Experience the Magic of the Central Coast’s Monarch Butterfly Grove this Fall

Looking for the perfect spot for a fall getaway? Avila Beach and the nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove is the perfect spot!

Visitors from all over the state flock to Pismo Beach beginning in October to experience the magic of the Monarch Butterfly Grove, a publicly owned and protected overwintering site for western Monarch butterflies. The site is one of only five in the state that is visited by upwards of 10,000 butterflies every year. Monarch season runs annually from late October thru February when the butterflies migrate to the area, clustering in the limbs of the tall Eucalyptus and Monterey Cypress trees at Pismo State Beach.

All About the Monarch Butterfly Grove

Each year thousands of vibrant orange and black western Monarch Butterflies descend on Pismo State Beach where they seek shelter from the freezing northern winters. The butterflies gather in dense clusters in order to find shelter from the rain and wind, and create warmth. A nearby garden boasting native flowering plants provides nectar for the adult butterflies.

The colony in Pismo Beach is one of the largest in the nation, having hosted an average of 25,000 butterflies some years. The current Monarch count since February 1, 2022 is 13,360.

Pismo Beach is visited by the Western Monarchs, which are a special generation that migrate long distances to overwinter. These butterflies can reach high altitudes and travel as far as 200 miles a day. Because they can’t tolerate extremely cold temperatures, Monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains travel to coastal California. They have a life span of about six months unlike other generations who typically only live four to six weeks.

The Monarch Butterflies can also be found in Nipomo, Los Osos and Morro Bay.

How to See the Monarchs

The area is easily accessible from Highway 1 at the south boundary of the city limits of Pismo Beach.

The Monarch Mercantile Trailer, operated by the Central Coast State Parks Association, is open year-round. Visitors can learn all about the monarchs from the knowledgeable volunteer docents at the site who lead daily talks and offer insights into the Western Monarch butterfly life cycle.

Powerful telescopes are also available to help visitors see the Monarchs high in the trees. Picnic tables, restrooms and a gift shop are also on site.

Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable walking shoes for the best experience along the Central Coast portion of the Western Monarch Trail.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is only a little over eight miles from Cobbo’s Beach House in Avila Beach, making it the perfect spot to stay during your fall vacation. Book your visit today!