Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove


Numbers have been dwindling but, for now, thousands of black-and-orange monarch butterflies still make their winter home in this eucalyptus grove just south of the North Beach Campground. Look closely: the dense clusters in the treetops might easily be mistaken for leaves. To learn more, study the information boards or join a free docent tour daily at 11am and 2pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kynsi Winery

5.1 MILES

Small, family-run vineyard pours cult-worthy Pinot Noir inside a cozy brick tasting room.

2. Sextant Wines

5.2 MILES

Boisterous tasting room pours different varietals from Edna Valley and Paso Robles, with a tiny gourmet deli.

3. Avila Valley Barn

5.62 MILES

At this rural farm stand and pick-your-own berry farm, you can park alongside the sheep and goat pens, lick an ice-cream cone, then grab a basket and walk…

4. Chamisal Vineyards

5.99 MILES

In a rust-colored barn tasting room, tipple hand-crafted, small-lot wines grown mostly organically.

5. Edna Valley Vineyard

6.24 MILES

Sip Paragon Vineyard estate Chardonnay by panoramic windows overlooking fields of grapes.

6. Talley Vineyards

7.04 MILES

Unpretentious, value-priced wines set among rolling hillsides, with vineyard tours ($10, including wine-tasting flight $20 to $40) by appointment.

7. Niven Family Wine Estates

7.05 MILES

Samples from six different labels inside an early-20th-century wooden schoolhouse, with two bocce ball courts outside.

8. Tolosa Winery

7.08 MILES

No-oak Chardonnay, barrel-selected Pinot Noir and bold estate Syrah, with artisanal cheese, charcuterie and chocolate pairings on weekends.