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Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary (Pacific Grove, Ca.)

Address: 250 Ridge Road Pacific Grove, California 93950

The Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary and grove of trees is a safe haven for thousands of Monarch Butterflies during their winter migration. It is located at Pacific Grove in Monterey County. Monarch Butterflies migrate to safe overwintering areas to survive, the Monarchs migrate to areas that are neither cold enough to kill them nor too warm that it wastes their energy flying. The Monarch Sanctuary in Pacific Grove’s purpose is to have a safe place to view the Monarch Butterfly and protect or maintain its habitat. Flowering nectar plants and new trees are planted by local volunteers as well as restoring or maintaining the Monarch Butterfly habitat. The Pacific Grove Trail is a 0.3 short and easy trail and is the overwintering spot for Monarch Butterflies. Pacific Grove is nicknamed “Butterfly Town USA” due to the unique migration of butterflies. The Monarch Butterflies cluster together on Pine, Cypress, and Eucalyptus Trees in the sanctuary from October to February. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. It’s free admission and parking but donation boxes are available in the sanctuary and donation is optional.

It took us about 2 hours and 10 minutes drive and 118 miles from San Francisco to Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary via US-101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. The route was very easy and straightaway but can get traffic or congested especially on CA-156 due to two lanes only. The drive was very nice and relaxing seeing all the expensive, beautiful, and big houses on the way to the sanctuary. We arrived at the sanctuary at around 2 p.m. and were lucky enough to find parking right in front of the sanctuary entrance. There was a big wooden signboard that states Monarch Grove Sanctuary. We had to walk on a dirt path that led us to the beautiful butterfly sanctuary. There were a lot of people as it was on a Saturday and a beautiful day. We were then greeted by a friendly volunteer docent and informed us that we can use the telescope to see a closer look at all the Monarch butterflies that were clustered together on top of the trees. The loop or trail is about 0.3 miles, short and easy. There were a lot of Monarch butterflies clustered on top of the trees, an area with flowering nectar plants where we saw butterflies on top of the flowers. There were also informative signboards about the Monarch Butterflies available along the short trail. My daughter enjoyed and had a great time watching a few Monarch butterflies flying through the trees and flowers. In fact, we saw one Monarch butterfly land on a person’s jacket and had a close-up experience and picture of the beautiful, colorful butterfly. We took lots of great pictures and only stayed for at least 45 minutes since we have to head back home.

Overall, it was a very memorable family experience especially for my daughter where she learned that it has to be 55 degrees or more for the butterflies to start flying. And seeing all the brownish-orange grape-like clusters or pinecones of monarch butterflies sleeping was priceless. My daughter was in awe seeing the beautiful orange-colored Monarch butterflies flying through all the surrounding trees. It’s a fun and safe experience for all ages to enjoy.

Tips: Limited parking spaces are available in front of the sanctuary entrance by Ridge Road street otherwise there is parking along the residential area. There is a Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History that exhibits the Monarch butterfly and it’s about a mile away from the sanctuary. Bring a jacket just in case the weather change, binoculars to see the clustered butterflies on top of the trees, and a camera with a zoom lens for a closer shot. Take selfies or group pictures at the Pacific Grove Inn butterfly wall mural near the sanctuary entrance. There is a public restroom available onsite. Watch out for deers, as we saw a few deers eating in the grassy area closer to the sanctuary. There are other locations to see Monarch butterflies which are Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove, Santa Cruz Monarch Butterfly Grove, Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about the Monarch Butterfly Grove Sanctuary after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Monarch Butterfly Grove in Monterey.

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Point Pinos Lighthouse in (Monterey County)

Address: 80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

The Point Pinos Lighthouse was built in 1855 and is located on the Northernmost tip of the peninsula in Monterey California. The lighthouse is 43 feet tall, cylindrical concrete tower with a lantern and balcony rising at the center of the keeper’s house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the west coast’s oldest actively operating lighthouse with its original lens to guide ships on the Pacific Coast and was lit on Feb. 1, 1855. The Point Pinos lighthouse and its scenic 1.3 acres grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, deers, and amazing panoramic ocean views. The lighthouse is registered on the “National Register of Historic Places.” Also the small lighthouse is built into an actual house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is open to the public on Saturday-Sunday from 1-3 p.m. only.

