Marina del Rey opens onto Santa Monica Bay, a pass-through for grey whales and humpbacks on their annual migration. December through March offers the best whale-watching, although the trips run year-round as an opportunity to look for dolphins and many other types of sea life and sea birds. Departs daily at 10 a.m. and an additional 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Advance bookings (recommended) are available online, or call 310-822-3625. Click for more information.