the whales migrate back to Alaska, swimming by Seaside from the end of March through May.
Where to Go Whale Watching near Seaside
Oregon State Parks celebrate the migration with special Whale Watch Weeks in late December and late March. This program places volunteers at over a dozen whale-watching sites along the coast. And even if you don’t make it for Whale Watch Week, these are still excellent destinations for spotting these marine mammals:
- Ecola State Park: This state park offers the perfect vantage point for whale watching and the closest option to Seaside. Setup right off the parking area or along the Clatsop Loop Trail.
- Fort Stevens State Park: Make the drive to Astoria for whale watching at the Peter Iredale Shipwreck
- Oswald West State Park: Enjoy whale watching from the Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook at the historic marker turnout on Hwy 101.
Oregon Coast Whale Watching Tips
- Pack a bag of whale-watching items with binoculars, cameras, warm clothing, and sunglasses.
- Know what to look for; it’s rare to see the fluke or tail when watching from the shore. Spouts are the most common sight on the Oregon Coast.
- Scan the water slowly and be patient!
- Local residents and businesses often have the latest information on whale sightings. Don’t hesitate to ask us for tips and updates!
Visit the Oregon Coast this Winter
Enjoy whale watching in Oregon this winter with The Seashore Inn on the Beach. Reserve one of our oceanfront hotel rooms and enjoy a front-row seat for whale watching! Enjoy additional hotel amenities, like an indoor pool, sauna, laundry service, free parking, and complimentary continental breakfast. Browse our specials and book your Oregon Coast winter getaway today!