Monarch Butterfly Grove

400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA

Address:	400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA
Phone:	+1 805-773-7170
Site:	monarchbutterfly.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

Leila Rahil

I came right at the end of the Monarch mating season, so I missed the amazingness that is the Grove during its peak, but there were still Monarchs aflutter practically everywhere! Because it was the end of the mating season the monarchs were strewn on the ground, so you were made vigilant about where you stepped by the avid volunteers who greeted you at the entrance with shouts of "Look down before you look up!". The monarchs were on the ground because the males apparently get aggressive and dive bomb any other monarch nearby to try and mate. They "wrestle" on the ground to not only identify gender, but if it is a female, the male attempts to "date" with the female, and if the female approves, they fly off together to do the do. It is fascinating to watch! They have a merch trailer and they have a couple of telescopes set up focused so you can see the monarchs in the far off treetops. It really is a sight to behold and I cant even imagine the overwhelming beauty during the peak! I felt like I was in the middle of some sort of Disney film watching the butterflies do their flutter dance from tree to tree and was in awe when I realized what I thought were leaves were actually perched monarchs! Definitely worth a stop! Parking is available on the side of the road and entrance is free.

Maíra Saul

Wonderful display of nature wisdom and cleverness. The butterflies endure a monumental migration and can be found in this lovely place on Pismo beach, easily accessible from the road. Bring binoculars or dslr cameras if you visit early morning, because the knowledgeable staff wont be there to assist you before 10 am. Once theyre there, you can fully enjoy the experience, with classes and tours. Try to stay until the sun has warmed up the surroundings, the butterflies wont start soaring until the thermometer hits 55F.

Ally Pescadora

Expected to see some butterflies in this month of May, but couldnt find a single one. It was a nice little walk, though, and I ended up seeing a caterpillar, so not wholly disappointed. I liked that we could find a spot to park across from it, and didnt have to pay to enter/park. Ill come again on a warmer day when Im in the area to get better luck in seeing some butterflies, and make another review.

Elle BC

Gorgeous, shady trees grown in rich soil with a rich history. As the endangered Monarch becomes increasingly scarce, natural habitats for this creature are evermore important. PLUS there is parking thats far away from the loud beach crowds. Beach access is a decent walk away - Id recommend it for grown-ups and their dogs, not so convenient if youve got kids and all their gear / chairs / coolers.

Kay Weber

This amazingly small Eucalyptus grove shelters ten thousand of endangered Monarch Butterflies during the winter months. The mild climate allows huge clusters to butterflies to hang high up in the trees. On a warm sunny day you might catch them all up in the air for their magical air ballet, one of natures wonders of life you should not miss. The grove is easy to access right off Highway 1.

Jason N

We visited here on 27 Dec 2013. The monarchs are here only November through February and on our visit there were an estimated 30,000 monarchs. They are high up in the trees and cluster together on branches. There are a few telescopes there and volunteers to educate the visitors. Recommend bringing binoculars or a camera with a decent zoom. It is free and open all day, everyday.

David Young

This small nature preserve dedicated to monarch butterflies is easily accessible from the street on one side and campground on the other. We missed the peak season but did see a few monarchs along with swallowtails, hummingbirds, and a few scurrying lizards. Interesting and educational signage is clear and easy to read. The eucalyptus trees smell great!

Kaye Burgdorff

Small area by camping area that has groups of eucalyptus trees. Less butterflies than last few years, yet early in season for them to be here. Still worth the drive. Have telescopes set up, small area for short talks, & area to buy gifts related to butterflies. Park across road from Grove, or a few spots on same side. A fun place to visit.

Danny Hanks

We went on a colder day, so butterflies were hanging out in the trees. It was cool to see hundreds of them on one branch. They even have some binoculars set up tha you can look up close and see the butterflies. A cool little stop along the drive. No charge. Parking is just along the street, so it could get a little hairy getting in/out.

Charles Carlin

Check the calendar and website to come at the right time of year. This is real important. When you see the Butterflies clustering in the trees it is a sight to remember. The docents are so helpful, and the spotting scopes are so helpful. Bring you camera and binoculars and be ready for amazement., but only at the right time of year.

Jihi Johnson

Such a beautiful place! I have visited couple times throughout the year. They have person explaining about monarch butterfly and also they have free binoculars set up for you to have closer look at the butterflies on the trees. You need to find street parking and need to carefully cross the street but I really enjoy this place :)

Kristen Whiteley

The park Rangers are very helpful in pointing out the clusters of monarch butterflies in the eucalyptus trees. There are telescopes set up to see the butterflies up close. Plan on visiting during the winter months to see the most butterflies. This is a wonderful experience for all ages and its free!

sahithya baskaran

You can mostly see the butterflies through the binoculars and not randomly flying around but its still an interesting stop to make if youre near pismo beach or pier. Learning about the migrating patterns is fascinating. Hard to believe those are not leaves in the trees but thousands of butterflies.

jeff stokes

If you want to see something very pretty. You need to come here and look up at the eucalyptus trees. And see all the butterflies. When its warm is the best time to come. Theyre very active then. I like laying on the bench and looking up at the butterflies flying by. Its very relaxing.

Christa Lam

If you love butterflies or enjoy beautiful, natural sights, this place is great! Thousands of butterflies together during the winters. Very unique sight to experience and the butterfly talk by the volunteers was very interesting! Parking usually available along the side of the road.

Skater dc2

Beautiful place to walk around and take some pictures, there is little pathways that lead to different places around there and some go to the beach. Theres restrooms, rv parking on one side where a trail leads to, really nice place to go see for yourself the west coast has to offer.

Natalie Salaets

Just remember to look up! Along the tops of trees, youll see tons of the butterflies fluttering around. A large part of the trail was closed for repairs, but hopefully it reopens soon. Parking is just on the side of the road, it can be a little tricky getting out, right off the 1.

Ryan Whiteside

As this is my hometown area, I dont frequent this place but its is refreshing to visit here occasionally - especially early mornings to avoid the gobs of tourists that show up here and the horrible parking off highway 1 (although there are better ways to arrive at the grove).

Theresa Jones

Definitely a place to go while at the coast. Youll marvel at the butterflies and how many are there. And to think the population of them is so far down from years ago according to the charts they have posted. Amazing. Good for kids. Expect to be there at least 30 minutes.