Monarch Butterfly Migration in Santa Cruz, CA 2024-2025

Monarch butterflies can be seen briefly in many locations throughout the U.S. as they make their annual migration from breeding sites in the north to wintering sites in the south. But Santa Cruz is where you can spot them throughout the whole winter. Natural Bridges State Beach is the only State Monarch Preserve in California and it welcomes over 100,000 monarchs each winter.

Monarchs start to arrive in the sanctuary by mid-October. They chose this habitat due to the vast eucalyptus grove and moderate coastal weather. The grove is located in a canyon and is sheltered from coastal winds and harsh sunlight. Eucalyptus trees flower during winter providing pollinators food. By late-January or early February, monarchs leave Natural Bridges SB and head north.

The Monarch Grove Trail is the best way to meet monarchs at Natural Bridges. It is usually open from 8 am to sunset. If you want to see monarchs flying, make sure the weather is warm enough. If it's colder than 55 °F (13 °C), monarchs stay on the trees forming clusters. The park's visitor center provides lots of information on monarch butterflies and their annual migration.