Best Spots to Watch Monarch Butterflies

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What a spectacular show! Monarch butterflies are threatened but they are a creative species and come make a visit every year along the California coastline from Pismo Beach to Santa Cruz!

A natural rock bridge carved by water at Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Natural Bridges State Beach offers an excellent viewpoint to witness shore birds, migrating whales and other sea life playing in the ocean. The beach also welcomes visitors an exciting chance to see the coastal tidepools and the sea life that calls the rocks and waters home.

From late fall thru winter Monarch Butterflies form an amazing colony of life nestled in the protection of the eucalyptus groves taking advantage of the mild coastal climate. 

Come check out the Monarch Butterfly festival next time you are in town.

Martin Stiburek, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In the spectacular Big Sur area, this park is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking and beachcombing as well as panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federal marine protected area. Miles of trails wind through meadows, bluffs, beaches and hilltops. – CA State Parks

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a publically owned, protected overwintering site for western monarch butterflies.   Monach clusters are found in over 200 coastal sites, including several sites in San Luis Obispo County. 

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove generally has one of the largest overwintering western monarch populations.  The current monarch population is threatened.  Recent counts show a 90% drop from counts done 25 years ago. – CA State Parks

About The Author

Robert Bytheway

Robert Bytheway

I have a passion for the outdoors and exploring. Taking my family on road trips and adventures is my greatest success. Mountain Biking the Santa Cruz Mountains is my favorite activity.

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