How to Find the Monarch Butterflies in California

A Monarch butterfly spreads its wings

Monarch butterflies make an incredible journey from as far away as Canada, across the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range to winter in California. You will find them at locations such as Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County and Pacific Grove in Monterey County. The butterflies gather there on the Monterey pines, cypress, and eucalyptus trees.

Instructions

How to Find Monarch Butterflies in California

1. 

   A Monarch butterfly on flowers

   Travel to Pacific Grove, California, known as "Butterfly City USA" in honor of the migrating Monarchs. There are at least 20 places in and around Pacific Grove that harbor the insects during the winter season. Docents at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove should be able to provide maps to the sites Monarchs gather at.

2. Go to the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove located on Highway 1 adjacent to Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground. Monarch butterflies also congregate at that site. Signs will direct visitors to the campground and park in campsite No. 78. Additional parking can be found adjacent to the grove entrance on Highway 1.

3. 

   A Monarch on a lupine

   Drive to the Morro Bay State Park Campground in Morro Bay. Ask the Ranger Station officers for locations within the park where Monarchs gather.

4. Check at the Central Coast Natural History Museum in Morro Bay State Park for neighborhood locations that may be good spots for viewing Monarch butterflies.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time for viewing butterflies in the groves is towards mid-morning. They are flitting about then and not just hanging in clusters on the trees.

• The Central Coast Natural History Association docent trailer is on site at the PIsmo Beach Butterfly Grove throughout butterfly season. Volunteer docents are on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

• The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove is located at Lighthouse Avenue and Ridge Road and is open from October to early March.

References

• California Wildlife Viewing Guide
• Where to See Wildlife in California

Resources

• Central Coast Natural History Association