Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

It is butterfly season in California, and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove is the perfect place to experience this wondrous annual event. It’s no surprise that Pacific Grove has been nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA.”

Monarch butterflies have chosen this spot in Monterey County to overwinter and thousands of them come to this spot each year. The butterflies picked the spot, and the Sanctuary was established for them.

Butterflies come here for the mild Winter climate, so that they can actually extend their lives. The season lasts roughly from October until February, but it can vary a bit from year to year. I was there the first week of November, and was fortunate enough to see thousands of these beautiful creatures.

The butterflies cluster together high up on the tall trees in the sanctuary, and it was the eucalyptus trees where I saw most of them. They were high enough that even the people with professional photography equipment had a hard time getting good photos, when I was there. However, I did see thousands of them with my eyes. And, I would have gotten an even better look, had I thought to bring binoculars.

Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

Admission is free, and there is free parking out front. The pathways are clearly marked, and are ADA accessible.

The best time for viewing is from noon to 3pm, when the weather is generally warmer and they are moving about. I had read that volunteer docents were available during that time period, but didn’t see any the afternoon that I was there.

However, my self-guided tour was great! There are informational signs throughout the meandering paths, so my questions were all answered without having a docent on hand.

This is a magical place to visit, and is good for both adults and children. You can walk through quickly or you can linger for hours watching the beautiful and amazing butterflies.

Monarch Grove Sanctuary
250 Ridge Road
Pacific Grove, CA 93950