By Heather Lee

MENDOCINO, CALIF.

STAY Right in town, the 1878 Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites overlooks grassy headlands and the Pacific. From $105.* (800) 548-0513, www.mendocinohotel.com.

EAT At the MacCallum House’s affordable Grey Whale Cafe, top off dinner with a fancy dessert (above) from the adjoining dining room. (707) 937-5763.

PLAY At the Mendocino Whale Festival (March 4 and 5), a free trolley travels between the many festivities, ranging from winetasting to whale-watching walks. (707) 961-6300, www.mendocinocoast.com.

P.S. Bike the Fern Canyon Trail or float Big River with the tide. Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too can set you up. Rentals, $12–$20 an hour. (707) 937-0273.

STAY The sleek 500 West sits near the water in a restored 1924 building. European-style (shared) bathrooms. From $79.* (619) 234-5252, www.500westhotel.com.

EAT You can nosh on fish tacos ($2 each), introduced to Southern California by Ralph Rubio, at the original Rubio’s in Mission Bay. (858) 272-2801.

PLAY At Cabrillo National Monument (619-557-5450, www.nps.gov/cabr. spot gray whales from the shore through March. You can also hop on a boat at the San Diego Harbor.

P.S. At SeaWorld, whale sightings (orcas) are guaranteed. Price: $53 but AAA members save $10 in March and April. (800) 257-4268, www.seaworld.com.

LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII

STAY Rooms at the Guest House go for $149. Each room has a hot tub and spacious lanai. Breakfast included. (800) 621-8942, www.mauiguesthouse.com.

EAT At Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar in nearby Kapalua, you get 25 percent off everything on the menu from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (808) 669-6286.

PLAY Knowledgeable naturalists lead the Pacific Whale Foundation’s two-hour catamaran cruises ($30) leaving from Lahaina and Maalaea harbors. (800) 942-5311, www.pacificwhale.org.

P.S. Big Kahuna Adventures in Kihei rents surfboards for $20 a day. Beginner lessons also available. (808) 875-6395, www.bigkahunaadventures.com.

*Ask about the discount for AAA members.