Guides The best Bay Area lookouts to spot migrating gray whales and their newborns By Nora Mishanec | April 23, 2021 | Updated: April 23, 2021 2:40 PM Gray whales are on the move — with their calves in tow. The majestic marine mammals have begun their springtime migration north along the California coastline, escorting their 1,000-pound newborns from Baja’s shallow lagoons to Alaska’s arctic waters. The whales’ northbound voyage takes them closer to shore than their southern sojourn, meaning Bay Area residents may catch a glimpse of the mottled giants with or without binoculars (though binoculars are recommended). The parade of migrating pairs will pick up this month, peaking in early to mid-May.