[…]Diversity. “Early newspaper descriptions described branches breaking under the weight of so many butterflies and depicted the masses of monarchs as ‘the personification of happiness.’”Conservation efforts are underway in several states, including California, to help restore populations of monarch and western monarch butterflies. Environmental officials and volunteers are racing against […]
[…]and migrate south each winter to Mexico. A sunny winter day offers ideal conditions to see Monarch butterflies along Highway 1. Monarch butterflies become active when the sun hits their wings. Appropriately enough, mating season reaches its peak near Valentine’s Day ― an animated time at Monarch butterfly groves, indeed! […]
[…]to videos above.Whales30 secondsMobileElephant Seals30 secondsMobileZebras20 secondsMobileButterfliesMonarch Butterflies30 seconds, no logoTidepools30 secondsMobileFLICKR Albums – should be used secondary to the photos chosen for Display AdsWildlife FLICKR album that has almost 275 photos we can work with to create assets.Tide PoolsButterfliesH1RT Blog – https://highway1roadtrip.com/amazing-wildlife-highway-1/H1RT Email – copy in productionSF Gate Story […]
[…]friends, see our Whale Watching page. Download your free Wildlife map from highway 1 Monarch Butterflies Each year, the heart of Highway 1 sees hundreds of thousands of Western Monarch Butterflies descend upon migratory butterfly groves. The best part? These habitats can be seen up close with just an easy […]
[…]Butterflies adorn eucalyptus trees Black Lake Canyon Trail Little-known even to locals, the Black Lake Canyon Trail takes in a 2-mile loop of the Black Lake Ecological Area in Nipomo. These 160 acres are part of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, and closed to the public, other than […]
[…]Butterfly Nature PreserveThousands of Monarch butterflies migrate to the northern edge of the Oceano Dunes each year. The small eucalyptus grove, just off Highway 1, serves as a protected overwintering site for the butterflies. Like birds, Monarchs migrate twice per year up and down the West Coast. When cold weather […]
[…]and Nipomo with trips to walk its dunes, taste its BBQ, and meet its kaleidoscope of Monarch Butterflies.Learn MoreCambriaRide horseback on majestic Clydesdale horses, go on a treasure hunt at Moonstone Beach, eat iconic olallieberry pie, and walk the historic streets of Cambria.Learn MoreCayucosThere’s so much to experience in Cayucos. […]
[…]that. Wake to the Monarch Butterflies Start your day with a natural mood boost: Vibrant Monarch butterflies dancing along Highway 1. With two different viewing locations to observe the butterflies—the Pismo Monarch Grove (near the Oceano Dunes) and adjacent to the Trilogy Golf Course in Nipomo—there’s no excuse to miss […]
[…]that. Wake to the Monarch Butterflies Start your day with a natural mood boost: Vibrant Monarch butterflies dancing along Highway 1. With two different viewing locations to observe the butterflies—the Pismo Monarch Grove (near the Oceano Dunes) and adjacent to the Trilogy Golf Course in Nipomo—there’s no excuse to miss […]
[…]years. At the Oceano Monarch Preserve, take advantage of docent expertise, free talks about the butterflies, comfortable benches and picnic tables. At the height of Monarch traffic, you’ll even be able to shop at the mobile Monarch gift shop and use high-powered telescopes to see the butterflies in the trees. […]
[…]the Trilogy Golf Resort. Come for a round of golf, and witness the majesty of thousands of Monarch butterflies in their native environment. Beautiful butterflies fill the trees of the Monarch Butterfly Groves Nipomo Community Park This huge regional park is beloved by visitors and locals alike for good reason: […]
[…]start the day energized for the adventure ahead. Spend your Morning in a Butterfly Grove Monarch butterflies flock to Los Osos Baywood. Don’t miss these whimsical creatures take flight! With two butterfly groves in Los Osos Baywood—located at the Sea Pines Golf Course and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, respectively—you can […]
[…]1, the Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of Oceano’s most unique gems. The vibrant black and orange butterflies flock to California by the thousand every winter (between October and January) to seek refuge from the freezing cold… and Pismo’s colony is the largest in the U.S. The butterflies hang out […]
[…]around the estuary completes your ultimate Highway 1 road trip. Monarch Butterfly Grove Monarch Butterflies take flight along Highway 1—so don’t miss your chance to see this colorful display in person. Migrating twice per year, these orange-and-black beauties hover along Eucalyptus trees at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Grove […]
[…]of undulating dunes. Along the way, keep an eye out for surfers, seabirds and fluttering Monarch butterflies. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes A trail from the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve to Mussel Rock spans 5.2-mile out and back. Hikers, trail runners and naturalists use the moderately difficult trail, which offers scenic coastal views. To […]
