The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is where these butterflies come to overwinter among the eucalpytus. They come to this area for its specific microclimate of humidity, protection, and sunlight. As one of the largest in the United States, this cluster saw over 25,000 butterflies in some years, though the numbers have sadly been dwindling due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors. Other clusters in Central Coast are in Pacific Grove and Morro Bay. Western Monarch butterflies have a east-west migration path and so they spend the winters on the coast and summers inland.

The Western Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are in Pismo from late October to February. For some reason I didn’t make it out to the Grove until almost end of March. We drive by it quite often and it always just looked too crowded, with no easy parking.

That afternoon I was out getting some art supplies and felt hungry. So I dropped by Garlands on W Grand Avenue in Grover Beach to feel out the menu. I ended up picking up a cod burger and headed to the Butterfly Grove to enjoy it.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located at the southern end of the City of Pismo, off Highway 1. It is near the North Beach State Campground. There is a strip of parking just after the entrance, going southbound. I parked across the street, and luckily a break in the traffic let me easily cross. It was already late afternoon mid-week and traffic was less dense.

By the time I arrived, the Monarch Mercantile Trailer had already closed. Its hours are 11 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours when the butterflies are there. There were a few people at the park, walking the trail ahead of me. Knowing it was already past the season, I still looked at the trees for signs. When they are here, they cover the eucalyptus. These cluster formations provide shelter and warmth.

While I ate my cod burger, I looked around to see if any butterflies were still there. That cod burger was tasty and I did spot a few butterflies on flowers, and not much else. So I continued on the trail, which I had read leads to the beach.

While the Meadow Creek Trail continues on, I veered off, turning toward the ocean. I was now at the beach south of Pismo Pier. Kicking my sandals off, I stood in the hot sand and let the sunshine sit on my face. These are the times I really miss living in Kaua’i, where everyday I was at the beach and in the warm water, even if only knee high. I found a spot on top of a small dune and sat down with my book. The water glittered under the sun as I watched others also enjoying this beautiful March afternoon.

Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove | Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary | Other overwintering sites in California State Park