Address: 250 Ridge Rd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
Phone: +18316485716
Sunday: 8AM–5PM
Monday: 8AM–5PM
Tuesday: 8AM–5PM
Wednesday: 8AM–5PM
Thursday: 8AM–5PM
Friday: 8AM–5PM
Saturday: 8AM–5PM
Camila Jimenez
Really beautiful place, calm and easy to find. There are many butterflies but less than Thanksgiving Eve. (What I heard) but still you can see mane on the top of the trees, some on the grass and flying over you. Recommended to go before February ends
yung-chin Chen
Free. Not too difficult to find parking. Binoculars are encouraged to see clusters of butterflies in the high trees. But today is a good day. You can find butterflies just in front of your eyes.
Dawna Raven Sky
A wonderful place during the Monarch Butterfly migration to see these beautiful winged ones. Sunny day's will bring them out fluttering about. Knowledgeable docents will answer your questions, although there is signage detailing their natural history.
jusac suryanata
Amazing sanctuary free and open to the public funded only by the donations of visitors. Definitely a must visit as Monterey is known for their Monarch population and habitat. It just so happens to be located centrally in a village of resorts and lodging. Their population peaks October to December but visit about high noon on a sunny day. Its also a great spot to have a small breakfast on the go or make it a stop on your morning run.
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Might be a bit early, but the area is nice to visit anyways.
I saw them TODAY Nov 15, 2018, took photos. Just trying to get word out. ( responding Nov 27, 2018: There was a huge cluster in a pine tree just outside the Sanctuary, in a neighbor's tree. Along the walking path, dozens of Monarchs were feeding on the flowering plants. The flowers are high off the ground, so using cellphones to photo is very difficult. See my photos. 2019? You went too far LOL
November through January is their peak population. I saw large clusters in November. You can see them in the pictures from my review.
Cost
Sorry, I don't but you can call them to find out.
Today, November 15, 2018 the Monarchs arrived. By Thanksgiving it will be really good.
Yes, I went yesterday and there were quite a few. It's open year round but sooner the better for a chance of seeing more of them Nov - Feb is the season, warm days with sun ☀are best.
Yes, I recommend the morning when the sun starts to break through the trees its the perfect time. Grab a coffee and watch them come to life as they warm up!
No. November - December are when the butterflies come through. But it is still a nice stroll and the flowers smell beautiful. I enjoyed going even without the butterflies.
No, best time to see them is November and December.
I was there in early November. There were a few but not what I expected. You could call the Butterfly lodge and I bet the owners would be happy to tell you. I would think there would be a lot more butterflies by now. There is another Sanctuary in Santa Cruz. It was hopping so to speak when we were in Monterey.
Noon until 3 pm
Nov 15, 2018 they have arrived now. See my pics
Most likely no. They are pretty much gone by the end of February.
Anytime when there's daylight is good. However, between noon and 3 pm docents are at the location. They are well informed and can help you learn more about the butterflies and their habitat.
I was there last week. They were in small groupings of up to 50, but still great, and it appears larger numbers are close. 🦋
Dogs are not allowed due to the delicate balance of a wildlife sanctuary.
There were quite a few still there.
I don't believe so butterflies usually migrate to Mexico late February
No!! Absolutely no pets allowed! There are two signs as you enter the sanctuary to that effect. This is the wintering habitat of a very large percentage of monarchs; please obey the rules to keep them from risk!
Yes. Around mid-day.
Not really, it's more passway to look around at butterflies, especially in monarch season it's packed with people.
They were there. Not much of a partying bunch, mostly just hung out in groups, away from the people, way up in the trees.
Not only is it flat, but it also has a few benches along the trail too. The entire sanctuary isn't very large. It is peaceful.
Sadly you can’t at this time of the year. The monarch butterflies usually come in October through December. Rarely though, you may see 1 or 2 Monarchs if you’re lucky because there are some stray ones sometimes. But I was there a week ago and didn’t see any. The area is still really beautiful though and the sanctuary is by a little pink motel that looks like a cool place to stay and take pictures of.
Not when I was there the 10th February
I did not see any on the 16th if Jan.
Its free to enter - no tickets necessary. The best time to visit is during the middle of the day between October - January. This is your best chance for seeing them!
Yes, November is when the butterflies should be there! Good luck.
December and January are good bets.
February is usual flocking month
No. October to March.
Monarchs stay in the grove from October through February.
No fee. Parking on east side, short walk to and through sanctuary.
The butterflies have declined in numbers compared to last year around the same time . Their was more in the neighbors back yard than the actual butterfly sanctuary.
They don't like the cold so they don't fly around a lot during this time of year. They are still here.
Yes, as long as the days don't get too warm. By about 55° they've all taken off, looking for food.
Was there 2 days ago. You'll see some flying around if you wait and look up, but it'll be only one or 2 at a time.
Dont expect to find many butterflies, population has dwindled significantly this year. Also take a pair of binoculars to view in trees. The park is an open space between homes. There is no gate or entrance fee
No, very strict about that,it is implemented there are grounds keepers on site. It is a butterfly preserve.
If lucky. Migration is normally November to March
No dogs allowed leashed or not. They are pretty strict on that rule.
Plant some Milkweed at your home, they will find you. Please research the Species of milkweed for YOUR zone. There are several types of milkweed, some to avoid. We planted in San Diego, never saw the Adults that came, but we got caterpillars that became adults & flew away in 2017.
Now is not the prime time to view them. Thanksgiving weekend is the absolute prime time
The peak time to see them is Thanksgiving weekend (last weekend in November). You might see some throughout the year, but late November us really the best time.
I am sorry but this is an outdoor sanctuary, not a business.
I have no idea if they will be there. The monarchs west of the Rockies go to Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz. There were more in Santa Cruz. The others fly to Mexico. I was told when i was at Pacific Grove sometimes they fly back and forth from Mexico to California
We are planing a trip in January 11 the monarch is going to be there.? Because i have a 6 hour drive please answer.
They Winter over there. They start arriving in October probably nearly all have arrived by Thanksgiving. I understand they mate around Valentine's day and depart sometime after. So, yes. 😀
As we move farther and farther into global warming the Butterflys are staying longer and longer in the Grove. There should be some Butterflys still remaining in the Grove in March.
End of November-beginning of December
You will find lots. There were already some colonies 10 days back.
There are about 500 butterflies as of 10/17/2017
It wont be much right now. Also the wild fire and the smoke may affect it too (although not sure of that). You should try around end of November.
November to December. In the Summer there are no butterflies at all, it is just a small park
There is no entrance fee, but i strongly recommend that you read the rules before entering. This is a really special place and if the grounds are not respected it will be closed to the public.
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