Fun Things to Do in the Bay Area This Fall and Winter
Whether you’re planning a trip or living here, the San Francisco Bay Area is an incredible place to be if you care about our ocean and marine mammals. From seeing seal and sea lion patients at The Marine Mammal Center to watching migrating whales along the coast, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite fall and winter activities. With so many fun things to do in the Bay Area for kids and adults, you’re sure to find the perfect ocean activities for the whole family.
Visit The Marine Mammal Center
Want to explore the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, located right here in the Bay Area? Visit us at The Marine Mammal Center for your chance to see animal care experts providing life-saving care to seal and sea lion patients, check out our interactive exhibits, discover how you can take action for a healthy ocean and more.
Nestled in the Marin Headlands of Sausalito just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Marine Mammal Center is among the best places to visit near San Francisco. We are open to visitors Friday to Monday 10am - 4pm with free tickets that you can reserve online here.
Dive into the resources below to help plan your unique marine mammal experience.
- Take a Tour
Hear inspiring stories of marine mammal survival when you book a Guided Tour. Or join our Behind-the-Scenes Experience to see the inner workings of our hospital and learn how you can make a difference for these vulnerable patients. Looking for a DIY tour experience? Try our Tablet Tour, an interactive journey featuring videos, quizzes, interviews with experts and more. - Participate in Marine Science Sunday
If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Bay Area with kids and adults, be sure to join us on the second and fourth Sunday of each month for Marine Science Sunday. Our free, live interactive programs offered at 12pm and 2pm provide a deep dive into the wonders and unique qualities of marine mammals and the ocean. In November, you’ll discover how marine mammals hunt and catch their prey. In December, you’ll hear the most memorable stories about our seal and sea lion patients. Anyone can participate in the program, but you must reserve a general admission ticket to visit the Center that day. - Explore Our Interactive Exhibits
Our interactive exhibits give visitors of all ages an immersive experience to understand what it takes to rescue hundreds of marine mammals every year. Kids and adults will get the chance to handle our specialized rescue equipment, step into the shoes of a veterinarian to diagnose a patient, pledge to help our ocean and so much more! - Shop at Our Gift Store
Get your holiday shopping done or find something special for yourself at our onsite Gift Store. You’ll discover ocean-friendly gifts for all ages from one-of-a-kind apparel to sustainable goods, with all proceeds supporting our life-saving work.
View the photo slideshow below for a sneak peek before you visit the Center.
View California Wildlife
During fall and winter, many marine mammals are foraging for food, migrating, breeding and resting along the California coast. Our ocean and beaches are teeming with wildlife, and spotting marine mammals in the wild is one of the most fun things to do in the Bay Area with kids and adults. Dive into the resources below to discover when and where you’ll have your best chance of seeing whales, seals, sea lions and more.
Be sure to check out these tips on how to view wildlife safely before you head out. A safe and enjoyable experience starts with keeping your distance and with pets on a leash so that everyone, footed and flippered, is protected. You’ll also get your best chance to see the animals’ incredible natural behaviors.
- Go Whale Watching
Gray whales can be seen passing by California in December and January during their southern migration, and again between mid-February and early May on their journey north. Gray whales are a coastal species, and there are many amazing opportunities to see them from shore. Read our full guide to spotting these gentle giants and check our visual guide to find out which whale behaviors you might see. - See Dolphins and Porpoises from the Golden Gate Bridge
Bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises can be seen off the coast of California year-round, and our researchers consistently spot these animals swimming underneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco—and you can too! In fact, harbor porpoises are frequently seen mating underneath this world-famous bridge, affectionately known by researchers as the funnel of love. Head to the east sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge for your best marine mammal viewpoint.
You can be a community scientist and support our critical research to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises when you report your sightings. - View Seals and Sea Lions
Seals and sea lions can be seen throughout the year in the Bay Area, but the best time to view our local seals is during their breeding seasons when many come ashore. From December through March, you’ll be able to see mother and pup northern elephant seals resting on their breeding beaches. Read our full guide to seeing elephant seals in California.
Pacific harbor seals are born between February and April, a popular viewing season. California sea lions can also be spotted any time in the Bay Area, so you may see them from shore in the fall and winter months.
Click through the photo slideshow below so you know which animals to be on the lookout for.
BONUS: Explore Virtual Activities
Explore the Center’s virtual activities, tours and livestreams for a deeper dive into all things marine mammals—no matter where in the world you are!
- Take a Virtual Tour in Hawai‘i
Learn about our work in Hawaiʻi when you take our virtual tour. You’ll have the chance to visit Ke Kai Ola, our dedicated hospital for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and travel throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago to see monk seals in their natural environment. You’ll also discover ways you can help conserve Hawaiian monk seals from wherever you live. - Dive Into Online Learning Resources
Looking for fun family activities at home? You can show kids how to dive into the exciting world of marine science with our free online learning resources! From topics like Arctic adaptations to protecting endangered species, these activities build enthusiasm for science and a connection to marine mammal and ocean health. - Watch Our Live Webcam of a California Beach
Did you know you can try to spot marine mammals in real-time from anywhere in the world? Watch our 24-hour livestream to observe the natural behaviors of wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. This site is particularly popular with elephant seals during their breeding season.
Point Reyes is also a release location for seals and sea lions that have been rehabilitated at our hospital. Live as it’s happening, you can tune in to our livestream to witness the moment our patients return to their ocean home with a second chance at life. Text RELEASE to 65179 to be alerted when a patient release is about to start, as well as other messages with marine mammal stories, news and more. (Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to stop. Terms & Conditions.)
Yes, I want to save a life!
Yes, I want to save a life!
You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.
See Our Latest News
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Life-Saving Disentanglement Frees Northern Elephant Seal Liddie from Ocean Trash
December 6, 2024
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Big Island Now: Honokōhau Harbor’s new Hawaiian monk seal pup neighbor welcomed, but maybe too much?
November 26, 2024
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