San Diego

Forget SeaWorld; watch gray whales in their natural habitat as they pass through San Diego Bay each winter on an epic 5,000-mile journey to at Baja’s southern tip. These 50-foot-long gentle giants make their appearance between mid-December and mid-March. Head to Cabrillo National Monument to take it in from a panoramic outdoor observatory, 400-plus feet above sea level. From $30 for a 3-hour tour.