[…]nearby provides natural wonderment for Arroyo Grande visitors. Every winter, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Pismo Beach and flutter in the eucalyptus branches outstretched along Pismo Beach State Beach. Observe an average of 25,000 monarch butterflies in the grove between late October and February each year—one of the largest […]
[…]twice-daily talks and operate a mobile gift shop. Fun fact: did you know that a group of Monarch butterflies is called a “kaleidoscope”? And that the height of Monarch mating is usually on or around Valentine’s Day? View the Monarchs at the butterfly grove Cross the Lake into the Dunes […]
[…]Highway 1 in Oceano sees up to 230,000 Monarchs in a single season. These large orange and black butterflies migrate up and down the West Coast, from Canada to an Diego. Along the way, they stop at a point on Highway 1 where the eucalyptus trees hang heavy with butterflies, […]
[…]each year, the eucalyptus trees at the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove crowd with thousands of Monarch butterflies. One of the largest Monarch colonies in North America, the preserve provides powerful telescopes to see the butterflies up close. Docents offer talks, answer questions, and describe the behavior and life cycle of […]
[…]miss the natural Monarch Butterfly habitat at the course’s entrance, where the jewel-toned butterflies migrate each year.) The park is also a destination for birdwatchers, whose saltwater marshes on the bay’s northeast edge support a diverse population of birds. Montana de Oro State Park This sprawling state park clocks in […]
[…]you’ve missed one of nature’s most vivid images. A short walk from Pismo State Beach, Monarch Butterflies gather at this natural migratory habitat — one of the largest in the nation. The Monarch Butterfly Preserve has been known to see 30,000 butterflies per year, covering tree branches with their orange […]
[…]spots here — the most of any area in California.) Each winter in Oceano, thousands of Monarch butterflies take up residence in a grove of eucalyptus trees, delighting visitors and locals alike. Also in late winter, huge populations of the Great Northern Elephant Seal show up to mate, pup and […]
[…]Monarch spot is the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. This unspoiled 24-acre space hosts clusters of butterflies from October to March. Walk the path along the back bay and enjoy the opportunity to spy these peaceful, striking creatures in their native environment. Beautiful butterflies adorn the trees Morro Bay State Park […]
[…]really clusters of butterfly wings? Yes, they’re wings: tens of thousands of migrating Monarch butterflies have been known to rest, mate, and warm themselves here each year. The Western Monarch follows a migratory path twice per year, much like migrating birds. As they travel to warm climates, they pause along […]
[…]and fluttering among the silvery leaves of a eucalyptus tree grove. Such a View countless Monarch butterflies fluttering in a eucalyptus grove just off Highway 1 in Nipomo. Adjacent to the Monarch Dunes Golf Course, this enchanting habitat is a haven for overwintering Monarchs each September through mid-February, with peak […]
[…]ranching days, still stands as an incredible photo opp. Speaking of great photos, Monarch butterflies roost along the Eucalyptus trees along the coastline. Be sure to keep an eye out for orange clusters fluttering through the branches as you explore this charming locale. Grab a Lunch Bite Lunch at the […]
[…]Try these hot spots.In the Monarch Butterfly Grove just south of Pismo Beach, 25,000 Monarch butterflies cover the limbs of eucalyptus trees each year from October through February. Free and open to the public, this natural preserve offers docent-led talks and telescopes for viewing the butterflies up close. If all the world’s […]
[…]to visit most. Back To Nature Tours Whether it’s a longtime fascination with Western Monarch Butterflies or a new affection for seaweed, traveling our stretch of Highway 1 brings out the nature-lover in just about everyone. Our 100 miles of unspoiled coastline is the stuff dreams are made of, and […]
[…]close to shore.Monarch Butterflies: November, December, January and FebruaryWestern Monarch butterflies spend winters in the mild climate of the Central Coast. The Monarch Grove in Pismo Beach/Oceano is the largest in the western US — each year millions of butterflies rest and mate in the tall eucalyptus trees.Sea Otters: The […]
[…]Preserve Set your sights for butterflies and blue skies in Pismo BeachStep into an enchanted dream where your imagination truly takes flight. Yes, we’re talking about the unmatched wonder of the Monarch Butterfly Nature Preserve. Here, Western Monarch butterflies visit twice a year, flapping thousands of wings among tall, stoic […]
[…]or tasty fish tacos at Willow Nipomo on your way to Pismo Beach, where thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter October through February in the Monarch Butterfly Grove. In the grove’s tall eucalyptus trees, butterflies shelter from northern winds by forming dense stacked clusters that are all but invisible until they flutter their wings. […]
[…]for top-notch grapes, you’ll get a warm welcome with your fine wine.2 p.m. – Catch coffee and butterflies in Oceano and Pismo BeachDreams take flight: Perk up your afternoon with an expertly-roasted cup of coffee from Quintessa Coffee Roasters in Oceano, not far from the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo […]
[…]and Nipomo with trips to walk its dunes, taste its BBQ, and meet its kaleidoscope of Monarch Butterflies.Learn MoreCambriaRide horseback on majestic Clydesdale horses, go on a treasure hunt at Moonstone Beach, eat iconic olallieberry pie, and walk the historic streets of Cambria.Learn MoreCayucosThere’s so much to experience in Cayucos. […]
[…]and an art gallery focused on the dunes. Monarch Butterfly Grove Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate to the eucalyptus grove between Oceano and Pismo Beach. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the migration, which brings a kaleidoscope of Monarchs to the Central Coast. Whale Trail The Whale […]
[…]Pop into the Monarch Butterfly Grove, a natural habitat where tens of thousands of pretty Monarch Butterflies migrate each year. Use the provided telescopes to see the eucalyptus trees covered in butterflies sunning their wings and fluttering among the branches. Then spend the day exploring the endless Oceano Dunes, where […]
[…]along the shoreline. During the high season in January and February, the grove can see hundreds of butterflies, migrating from colder climes to warm their wings. Just walk under the trees and look up. Pacific Schoolhouse The Pacific Schoolhouse provides an excellent glimpse into the history of Old San Simeon […]
[…]unspoiled and uninhabited — unless you count sea otters, whales, elephant seals, Monarch butterflies, dolphins, herons, anemones, or starfish, of course. Just like you, they are free to roam, too.Here, we love a good drive. Give us the open road, all 87 miles on our stretch of Highway 1, by […]
[…]are your only competition for waves. Marvel at a kaleidoscope of tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies, tucked just off the roadway. Or glimpse through a tiny window to witness the unparalleled grandeur of Big Sur’s “million-dollar view.” Exploring the seaside hamlets and rolling vineyards on California’s Central Coast, it’s […]
[…]out and back, this scenic trail is open year-round to hikers and leashed dogs, too. Note: Monarch butterflies migrate to this area seasonally, so be sure to know before you go. Heading farther south, you’ll find even more incredible beach hikes and walking trails to discover, including Oso Flaco Lake, […]
[…] Luminous watercolors make a splash at Tracy Taylor’s studio, where butterflies, jellyfish and other underwater sea creatures come to life. Yael Korin Yael Korin is a fine art photographer known for abstract impressionistic images that catch the eye and spark an elevated mood. Left Field Gallery Directed by abstract […]
Embark on a journey through nature, spanning over a 100 miles of captivating history, pristine beaches, majestic bluffs, protected preserves, and abundant of wildlife. Get inspired by the beauty that surrounds you, learn from locals and connect deeper to mother nature. Your actions (including family fun “leave-no-trace” beach time) along […]
[…]Hearst Ranch Winery, a fabulous spot to swirl and savor seaside (keep your eyes peeled for Monarch butterflies fluttering along Eucalyptus branches). Nearby, a historic schoolhouse flanked by multicolored wildflowers provides a dreamy addition to San Simeon’s technicolor charm. Safe to say, visitors hoping to spot one of Hearst’s famous […]
[…]your toes. 9. Hang with Monarch Butterflies in Oceano. Every winter-spring, the eucalyptus grove off Highway 1 in Oceano becomes the migratory home for tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies. With their characteristic orange, black and white spotted wings, they hang on the branches of the eucalyptus trees to warm […]
There’s no doubt about it—Highway 1 is wild. With elephant seals sunbathing, monarch butterflies fluttering and seabirds soaring, there are countless wildlife experiences unfolding along Highway 1’s 100 miles of Pacific coastline. Spanning the dramatic cliffs of Ragged Point in the north to the serene dunes of Oceano and Nipomo […]
[…]in Central California. At the opposite end of the weight and color spectrum, migrant monarch butterflies arrive every winter by the hundreds of thousands. Download the free Wildlife Map to start ticking off the sights.Read the full list from Fodor’s Travel. The Highway 1 Discovery Route is home to an abundance of […]
