Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary at Pismo State Beach
Every year, thousands of bright orange and black Monarch Butterflies swarm the Monterey area. If visiting Pacific Grove in the late fall and early winter seasons, you can witness one of the largest inhabited Monarch sanctuaries in the country. Hosting over 25,000 butterflies during the past five years, Pismo Beach is home to flocks of migrating butterflies seeking warmer weather to escape the cold northern winters. The Monarchs take refuge in the limbs of the Eucalyptus trees located in Pismo State Beach.
Details
Hours
Monarch Season is November thru February.
Museum guides are available from 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
Prices -
Open to the public. Admission is free with donations appreciated.
Events
Monarch Butterfly Grove Talks
Annual Clam Festival
Jubilee by the Sea
Pumpkins on the Pier
Activities
Butterfly Exhibits
Tours
Dining
Festivals
Monarch Grove Directions
Located in at the far southern tip of the City of Pismo Beach, the Monarch Butterfly Grove Sanctuary is just off of Highway 1 and easily accessible.
From the North
Exit Southbound 101 at the Highway 1 exit. Highway 1 or Dolliver is straight across the intersection. Proceed south on Dolliver (Highway 1) about 1 1/2 mile. The grove will be on your right just past the North Beach State Campground.
From the South
Exit Northbound 101 at Price St. The off-ramp takes you under the freeway on to northbound Price St. Turn left on Pomery (the first street after the signal on Hinds). Turn left at left on Dolliver (the signal). Continue south on Dolliver (Highway 1) about 1/2 mile. The grove will be on your right just past the North Beach State Campground.
If traveling by bus
Turn into the North Beach Campground. Continue to the back of the campground for parking and Grove access.
Monarch Facts
The Monarch’s wings stretch from 3½–4 inches. The upper side of the wings is vibrant-orange, outlined in black with two sequences of small white speckles. The underside of the wing is similar except the fore and hind wings are a yellowish-brown color and the white speckles are larger.
FAQs
How much do monarchs weigh?
Though Monarch Butterflies have a large wingspan, they range in weigh from .25 gram to .75 gram.
How many eggs do monarchs lay?
Female Monarch Butterflies in a protected sanctuary can lay more than 1,000 eggs in the span of their lifetime. However, in the unsheltered wild, they most likely average around 400 to 500 eggs.
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