It took us about 2 hours (116 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Pinios Lighthouse via I-280 South, US 101 South, and CA-156 West. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, and small coastal towns. We arrived at the lighthouse at around 1 p.m. and parked on the streets not knowing that there is free parking made up of gravel in front of the main entrance. Point Pinos Lighthouse is surrounded by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf links. We were greeted by a friendly volunteer docent when we entered the main entrance to the lighthouse. The fee for the lighthouse tour (inside) is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages (7-17) and it’s on a donation basis. Due to time constraints, we opted to just explore the lighthouse from the outside and the surrounding area for free. There were a few friendly and knowledgeable volunteer docents available onsite for any questions about the history of Point Pinos Lighthouse. My family and I enjoyed the beautiful, impeccable landscape surrounding the lighthouse, especially our close encounter with the deers grazing in the grassy area. And the panoramic view of the beautiful ocean from the lighthouse was very relaxing and peaceful on a warm, sunny day.

Since Point Pinos is a snall lighthouse built into an actual house, the docent informed us that the tour inside is comprised of a visit to the kitchen, living room, bathroom, meeting room and upstairs where the ligth is kept but is currently closed and off limits. The lighthouse tour will also educate the visitors about the life of the lighhouse keepers in the earlier days.

Overall, we enjoyed our self guided tour of the property of Point Pinos Lighthouse and learned a few things about the history of the historical Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer docents answered our questions. It’s a great place to visit with family, friends, couples, history buff and people that love lighthouses. We will surely take the tour inside the lighthouse in our next visit. The lighthouse is a hidden gem in the Pacific Grove area. Have a great day.

Tips: No pets, drones or motorized vehicles allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Close proximity to Monterey’s downtown and Lover’s Point Park. Ensure that you pay and take the short tour inside the lighthouse to see and learn more about the history of the lighthouse. Watch out for the deers that may be seen roaming around the property but don’t get too close for your safety. Enjoy the garden area where you can sit and enjoy the incredible view of the landscape and the ocean.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Pinos Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Pinos Lighthouse in Monterey.

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Point Sur Lighthouse (Monterey County)

Address: Monterey Ca. 93940

The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 and it is 40 feet tall and 360 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is part of the Point Sur Historic Park. It is situated atop a dramatic Volcanic Rock just offshore in Big Sur. The navigation beacon at Point Sur Lighthouse has warned the sailors away from the craggy shores of the foggy Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse’s lens is about 4,330 pounds of glass and brass that was activated in August 1889. The Point Sur lighthouse and its scenic grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, sealions, and relaxing panoramic ocean views. There is also a former Naval Facility situated near the lighthouse and within the Point Sur Historic Park. The famous Bixby Creek Bridge is about 6 miles away (14 minutes drive) from the Point Sur Lighthouse.

It took us about 3 hours (136 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Sur Lighthouse via US 101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. My family and I enjoyed the relaxing coastal scenic drive to Point Sur Lighthouse via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, and winding roads with switchbacks. The tour is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the tour is $15 for an adult, $5 for ages 6-17, and below 5 years old is free. As of now, they only allow 40 people per tour group due to Covid restrictions.

We arrived at the lighthouse at around 9:15 a.m. and parked in front of the main iron gate. There were already 4 cars parked ahead of us on the side of the road waiting to get in. The volunteer tour guides opened the main gate at around 9:50 a.m. and guided all the visitor’s cars inside. We were informed by the tour guide about the rules and regulations prior to driving our car inside. We then drove slowly for a few minutes on a long dirt road that led us to the parking area at the bottom of the hill. There were about 20 of us in our tour group and were greeted by friendly volunteer tour guides. We had to descent on an uphill paved pathway to the top of the lighthouse. The walk or hike to the top of the hill is about half a mile and slightly steep. The tour guides stopped for about 4 times on our way up the hill and educated us about the history of Point Sur lighthouse. Each stops gave us some time to rest, take pictures, enjoy the view and drink some water. The volunteer tour guides even showed us where all the sea lions hang out to bask in the sun.

Our first stop was the Point Sur Lighthouse which we had the opportunity to go inside and explore the lighthouse. We were excited especially my 12 years old daughter as it was our first time exploring the inside of a lighthouse. We had to climb all the way up to the top where the lighthouse lens is located using the original spiral staircase. The best part was when the tour guide opened a small door that led us to the outside of the lighthouse with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding beaches. After the lighthouse, we head into the Museum where we saw all the displays of historical facts and items. My daughter even tested the foghorn that was used in the lighthouse. We then proceeded and climbed a 61 steps stairway that led us to the Carpenter/Blacksmith shop that had all the antiqued and preserved carpenter’s tools displayed. The next building we visited is the head keeper’s and assistant keeper’s quarters. All the room’s old interior designs were preserved, even some of the furniture and household items. My favorite part was that every room in the house has a view of the Pacific Ocean through the windows especially in the bathroom. And lastly, we visited the gift shop where they sell all kinds of souvenirs and paid our admission fee.