[…]and ducks spend their winter in the adjoining bay. From late October into March, monarch butterflies traditionally cluster here. The 24-acre preserve is the home of several threatened and endangered species, and no plants or animals may be collected. The reintroduction of native species is a continuing goal of the […]
[…]a visit to the Great American Melodrama for a live show, take a horseback ride on the beach, view butterflies in their native habitat, or even enjoy a round of golf. You can download the map here, and if you’re looking to make a difference while on vacation, check out […]
[…]22 species of mammals, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians. It is home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Chumash middens occur throughout the park. Docent-led nature walks focusing on different topics are held monthly. The walks usually beginning are 9:30am and lasts 1-1.5 hours. For more information visit the website. The Elfin […]
[…]Lassie out, on leash, to see the butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Grove along Highway 1. Or cruise together (again, on leash) at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.Dog-Friendly Hikes in Oceano/Nipomo Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Take the easy 2-mile, out-and-back Black Lake Trail with your on-leash dog, […]
[…]species. It also boasts a number of insect species, including a whopping 23 species of moths and butterflies. Chumash & Back Bay Locals call the area of the Elfin Forest the “back bay.” Here, a large Chumash archeological site stands just adjacent to the Elfin Forest. Throughout the area, Chumash […]
[…]ponds and is framed by a salt marsh. See threatened and endangered shorebirds, as well as Monarch butterflies from October to March. From Highway 1 (north or south), take exit 227 south toward Los Osos/Baywood Park. Continue on South Bay Boulevard for 2.5 miles and turn right on Santa Ysabel […]
[…]alligator lizards, western fence lizards, and Pacific tree frogs dine on insects like dragonflies, butterflies and others. Park HistoryThe area of the Los Osos Oaks Natural Reserve once served as home to the Chumash and Salinan people. Later, the Portola Expedition explored the valley and named it Cañada de Los […]
[…]home. Stop off Highway 1 to witness the Monarch Butterfly Grove and its thousands of jewel-toned butterflies. Take a tour of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station midway through your ride. Check out a Whale Trail sign to learn how to spot whales offshore. Wherever you ride, consider adding one […]
[…]Pismo Beach, a special sight to behold each winter. Watch in wonderment as nearly 230,00 Monarch Butterflies flutter in unison along the eucalyptus trees of Pismo State Beach. Biking along the Pismo […]
[…]country bloom with cheerful flora and fauna all year round. Tie the knot surrounded by birdsong, butterflies and quaint gazebos adorned with sweetly-perfumed petals. Embrace the natural splendor of a sunny garden wedding perfectly suited for outdoor ceremonies and photo-worthy cocktail hours unfolding beneath majestic branches or vines. From elaborate […]
[…]views of Morro Rock in the distance, and even plays host to a congregation of migratory Monarch Butterflies. Locals and visitors visit Sweet Springs year-round, enjoying its peace and tranquility, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and rambling trails. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk, with parking at 660 Ramona […]
[…]wildlife is also a probability here, from whales, dolphins and seals in the ocean to seabirds, butterflies, and interesting insects. Be warned, though: other insects and wildlife like ticks and snakes are a reality here, too. Watch where you step! Be sure to wear long pants and long sleeves, and […]
Highway 1 is an excellent destination for electric vehicle drivers. With several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the route, explore ten small towns on a single charge. Planning ahead is important for any electric vehicle road trip and can add time onto your travel itinerary. For this reason, Highway […]
[…]descendants of the late publishing mogul’s original herd. Meanwhile, thousands of Monarch butterflies take flight in Pismo Beach, providing a whimsical display. Birdwatching couples are sure to find a slice of heaven among Highway 1’s many preserves and parks. Stroll along a Nipomo boardwalk leading from forest to dunes, watching […]
Love the idea of dining with butterflies and hummingbirds? Then Celia’s Garden Café is a best bet for a fresh and visually beautiful breakfast or lunch. Mostly hidden from the main drag, this open-only-during-the-day eatery has a calming energy, perhaps because it’s adjacent to a spacious nursery. Celia’s can get […]
[…]foot on the grounds. All spa services include the use of Trilogy’s semi-private garden, where butterflies, flowers and cool, coastal breezes await. Inside the spa, the vibe is equally delightful: explore two serenity lounges and the eucalyptus steam room. Ready to submerge your senses underwater? Allow soothing bubbles to melt […]
