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Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove – Biologist in the making! Excited girl holding up her finely decorated monarchs at Western Monarch Day at Pismo Beach, Calif. (32751473965)📷 Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

Pismo Beach, CA

Nature

A eucalyptus grove where thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter, usually from November to February. Docents explain the migration; parking is along the highway shoulder beside the grove.

Nearest town
Pismo Beach, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
35.1293, -120.6280

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–August and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Santa Ynez Valley: missions, wine and dunes – Mpb47126© silvereye · CC BY 2.0
154
Things to do in…

Santa Ynez Valley: missions, wine and dunes

116 mi9 stops3 days

Nearby

Oceano Dunes – Sand dunes - Oceano CA© Mike Baird from Morro Bay, USA · CC BY 2.0
Nature

Oceano Dunes

Oceano, CA
Madonna Inn - September 2023 - Sarah Stierch 01© Missvain · CC BY 4.0
Editor's pick
Stays

Madonna Inn

San Luis Obispo, CA
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park – La Purisima Mission State Historical Park picnic area© Red3two · CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's pick
History

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park

Lompoc, CA
Mission Santa Inés - Sarah Stierch - Feb 2018 13© Missvain · CC BY 4.0
History

Mission Santa Inés

Solvang, CA

Campsites nearby

  • Le Sage Riviera RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    0 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    Motorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Avila Koa CampgroundCampsite
    6 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    ElectricityShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Port San Luis RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    8 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    MotorhomesElectricity
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Flying Flags Avila BeachCampsite
    8 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    ElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • El Chorro Regional Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    15 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Morro Bay State ParkCampsite
    19 mi from Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
    OSMAdd to trip

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove?

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is in Pismo Beach, CA, at GPS 35.1293, -120.6280. It is about 11 mi from San Luis Obispo.

Can you camp near Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pismo State Beach, North Beach Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 80 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove?

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Santa Ynez Valley: missions, wine and dunes.

What is there to see near Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove?

Places worth a stop nearby: Oceano Dunes (3 mi), Madonna Inn (10 mi), La Purísima Mission State Historic Park (34 mi) and Mission Santa Inés (46 mi).

When is the best time to visit Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–August and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)