Contact Us

You can contact the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove by calling (805) 473-7220 or emailing info@parks.ca.gov. 

Information for Visitors 

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove is free to visit and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. The weather may affect these hours and updated information during adverse weather can be found on the State Parks website HERE. 

It’s important to note that the monarchs use this site as an overwintering place. The butterflies can only be seen during winter, from November to February. However, you can access the grove and learn more year-round. 

How to Get to the Pismo Beach Monarch Grove

The grove is a part of Pismo State Beach and is located on HWY 1 between Grover Beach and Pismo Beach. 

Address: 445 South Dolliver, Pismo Beach 93449

If you’re coming from the Southern side (Grover Beach), follow Grand Avenue west to Highway 1. At the stoplight, turn right (north) and the Grove will be on your left.  

If you’re coming from the North (Pismo Beach), follow Dolliver (HWY 1) through town. You will pass the North Beach Campground and arrive at the Monarch Grove on the right. 

Additional Information

CCSPA runs the Monarch Mercantile Trailer every day from 11 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours of 10 AM to 4 PM during the peak season from October to February. You can purchase books, apparel, souvenirs, and more to directly support State Parks.

Talks are occasionally given during peak season (October through February), on weekends at noon, depending on docent availability and weather permitting. 

Telescopes are usually available for visitors to get a closer view. 

Take a virtual tour with a playlist of recorded videos that are free and available to the public to access at home or in the grove.  Throughout the grove, there are signs with QR Codes to scan that will prompt the videos.  The YouTube Playlist can be found HERE for those who want to view it from home. 

Important Notes

• Parking: It’s a good idea if you can walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. 

• Pack it in, pack it out: Please pack out all trash if you can. 

• Campground respect: Butterfly Grove visitors are not permitted to park inside North Beach Campground. 

• School groups: Reservations are required for all school groups. School group information can be found here https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30273

• Want to volunteer? Please contact (805) 474-2663.

Share butterfly photos on social media using the hashtag #PismoMonarchGrove