[…]and a whole lot more to discover. Explore epicurean food and wine offerings, whimsical Monarch butterflies, unique family entertainment and more all within reach of your next Pismo Beach […]
[…]check out the Season of Coastal Discovery. This is when many animals, including birds, whales and butterflies, are migrating through the area. If you come during the busier summer season, Cayucos hosts an all-out bash for the Fourth of July. It’s complete with a parade, sandcastle contest and fireworks. Layout […]
[…]and February generally offer mild weather and the arrival of migrating animals. Whales, birds, and butterflies and more are all spotted during the Season of Coastal Discovery. Layout The Bonny Cottage by the Sea is a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom vacation cottage that sleeps 4 guests. This updated spot has […]
[…]The trail makes for a great bike ride or hike beside the grasslands, above which seven species of butterflies dance and seasonal wetlands provide habitat for the quite rare California red-legged frog. There’s no luck involved when locating one of the many tide pools that rest along this Central California […]
[…]late October to February, you can get a glimpse of thousands of black and gold monarch butterflies as they cluster in the limbs of eucalyptus trees from Oceano to Nipomo.5. Avila BeachIt’s hard to pass by Avila Beach and its clean white sand beaches, ideal climate, and warm ambiance. At […]
[…]of mammals, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians. Wow! It’s also home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Can’t wait to see for yourself? Enjoy a docent-led hike.Nearby and Noteworthy:A farmhouse with a coastal view? Only in SLO CAL! Today, the historic Spooner Ranch House serves as park headquarters, […]
[…]January and February are filled with mild weather and the arrival of migrating animals. Birds, butterflies, whales and more are all spotted during the Season of Coastal Discovery. Layout Gallery with a View is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom vacation rental that sleeps 4 guests. This home features modern and […]
[…]and February generally offer mild weather and the arrival of migrating animals. Whales, birds, and butterflies and more are all spotted during the Season of Coastal Discovery. Layout The Ocean View Gatsby House is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom vacation rental that sleeps 6 guests. The Mediterranean architectural details continue […]
[…]sanctuary, and even an elephant seal rookery contained within it. Road trippers can see monarch butterflies, migrating whales, and even zebras during their drive, but for many, the surprising highlight is the meals they can access along the way. Every great road trip includes memorable restaurants, dishes, and local ingredients, and […]
[…]a photo with a friend, spot local wildlife (including a surprising cast of characters like whales, butterflies and zebras), soak up the sun, or simply find a moment of inner peace. Wherever you roam along Highway 1, one thing is for certain: there’s always more to the scenery than what […]
[…]a photo with a friend, spot local wildlife (including a surprising cast of characters like whales, butterflies and zebras), soak up the sun, or simply find a moment of inner peace. Wherever you roam along Highway 1, one thing is for certain: there’s always more to the scenery than what […]
[…]sea life in action. Majestic whales, grazing zebras, lounging elephant seals, fluttering Monarch butterflies and adorable otters–they all thrive along Highway 1’s slice of pristine coastal habitat (you just need to know where to look).Get your free hidden secrets map hereArmed with our expert recommendations and a pair of binoculars, […]
[…]corner: your child can wave to elephant seals, spot adorable otters or watch thousands of Monarch butterflies take flight. Kick back for a live comedy production or hit a plethora of scenic playgrounds, many of which boast close access to the sea. Nibble iconic brown butter cookies on the beach […]
[…]one of Hearst’s famous zebras, an adorable gaggle of sea otters or a fluttering mass of Monarch butterflies will cross your path. From pristine beaches to historic lighthouses and romantic Mission architecture, there’s a reason why so many folks celebrate weddings, anniversaries and birthdays along Highway 1. Our landscape is […]
[…]That’s when the area hosts the Season of Coastal Discovery; animals, including birds, whales and butterflies are migrating through the area. Layout A World Away vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It can easily accommodate 6 guests and is pet friendly. Sleeping arrangements include a California King bed […]
[…]can explore the Season of Coastal Discovery, a time when many animals, including birds, whales and butterflies migrate through the area. If you come during the busier summer season, Cayucos hosts an incredible party for the 4th of July. Plan well in advance to enjoy the parade, sandcastle contest and […]
