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.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 17, 20255 Wild West Destinations to Visit Across United States
Family travelers looking for the ultimate Wild West and cowboy adventure might want to pay attention! Thanks to its opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the region’s history and chance to discover a new way of life, it’s clear the Wild West is the place to visit.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Jul 17, 2025Tiny Travelers, Big Fun at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
This summer, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, located only 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, allows family travelers to make magical memories with the newest kid-friendly offer: Tiny Travelers, Big Fun. Especially suited to families with young children, the offer takes the stress out of vacation planning while creating joyful moments for little adventurers.
Slideshow
Jul 17, 20257 U.S. Hot Springs to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. hot springs with us.
Hotels
Jul 16, 2025Six Senses Crans-Montana Welcomes Families with Wellness Experiences Just for Kids
Six Senses Crans-Montana is giving families a new reason to plan their next family vacation in Switzerland. The property recently launched a kids club that includes 50 different activities, all designed to let kids have fun and learn new skills while connecting with nature.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 20253 New Can’t-Miss Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a family-friendly mountain town, offers year-round outdoor fun, unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains and exciting nightlife. This summer, the town welcomes travelers with new attractions.
ShareThis