If you’d like to spot a few of the estimated 18,000 gray whales that migrate north along the Oregon Coast every spring, Seaside is your perfect home base. Just ask Tiffany Boothe, the assistant manager at Seaside Aquarium. Boothe has been whale spotting on the Oregon Coast since she was a kid, and her position at the aquarium has given her valuable insights about these majestic marine creatures. “Seeing whales is an experience you’ll never forget,” she says. “And Seaside is perfectly positioned for spotting.”

How to Plan Your Spring Watching Trip

While it’s possible to see whales year-round on the Oregon Coast, January and March are peak months for viewing. The southbound migration to Mexico happens during the winter season — then the whales turn around and migrate northbound in late March into June. “Spring is when the gray whales are headed up to their feeding grounds in Alaska with their calves. They tend to be closer to shore and easier to spot,” Boothe notes.

The official spring 2026 Whale Watch Week is March 21-29. Park rangers and trained volunteers with the Oregon Whale Watch program are stationed at locations stretching along the Oregon Coast to answer questions and assist in your spotting efforts. 

But you don’t have to drive up and down the Coast in search of spouts. Some of the top whale-watching spots are in and near Seaside.

Seaside Is Your Whale-Spotting Base Camp

According to Boothe, you can spot whales as you casually stroll along Seaside’s Promenade, as you sip your latte by the historic Turnaround and when you’re parked at The Cove on the south end of town. Book an ocean-view hotel in Seaside and who knows? You might even see a whale breach from the comfort of your room. 

Situated right on the Prom, The Seashore Inn on the Beach has an on-site sauna and hot tub to warm up from blustery beach sessions. Also boasting sweeping views of the Pacific, the nearby Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn has rooms with cozy gas fireplaces. For beachfront access on the south side of town, book one of the pet-friendly condo units at Lanai at the Cove, where you might spot whales, sea birds and surfers from your hotel room. 

Official Whale-Watching Activities Near Seaside

Spending the day at an Oregon State Park is always fun, and more so when whales are involved. Before you leave, remember to purchase a day-use pass online — check the website for which parks require them. Less than 15 miles north of Seaside, Fort Stevens State Park is an official Oregon Whale Watch site, where trained volunteers will be on hand during Whale Watch Week to answer questions and help your spotting efforts. The sand dunes here are a great place to scan for whale spouts, the cloud-like puffs of vapor emitted when a whale surfaces to breathe. “The higher up you get, the higher your chances of spotting whales,” Boothe says.

Another nearby site with volunteer interpreters is Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook at Oswald West State Park, about 14 miles south of Seaside. The Overlook offers a high vantage point at the south end of the park, and it’s easily accessible from the shoulder of Highway 101.

No matter where you watch from, Boothe advises that you take the weather into consideration. “It’s harder to see spouts when there are whitecaps,” she explains. “You ideally want the sea to be flat and with no wind.” 

If you do spot a spout, that’s your hint there are whales in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for whale backs as the mammals surface to breathe; tails as they dive; and some fluke slapping and spyhopping, which is whale lingo for popping their heads above water. On a lucky day, you might even see a whale breaching — leaping partly or entirely out of the water. 

Share Your Whale Tales Over Dinner 

After an epic day of whale watching, migrate back to your Seaside home base and unwind with great restaurant choices for your entire crew. Nonni’s Italian Bistro is a family-owned Italian eatery dishing up spaghetti for the kiddos, cozy cioppino and delectable tiramisu; or visit Dundee’s Bar & Grill for fish and chips, oyster shooters and elevated pub grub. If you’re in the mood for upscale dining and drinks, try Finn’s Fish House for flash-fried Willapa Bay oysters, along with craft cocktails, Seaside’s own Sisu beer and Oregon wines. 

Staying in Seaside and spotting whales is just half the fun, according to Boothe. As her final piece of advice, she encourages you to share the wonders of your trip. “Say you’re walking along the Prom and you point out a spout to a stranger who isn’t even looking,” she says. “You’ll make both of your days.”