The Gray Whales
Climb, play, and learn on this life-sized pod!
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The gray whale statues in Tyrrell Park are a beloved landmark in Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood.
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Nestled between the Museum and Seabright State Beach since 1982, the interactive concrete adult whale has delighted generations, serving as many young visitors’ first introduction to natural history and ocean conservation. The statue’s proximity to the Museum’s historic building has fondly earned us the nickname “Whale Museum.”
In spring 2025, the Museum led a restoration project to renew this iconic sculpture. This effort improved the whale’s scientific accuracy and durability using state-of-the-art materials, and introduced a playful new companion: A baby gray whale! This calf invites more accessible play while enriching the story of gray whale migration through the Monterey Bay.
Climb and Play at Tyrrell Park Today!
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The gray whale statues are a free, public exhibit located just outside the Museum in Tyrrell Park.
Open to all, every day, even when the Museum is closed. Visitors can relax on nearby benches, explore interpretive signs, and get up close to the life-sized whales that have inspired generations.
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A Tail of Epic Proportions: The Story of the Iconic Seabright Whale
The barnacled bodies and heart-shaped spouts of gray whales (Eschrictius robustus) are a welcome sight as they migrate through the Monterey Bay, routine visitors renowned for their deliberate and friendly curiosity toward humans, making them one of the three most beloved marine visitors along California’s Central Coast. [caption id="attachment_1793" align="alignright" width="300"] Gray whale spyhopping off the California coastline. Credit: Chris Johnson[/caption] ...