Every spring, gray whales leave the warm waters of Baja, calves in tow, and head back to the colder waters near Alaska. To protect their young, they hug the coastline—making it a great time to catch a glimpse of them. That’s why the Mendocino Whale Festival is offering guided whale walks on March 7 and 8. Whale seekers can meet at 1 p.m. at the Ford House in Mendocino, and, for a $5 donation, an interpreter will lead them on a walk around Mendocino Headlands State Park. Other Mendocino festival events include tours of the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Lantern Room and Fresnel lens, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., both days; a Chowder and Beer Tasting on March 7, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m., at Crown Hall (chowder tickets are $10 and beer tickets, $5); a wine tasting on March 7, 1–4 p.m., at various locations ($35–$40), and a free coffee tasting at the Ford House on March 7, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. A whale festival also will be held in Little River on March 14 and in Fort Bragg on March 21. See mendocinocoast.com/whale-home for more information.