10 of the Best Places for Whale Watching in the U.S.!

"Thar she blows!" Who doesn't get excited at the sight of a gigantic whale surfacing, water spraying from its blowhole? They are among the most magnificent creatures on the planet - and the largest. The Blue whale is the biggest of the species, and the biggest animal, period: they can grow over a hundred feet long, with a tongue that weighs as much as an elephant, and a heart the size of a small car.

Whaling played a key role in American history. The first sperm whale was killed off Nantucket, MA in 1712; by 1730, the city was sending out 25 vessels to hunt whales, prized for their blubber, teeth and bones. It was a dangerous (yet profitable) business, and the stories brought home from the sea inspired one of the great works of American literature, "Moby Dick."

The whaling industry grew to include New Bedford, Provincetown, Boston - and on the other side of the country, San Francisco. But by the 1920s, the whale population had been seriously reduced; the last whaler sailed from New Bedford in 1927. Today, environmental groups work hard to protect these awe-inspiring creatures.

Besides impressive size, whales have complex social structures and are highly intelligent. It's no wonder they're one of the coolest things you'll ever see in the wild. Whether standing on the shore or aboard a whale-watching boat, here are ten great spots to watch them do their thing.

1. Cape Cod, MA

The Cape is considered one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. It's a seasonal home to Finback, Minke and Humpbacks; April is a great month to observe them.

2. Long Island, NY

"Start spreadin' the news": whales love the feeding grounds in the New York/New Jersey areas. Between July and early September, you can see Humpbacks, Sperm, Minke and Blue whales.

3. Jacksonville, FL

During the winter months, endangered North Atlantic Right Whales occupy the waters between Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville. These whales can grow to be 55 feet long and weigh 70 tons. It's estimated that there are less than 500 of these animals in existence, but volunteers are working hard to help increase that number (and reports show that it's working!).

4. San Juan Islands, WA

Northwest of Seattle lie these lush islands. The waters surrounding them are home to Orcas, which can be best spotted between May and October. Lime Kiln Point State Park allows you to get a good look from dry land; it's even known as "Whale Watch Park."

5. Depoe Bay, OR

About 18,000 whales swim by the rugged Oregon coastline during their annual migrations; about 200 stick around for the whole year. Depoe Bay, which lies southeast of Portland, is a prime spot for catching sight of gray whales as they pass by. December to February and March to June are the best times.

6. Big Sur, CA

Stand on the cliffs or beaches, and you can spot the big fellas pretty much all year round. Blue, Gray and Humpback whales use this area as a highway, traveling south to Baja and back northwards to the Bering Sea.

7. San Diego, CA

From the Whale Overlook inside Cabrillo National Monument Park, you'll be able to spot Blue and Fin whales. Peak time is around the middle of January, as they head south for the winter, but you can also see them between December and March.

8. Juneau, AK

Killer whales hang out along the coast all year long, but during the summer, they're joined by Minkes, Humpbacks and Grays. The Humpbacks put on a very cool show as they feed: a group forms a circle, spinning a sort of "fishing net" made from bubbles. The net catches lots of small fish, which are then caught as the whales race to the surface and into the air, mouths open.

9. Maui, HI

It's the honeymoon spot for over 3,000 Humpbacks, who come to mate in these waters (late February through March). An added attraction? You may very well hear them "singing" to potential partners. That's romance for you!

10. Oahu, HI

Humpbacks are the most commonly spotted, but marine biologists count 18 species of toothed whales (such as Sperm) and at least six types of baleen, like Right whales, hanging out in Hawaiian waters.