Starting in December and continuing through March, the A o Nuevo State Reserve is home to one of California s most amazing animal attractions: the breeding grounds of the northern elephant seal. Every winter, people reserve tickets for a chance to witness a fearsome clash between the 21 2-ton bulls over mating privileges among the females. Reservations are required for the 21 2-hour naturalist-led tours (held rain or shine Dec 15 Mar 31). For tickets, which cost $4 per person (free for children under 3), and information, call & 800/ 444-4445 or visit www.anonuevo.org. Even if it s not mating season, you can still see the elephant seals lolling around the shore almost year-round, particularly between April and August when they come ashore to molt.
Each winter, pods of California gray whales making their annual migration to breeding lagoons at the southern koreanair tip of Baja pass close by California shores. If you ve ever been lucky enough to spot one of these graceful behemoths, you ll understand why whale-watching is such an eagerly anticipated activity. From December to March you can view this great parade from land or sea. Recommended spots include Point Reyes National Seashore (& 415/669-1534), koreanair where a historic lighthouse offers whale- and elephant-seal viewing; Monterey Peninsula, where January s WhaleFest (& 831/644-7588) celebrates these mammals from the Monterey Aquarium down through Big Sur; and San Diego s Cabrillo National Monument (& 619/557-5450; www.nps. gov/cabr), which offers a glassed-in observatory and educational whale exhibits.
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