At the end of the tour, we were given a few minutes to take pictures and use the public restrooms before our descent to the bottom of the hill. Overall, we enjoyed our 3 hours tour and learned a lot about the history of the Point Sur Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer tour guides answered all our group’s questions. We will definitely visit the former Naval Facility on our next visit which is also located inside the Point Sur Historic Park. Have a great day.

Tips: There are ample free parking available on a dirt road at the bottom of the Lighthouse. Portable Public restrooms are available near the parking area on the bottom of the hill and near the Head/Assistant Keeper’s quarters. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Try to arrive at the gate at least 30-40 minutes earlier as it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Point Sur Lighthouse tour is only available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may bring bottled water but there is no food allowed.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Sur Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur.

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Monterey County)

Address: CA-1 Carmel By The Sea Ca. 93923

Point Lobos is a State Park in Monterey County and has often been called the crown jewel of the state park system. Point Lobos was the first U.S. marine reserve in 1960 and later became the nation’s largest maritime sanctuary. It was named “Punta De Los Lobos” or Point of the SeaWolves by the early Spanish explorers due to the fact that dozens of beaches were inhibited or crowded by sea lions. Point Lobos is about 1,315 acres of photogenic, short trail with coves, and turquoise water beaches. Point Lobos is good for people who enjoy sightseeing, photography, picnicking, jogging, scuba diving, painting, and nature study. There’s a lot of different trails to choose from within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve ( top 9 trails to hike) ranging from 0.8 miles to 3.2 miles roundtrip. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There are only about 150 parking spaces divided into 9 major areas inside the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

It took us about 2 hours and 10 minutes drive and 120 miles from San Francisco to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve via US-101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. The route was very easy and straightaway but can get traffic or congested on CA-156 due to two lanes only. We arrived at the main gate of Point Lobos at around 8:10 a.m. and there were already a few cars ahead of us. We paid the park ranger $10 for the day-use entrance fee and proceeded to the right and followed the main road. We passed the first main parking area and proceed to make a left (look for a sign that says additional parking) that led us to the Bird Island trail parking area which is the end of the road. There were only about 10 parking spots available at the Bird Island Trail.

The Bird Island Trail is beautiful, scenic, easy, and one of the main attractions at Point Lobos It’s about 0.8 miles roundtrip and best visited from April to October. Great for nature trips, bird watching, hiking, and walking. The trail was easy and saw a few spots great for a photo opportunity. While on the trail we passed through a beautiful cove, beaches with turquoise water, and a bridge that will lead you to the Bird Island nesting rocks. China cove is where the sea lion hangs out or stays but was closed. We saw a wide variety of bird species such as Pelicans, Vultures using my wife’s camera zoom lens. We also saw a few sea otters and sea lions.

The best part of our hike is our visit to Gibson Beach which is a secluded beach with turquoise water. We made a left on a trail before the bridge and descended down towards Gibson beach. The wooden stairs that lead to the beach are very steep and have a few unstable wooden steps. The white sand beach and beautiful turquoise water were all well worth the effort. The descent up the stairs was challenging and watch your steps as the wooden handles were slightly loose.

Overall, it was a fun, easy, short, and scenic trail that is great for all ages. There were other hiking trails available that you can explore.

Tips: Watch out when you are driving inside Point Lobos Park as the roads are narrow and two-way streets. Always watch out for oncoming traffic and pay attention to cars coming in and out of the parking space. There are public restrooms and picnic tables onsite by the Bird Island Trail. Try to get there early due to limited parking space inside the park otherwise, you will end up parking your car outside by the main road and walking a few miles. You don’t need to pay the entrance fee if you are walking in but donations are highly recommended to pay for the upkeep of the park. Bring binoculars to see all the different species of birds and wildlife. They will close the main gate once the maximum capacity is reached to prevent overcrowding and safety. Watch out for dangerous cliffs and bring a jacket or sweater as the weather changes.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Park after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Park.