TRAVEL BEAT : WHALE OF A GOOD TIME.

Byline: Carol Bidwell

Dana Point, south of Laguna Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway, welcomes back the gray whales on their annual migration from the waters of Alaska to Mexico with its annual Festival of Whales Feb. 15-March 2. Whale-watching cruises, sailing, rowing and kayaking classes, tide pool hikes, art shows, a street fair and a display of sea-themed sand sculptures are just some of the activities planned during the three-week festival. Visitors also can walk through a 40-foot wooden gray whale, take in an original musical revue based on Richard Henry Dana's book, ``Two Years Before the Mast,'' and learn more about the whales in marine educational programs. Activities are priced individually; some are free. Information: [phone].

Mardi Gras north

Take a jaunt up to San Luis Obispo on Feb. 8 and you can revel in the city's 19th annual Mardi Gras Festival. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Garden Street will come alive with the sounds of jazz bands, the aroma of Cajun food (including a gumbo cook-off) and the liveliness of a street fair. A children's costume contest kicks off with sign-ups at 10:30 a.m., followed by a children's parade at 11:30 a.m. The Mardi Gras parade will wend its way through downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m. Except for the food, all the events are free. Information: [phone].

Gathering of the clans

The pipes will be calling and the clans will be out in force when the venerable ship the Queen Mary hosts the fourth annual Scottish Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16. Dancing and bagpipe competitions; Scottish country dancing; a parade of pipe bands, Scottish clans and vintage British cars; and a bounty of Scottish food and ales will be featured at the event. A one-day pass is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors 55 and over and military with identification, and $6 for children ages 4 to 11. A two-day pass is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and military, and $8 for children. The price includes a self-guided tour of the ship, which was launched in 1934 from the Clydebank District of Scotland. It is docked at Pier J at the south end of the Long Beach Freeway (710) in Long Beach. Information: [phone].

Going boldly ...

Calling all Trekkies! The San Bernardino County Museum is showcasing ``Star Trek: Federation Science,'' an exhibit of interactive displays in science and technology, as well as memorabilia from ``Star Trek'' movies, through April 27. Located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; hours are extended to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. Information: [phone].