[…]the wonder of Mother Nature at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, ground zero for fluttering butterflies (look to the Eucalyptus branches for an astounding sight).Ocean views at Schooner’sFeed the whole family at Schooners in Cayucos, a tried-and-true local fave. Serving up fresh seafood, steaks, fish and chips and burgers […]
[…]and audience participation that will make the whole family laugh.Thousands of Western Monarch Butterflies will arrive along the Western Monarch Trail this fall, bringing butterfly fans to the eucalyptus groves of the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Preserve. These beautiful winged creatures come every year to this stand of trees of […]
[…]Discover an unexpected botanical gem: the Luffa Farm in Nipomo. Delight in thousands of Monarch butterflies fluttering in unison in Pismo Beach. Travel an otherworldly trail from forest to dunescape or walk among ancient pygmy oaks treasured by ancient tribal inhabitants. Yes, you should always expect the unexpected on Highway […]
[…]are also a great time to visit for the Season of Coastal Discovery. It features whales, birds, butterflies and more migrating along the coast. Layout The Studio Drive with Nearby Beach Access vacation rental has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating up to 5 visitors. This 1,200 square foot split […]
[…]time to visit for the Season of Coastal Discovery. The region welcomes migrating whales, birds, butterflies and more migrating along the coast. Layout The Vintage Views vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to accommodate as many as 6 guests. Sleeping arrangements include a king size bed in the […]
[…]visit for the Season of Coastal Discovery Celebration. The area welcomes migrating whales, birds, butterflies and more migrating along the coast. Layout The Golden Sand Retreat vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to comfortable accommodate 6 guests. The downstairs has two bedrooms, one with a queen size bed […]
[…]of Coastal Discovery events. Among the popular sights are animals, including birds, whales and butterflies, migrating through the area. Layout The Dolphin Hideout vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It can easily accommodate up to 8 guests and is pet friendly. Sleeping arrangements include a king size bed […]
[…]rent an ATV and ride through the dunes. If you visit between November and February, the Monarch butterflies are making their annual stop on their migration. Need a fun way to spend an evening? Get dinner at a local restaurant and then laugh until you cry at the Great American […]
[…]regions your personal discoveries 10 pristine uncrowded beaches great dining Monarch Butterflies Elephant Seals history sand dunes Our Experience The 10 Discovery Route destinations are: Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Nipomo, Oceano, Avila Beach, Los Osos / Baywood Park, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, and Ragged Point. We stay in Cambria; its central location lets us sample a […]
[…]gliding over the water. If you visit between November and February, you can see the Monarch butterflies clustered in groves, a stop in their annual migration. And the best way to end the day is with dinner at a top, local restaurant and some belly laughs at the Great American […]
[…]Butterfly Grove – From late October to February, thousands of black and gold Monarch butterflies cluster in the limbs of a Eucalyptus grove at Pismo State Beach, providing us with a breathtaking glimpse of nature in all her vibrant glory. Read More » Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve – Walk where both the Chumash and […]
[…]spot in Nipomo, not too far from Pismo Beach. IF THE MENTION… of Pismo Beach brings Monarch butterflies to mind, and clams, best add the scrubby sponge that’s actually a gourd in the cucumber family to your Central Coast cool-stuff list. (Surprising, yes, but not surprising, in a way, since […]
[…]many places, where winter may slow down activities, the opportunities increase here when monarch butterflies are on the move and elephant seals settle into their rookeries, the most accessible sea lion habitat viewing in the world. Naturalist-trained docents also set up spotting scopes to watch the sea otters float above […]
[…]towns, and sanctuaries and estuaries harbor wildlife, including elephant seals, otters, monarch butterflies, and rare birds. Continue north on Highway 1 to connect with Big Sur Coast Highway, another scenic byway described below.Don’t miss: Morro Bay National Estuary, home to Morro Rock, called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.” Route 1-Big Sur […]
[…]bevy of activities. Arrival Day: Butterflies, Hummingbirds & Crab Cakes “…Visiting the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, which is a short loop beneath the Eucaluptus trees – prime butterfly habitat – isn’t going to take a lot of energy. But it’s a good leg stretch after touching down at the […]
