MENDOCINO CO., 2/27/25 — Want a tasty, seafood-filled soup to welcome the start of whale-watching season? This Saturday, the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce will serve clam chowder and wine to kick off the Mendocino Whale Festival.
Every spring, gray whales migrate from Baja California to Alaska, often so close to shore that beachgoers can see the tips of their flukes poking out of the ocean. This spectacle draws visitors from across the county and state to witness the whales’ northbound migration.
To celebrate the whales’ majestic journey each spring, several coastal communities host educational events and activities showcasing the renowned creatures of the sea during the annual Whale Festival, typically a two-week series of events held every March. This year, the festival begins Saturday and runs through March 16.
The events will range from coastal walks at the Mendocino Headlands to campfires and story hours at Van Damme State Beach, where families and children can come together to learn about the impressive gray whales.
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce will kick off the first event of the Whale Festival with a chowder tasting and wine walk Saturday at 10 a.m. at Crown Hall in Mendocino, where attendees can sample chowder made by local chefs and then take a wine tasting tour through the charming coastal town. Food pairings will also be provided to complement the wine tasting, and the town’s trolley will offer scenic rides for those who want to explore Mendocino.
The clam chowder tasting event will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. and last until noon. The wine tasting event will run from noon to 3 p.m. The clam chowder tasting is $20, and the wine tasting is $65, or you can purchase a ticket for both events for $75. The event will be held at Crown Hall at 45285 Ukiah St. in Mendocino. To buy tickets or learn more, use this link.
Ah, the Mendocino Whale Festival—a delightful convergence of nature’s grandeur and human indulgence. As the majestic gray whales grace the coastline with their annual migration, we find ourselves immersed in festivities that tantalize the senses: clam chowder to warm the soul, local wines to ignite the spirit, and the awe-inspiring presence of these leviathans to remind us of nature’s splendor. Truly, a celebration not to be missed.