Pismo Beach
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Sanctuary - November through February, stop at Pismo Beach to see scads of monarch butterflies clustered in the eucalyptus trees.
In the winter months, thousands of butterflies migrate to the central California coast, and this monarch sancutary is one of the best viewing sites. In the trees, the butterflies shelter together, or fly about - one might even land on your shoulder.
Be sure to bring your binoculars to see the butterflies high up in the trees. Spotting scopes are often set up also.
Grove is open daily, sunrise to sunset, and is free. Benches and paved walkway through the trees.
Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is located off Highway 1, south of Pismo Beach town (if you reach Grover Beach, you've gone too far).
Camp at the beach - In the summer months, camp at Pismo State Beach. Two campgrounds are available - North Beach and Oceano Campgrounds. Long sandy beach, trails around freshwater Oceano Lagoon.
Campground reservations available online: ReserveCalifornia.
