As of late July, scientists officially classified the monarch butterfly as endangered, putting it two steps away from extinction. Every kid recognizes a monarch butterfly with its signature orange and black pattern, and its addition to the International Union for Conservation of Nature list means this once familiar butterfly may not be as populous as before.
The monarch butterfly undertakes one of the longest migrations of any inspect species, spending winters in Mexico before venturing thousands of miles to southern Canada in the summer. California features many gardens, parks and mesas that serve as stopping points for the butterfly along its migration pattern. Family travelers wanting to see these beautiful creatures and learn more about the species and how to save them can visit these places.
Pismo Beach © Visit SLO CAL
Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
As one of only a few sites in the state with more than 10,000 butterflies annually, Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove saw more than 13,000 monarch butterflies seek shelter this past February. Visit the grove between October and February to see the beautiful creatures clustered in the limbs of eucalyptus trees.
Located in Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park offers some of the best spots to view the monarch butterfly. The butterflies nestle in eucalyptus trees in Cooper Grove along Big Sur River. Visiting early in the morning from October to January allows you to see them in troves.
© Courtesy of Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa
As the butterflies migrate through the Goleta area between November and February, visitors can view the migration for free. Open from sunrise to sunset, visitors can admire the butterflies. The grove accepts donations to support the Monarch Butterfly Docent Program.
Situated in Santa Cruz, the grove at Natural Bridges State Park contains eucalyptus trees nestled within a canyon. The protected trees provide shelter to the monarch butterflies, protecting them from the wind. A food source for the butterflies, the trees also serve as a place for the butterflies to cluster together on colder days for warmth. In addition to trees, the park also maintains a demonstration milkweed patch for visitors to view monarch eggs, caterpillars and chrysalides. Visit the park between late October and November to have the best chances of seeing the butterflies.
Read This Next
Best Hotel Desserts for National Dessert Month
Listicles
Sep 30, 2022#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedSlideshow
Sep 22, 20226 Istanbul, Türkiye, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Istanbul, Türkiye, with us.
Sponsored Content
United Aviate Academy Takes Off
United Airlines officially became the only major U.S. airline to own a flight training school with the opening of United Aviate Academy on Jan. 27. The moment was made even more historic with its inaugural class, which is 80 percent women and people of color.
Listicles
Sep 21, 20224 Fall Hikes with Young Children in New England
There’s nothing like a beautiful, crisp autumn day to inspire getting outdoors, and New England is filled with kid-friendly trails through the colorful forests to natural wonders and even mountaintops. If your family travel plans involve the New England states, try one of these hikes.
Europe
Sep 20, 2022Visiting the Roman Baths in Bath, England
A visit to Bath, England, should be on every family traveler’s list. A trip isn’t complete without a stop at the Roman Baths. The preserved thermae offer 2,000 years of history.
Sponsored Content
Take the perfect family vacation with Celebrity Cruises
YOUR SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT FAMILY VACATION ENDS HERE
Listicles
Sep 19, 20225 Reasons to Visit Lucerne, Switzerland, with Children
The Swiss city of Lucerne is large enough to have plenty of things to do, but small enough to explore easily with children. So if your family’s travels take you to Switzerland, here’s why you should make Lucerne part of your itinerary.
ShareThis