Monarch Butterfly Grove - Pismo Beach, California

K L.

Really nice grove - we came mid February and only 40 monarchs on count, but still more than I’ve ever seen together in my life. Definitely think a trip in December or January may be worth it. They have lots of informational pamphlets on the butterflies. The gift store is cute but didn’t have any toddler or baby shirts! What a missed opportunity cause I would have bought a lot for family and my son!
There is lots of seating available which is nice. It’s definitely wheelchair accessible. Also, the parking is free - just be careful crossing the street there isn’t any crosswalk.

The Jehovas Witnesses were on site which I really didn’t like - it’s almost like they were disguising themselves as workers to ask questions about the butterflies - very deceptive. Just let people enjoy their time at the butterflies!

PJ T.

Just wanted to give a huge shout-out to the wonderful volunteers that provide telescopes, so you can see the butterflies up close. You really made my trip!
They also have a wonderful little market. Bought the cutest handmade monarch butterfly necklace.
So worth a stop. Hope to come back soon for another visit. January is the best time to view them. As the Monarch butterflies finish their migration to Mexico.
Please plant milkweed so we can help save Monarchs and give them a highway of food throughout their migration.

bartellj

A really neat experience! The monarch butterfly population has been declining over the years, but you can still see several clusters at this Grove. Park staff have several binoculars set up. The staff is really helpful and knowledgeable. I suggest getting there around 10 or 11 o’clock so you can see the butterflies before they fly off the branches Just a warning they don’t have the biggest parking lot.

Abhishek G. (.

You are traveling through Pismo CA then it worth a visit during the scheduled season b/w September till February.
Please don't keep a high expectations that you will see plenty of the 🦋 but keep an eye to high branches and sure you will find few bunches. The first tree after you enter have many such when I visited today (Dec 25, 24). Best of luck 🤞🏻
Entry Free.
Parking: You can find road side.
Public Restroom: Available few portable ones.
More details and updates, please follow #0abhishekghosh0

L. C.

We heard about the monarch migration along the California coast. This was our first trip to see them. We used GPS but passed the entrance which was not marked well. Limited unpaved parking is on the street. We were lucky to find a space. There is no entrance fee. It's a beautiful small eucalyptus grove. There were only a few butterflies. We were expecting more as shown in the pictures. Infornation about the monarch butterflies are podted along the trail. There is a gift shop neat the entrance. Tables and benches are located near the gift shop. We were glad we made the trip and enjoyed the walk around the grove.

KDG

Pretty place, but as of Halloween, no butterflies. 😢

Revistes on Valentine’s Day. Three butterflies. Still pretty. Parking can be challenging bc people aren’t always kind enough to stop and allow you to cross the road safely.

Ralph G.

Nice grove of eucalyptus trees with Monarch butterflies. You need to be patient as in the morning they are cold and don't move much. Around 11am in the winter there are more flying around. Sometimes really high in the trees. The little store has some nice butterfly kitsch that is charming or whimsical but I bought my daughter some butterfly socks.
There are several places to sit and picnic tables for a nice lunch picnic. Close by is a beach path to walk around or there is a public 9 hole golf course near by those who aren't fond of butterflys.
Parking can be difficult but there is plenty of parking if you don't mind to waolk.

Gwenllian T.

12/22/24
Visited 0930-1100 slightly cloudy and cooler (59F). Very hard to spot clusters as they were quite still but once spotted I counted over 100 together.
Came back at 1400 when sun was out (64F)and there was many more fluttering their wings and flying around.
Although not as many as previous years, still remarkable to see so many together. The butterflies are really beautiful.
There’s great small gift shop, parking is free and I didn’t have a problem parking on side of the road.
Volunteers were great at helping you spot the butterflies and answering questions, thank you 🧡🖤
Recommend bringing a good camera or binoculars, they do set up telescopes there.
First photo: morning 70-200mm lens
Second photo: afternoon 70-200mm lens
Video: iPhone video