This is a very small foot path that runs along side people’s backyards and a hotel. It gets very crowded quickly. The butterflies don’t start flying around until it’s warmer. I went November 1st and they started flying around 10am. I had went earlier in the morning but couldn’t see the butterflies since they were so still and hidden that they looked like leaves. I highly recommend a good camera and binoculars. This was not worth a several hour drive. I only recommend this place if you’re already in the area. It literally is a 2 minute walking path and most the butterflies are in the backyards of homeowners so you have to stare into other peoples property to see the butterflies. There wasn’t very many when I went early November so I recommend waiting u til the end of the month. There isn’t a building or any kind of guides that most other sanctuaries have.

A wonderful place during the Monarch Butterfly migration to see these beautiful winged ones. Sunny day's will bring them out fluttering about. Knowledgeable docents will answer your questions, although there is signage detailing their natural history.

It was a beautiful weekend all along Highway 1 this weekend. Monarchs have arrived in the thousands. The parking lot was full, but it didn't take long to get a spot. It is a short trail. There are restrooms on-site. A volunteer was present to answer any and all questions guests had. There are not many benches, but if you do happen to snag one while there, it is so relaxing to sit while enjoying the views and the aroma of the trees.

Really beautiful place, calm and easy to find. There are many butterflies but less than Thanksgiving Eve. (What I heard) but still you can see mane on the top of the trees, some on the grass and flying over you. Recommended to go before February ends

The butterflies cluster on branches quite high in the tree so they’re a little hard to see, have to use telescope or cameras to see them in details. Heard from some locals that around thanksgiving might be the better time to see. We were able to take some pictures using the 20x zoom in with iPhone. The whole walk is like 2 minutes, but worth it since it’s so unique.

Bottom line: Delightful surprise, tucked away in Pacific Grove. Do not miss if in the area during the season! Details: Using Google maps, it seems like you're being led to some back roads, but the entrance is a small trail alongside a private inn. You're in the right place! You'll see the sign, and head straight back. The grove is very compact, and super simple to maneuver, even for those with mobility issues. There is usually a docent that will answer questions. You don't need to spend much time there to appreciate the multitudes of butterflies that gather. We were there for maybe 30 minutes. A worthwhile detour!

On a warm February day, you can see thousands of Monarch Butterflies! Bring your binoculars, really helps to see them up in the trees.

A beautiful, small natural preserve for the Monarch Butterflies. We visited right at the start of their migration so there were not a ton of butterflies, but there were enough to be awed. There are information placards that teach you all about the butterflies and their migration. The path is relatively flat and easy for most anyone to walk. There is free and easy parking on Ridge Road. We really enjoyed our time there and can’t wait to go back in the winter when the number of butterflies grows.

(Tip: BRING binoculars!) We visited Nov 27th, there were thousands of butterflies in the Sanctuary. At around 10 am you will see them in bunches on the trees, high up. Around 1130 you will see many of them flying about, gathering in areas facing the sun. Some well get pretty close to you. The Sanctuary is actually pretty small, not even 100 meters long, it is amazing so many butterflies still gather here. A camera with the biggest zoom lens will be helpful - your phone's camera sadly will suck.

Went here with my GF, albeit it's interesting, all you do is look up at a tree. That's basically it. Make sure you come around end of December to the beginning of January. Also, be respectful for the homes that surround this area. People's homes do butt up to those sanctuary.

Thousands of butterflies all in one place and possibly in one or two trees huddled warming their wings in the don. This was definitely worth stopping for. The day was beautiful and the butterflies bunched up together as though leaves on branches. We went here in early November 2022 so the timing was right for the Monarch butterflies to have migrated here for now. Pictures don’t do justice so you need to be present in person to see them up close or as close as you can get to them. Another place that for sure is worth stopping by if you’re traveling past this area.

Season is starting! Didn't see any clusters but they are filling up the branches and becoming the leaves that one tree was missing. So cute! The one in my hand was one I brought from home to release.

It's a small place. You can see butterflies high in the trees. If you're lucky enough, you may even see them close up. On this particular day, they were visible from high up in the trees. There's no cost to enter, so there's no need for tickets.

There are quite a number of butterflies. I was expecting the abundance of butterflies like January of this year. The season is early, so maybe more will come by in the next couple of months. I love this place. On the weekends, you can park at the school across the street if you can't find any along the road.

We check out the preserve in late October and the monarchs had started to arrive. It was easy parking, and a short walk through the preserve. I'm so glad we got to see clusters as well as watching them fly around in the tall trees.

The butterflies were so beautiful! The signage does tell of a dramatic drop in the quantity of them over the past few years which is just heartbreaking. Just a reminder to follow the posted rules, the big one being no dogs!

Go and enjoy seeing the butterflies before mankind wipes them out with global warming. Be mindful and quiet when going here because the pathway can be narrow when crowded.

Impressive amount of butterflies (Dec 2022) There was plenty of parking. 20-45 minutes will be more than enough. Watch your step, some butterflies are on the trail. Have fun

Free. Not too difficult to find parking. Binoculars are encouraged to see clusters of butterflies in the high trees. But today is a good day. You can find butterflies just in front of your eyes.

This is the most magical place to watch the overwintering monarch butterflies between November and March every year. This is totally free and on non holidays you will have volunteers to show you the butterflies through a telescope for a closer look and answer any questions you have. This is educational both for adults and kids. It is a must visit in the Pacific Grove area.

Amazing sanctuary free and open to the public funded only by the donations of visitors. Definitely a must visit as Monterey is known for their Monarch population and habitat. It just so happens to be located centrally in a village of resorts and lodging. Their population peaks October to December but visit about high noon on a sunny day. Its also a great spot to have a small breakfast on the go or make it a stop on your morning run.

We were staying at the Butterfly Inn, they are dog friendly, the sanctuary is not. Pretty sure it's due to so many ill-behaved dog owners! I never blame the dogs. Otherwise very peaceful and serene with lots of nature's beauty to be seen. Photo is outside the gate, the butterfly terrified my dog.

Such a gorgeous place & amazing to experience the monarch butterfly migration. Thousands of butterflies was like heaven

People were bringing their dogs into the sanctuary despite them not being allowed. I saw a handful of people if ignoring this. There are several signs that say NO DOGS: Please if you truly care about this precious sanctuary, leave your pets at home.

We went in December when some of the butterflies were already gathered high up in a ponderosa pine tree for the winter. Very short walk but neat to see them in real life and happy to know they have a safe and protected place to return every year. Cool mural for photos near the parking area.

Small publicly accessible sanctuary near downtown Pacific Grove. Free parking/entry (donation box available). Was amazing to see hundreds of monarchs gathered together to winter in the pines, and there are informative signs along the pathway.

Went there for our 33 Anniversary. We had a lovely time and will be back. My grandkids would love this place. I also like that it's close to the beach and great food.

No butterflies until October, but it's a great little path to stroll down. We saw a new type of blue bird. It's a gorgeous little place! Also my mobility scooter had no issues on the dirt path!