Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Grove
Goleta, CA
Free
Curated by Simir Shah
★★★★★4.5(364 Google reviews)
A eucalyptus grove that hosts one of California's largest overwintering monarch butterfly colonies, with thousands of monarchs clustering in the branches from late October through February — a striking, free nature sighting timed to a specific season.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
Happening near here
- 1st Thursday Art WalkSanta Barbara · 12 mi · 1st Thursdays 5–8pmFree
- Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts ShowSanta Barbara · 13 mi · Sundays 10am–duskFree
7727 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Dog People Pasadena★★★★★
Muddy trails from the rain 11/22/25, with some impassable sections. We only saw three monarchs, but I know there can be more later in the season (December-January). As always, spectacular views from the bluffs, with a little trail you can take down to tide pools. Dogs on leash allowed, and there is a poop bag dispenser at the trailhead. Dogs allowed on the beach, but please mind the restrictions for the snowy plover nesting season.
10 months ago
- Julie Taeko★★★★★
There were no butterflies 🦋 today but we had a great time walking around in the shaded areas and exploring the general area. It feels very residential until you start walking on these trails. It then becomes absolutely gorgeous.
5 years ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps