Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa

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.

I saw a sign to visit Ellwood MESA in Goleta, where it was nice to have a walk and ride my bike around! Indeed, after waiting for a while during the nature trail, I saw some butterflies!

12/29/2025 We saw about 12 Monarchs. Unfortunately not much activity.

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.

It’s a beautiful little hike! Though don’t expect to see many butterflies as the population is sadly dwindling. There is parking just on the main road or in the neighborhood. The parking has a donation box. There is a guide explaining everything at the small clearing where the butterflies are.

- place easy to find - clean, but too many unleashed dogs -people makes too much noise, please respect the butterfly’s home and. Be silence - stay within the trees area to be able to see some butterflies, ones you start walking away there are mo butterflies - if you are up for a longer hike explore the area and bring a bottle of water and a. Few snacks Respect the butterflies, don’t take any alive or death Respect the surroundings and Be careful with i fb you see paddles of water can be slipery.

It’s great to be able to do this short hike and see so many butterflies in the grove. There are so many of them that their wings look like tree leaves until you realize that they’re all butterflies! Make sure you come prepared to hike though. It’s not long, but wear appropriate footwear at least!

Not many butterflies in Summer, but the number and variety of flowers, plants, birds and other wildlife is truly staggering. Trails throughout with large shaded areas. Dog-friendly, but closed to bicycle and equestrian use. Trails are all easy and parking is available near the golf course.

They have a parking lot at Santa Barbara Shores park, which is located across from Ellwood School on Hollister Ave. This parking lot has an entrance to the preserve with a general map for viewing. We followed directions through Yelp however; and it brought us to a neighborhood street where we could park and enter the preserve via a trail. This worked great until we realized the trails are not marked and it was hard to know where you were headed and if and when we would loop back to our car. I highly suggest parking in the lot and using a different map than the one through Yelp. That being said the preserve was a different habitat for us to walk through with so many tall trees to shade you and create wonderful places for the many birds we could hear and see. We did see a couple of butterflies, so that was nice. This preserve seems to be a work in progress and donations are being accepted to aid in their goal. I think it is going to be a fabulous asset to the community when it is completed.

These short and easy trails are a quick way to see it all. You'll start off by walking through a coastal forest, here you can stop to see the monarch butterflies, then continue walking through the dry prairies, and reach the cliff over looking the ocean. If you want you can even continue down the bluff/cliff to the beach! Overall, this is mostly flat and not too difficult. We had a bob stroller and it was fine. We were here in early January and saw dozens of butterflies around the trees. We didn't notice them the first time we walked through the trees. But when we were on our way back my husband and I stopped to bicker about which trail would take us back to the car and we started noticing the butterflies. That shut us up! Hah! So stay still, look up, and you might see them!

It felt so good to return to the butterfly preserve after many years away. As one who raises monarch's this preserve has my heart. I'm told this years numbers are higher than last which really warms my heart. If you have never been, once you get to the preserve follow the trail into the grove. Due to the recent rains, be sure you are wearing hiking boots or solid walking shoes. It's an easy walk for all ages. Hope you have a chance to see this beautiful sight, now is a good time to go!

What a beautiful preserve! Loved the trails with all the plants, trees, and so many birds. Also some stunning ocean views. Alas, we solid not see any monarchs on this January morning. But still a wonderful hike. Will definitely return.

We're lucky to have such a nature paradise relatively close to LA, about 2 hours drive uo North passed Santa Barbara. The Reserve isn't hard to find, there's plenty of parking, free to visit and park. You need to hike (nothing strenous) up the main trail and you'll find it in about 10 minutes of walking. So, wear comfy shoes, follow the signs and the path. It's a nice nature walk. Best time to go is between Nov-February, during migration season so you can see a lot of beautiful monarch butterflies flying around. I went in December and it didn't dissappoint. It can get cooler and it's a shady area so bring a jacket. I could have at the Reserve forever. We surely took our time to explore this unique spot, admire the views, the butterflies, take photos, we were in no rush. There was a nice docent around, but it wasn't crowded. Lots of monarch butterflies to see and learn about them and the migration process. There are more hiking trails ahead to some beautiful bluffs where you can see the ocean. You can extend your hike, nothing crazy once again and admire some incredible views. Check it out if you visit Santa Barbara area, you can leave some money in the donation box, if you can't, pick up your trash and respect the nature and its butterflies. It was a privilege to visit and I'd go again in a heartbeat! This area is a little heaven for nature lovers, a romantic spot as well. We stopped here during an anniversary trip and it was spectacular!

This butterfly preserve is a must bookmark if you're wanting to get out and explore nature. The monarch butterflies migrate every November through February, but I would recommend coming in the earlier months. I came here with my son in January and we didn't see the usual clusters of butterflies, but we did see them flying around. Not as many as we would of liked to have seen, but they still showed their presence. There are endless trails here to explore. You will feel as if you stepped into a fairy tale forest setting, the more you venture into the woods. Stick to the path and follow the butterfly trail markers. These will lead you to the grove, which is a little over half a mile. I recommend bringing a light sweater, as it is much cooler and a little damp as you walk further into the preserve. There were a lot of families on the day of our visit. This made me feel safer going into the heart of the woods. It's definitely a place you don't want to be alone in. As you venture further into this magical place, you will find some really fun places to hangout. There are two handmade swings available, if you want to bring out your inner child. There's also a maze of smaller stick like trees to get lost in. Not sure what they're called, but they are fun to take selfies in. Once you get out of the woods, you will be led to the Elwood beach bluffs. The ocean view is priceless. Especially on a sunny day. Overall a great place to explore and a hidden gem not to be missed.

Such a fantastic little hidden gem of hiking trails!! I came in search of the migrating Monarchs but the trails were absolutely bursting with all sorts of birds too! Definitely some very easy hiking - hardly any elevation gain and the trails are very well maintained and obvious. The trails are all dirt and a little gravel - I wouldn't suggest they're handicap accessible. The trails start in a residential area - across the street from houses - so be mindful for the residents. You get nice views of mountains all around in the distance. And it's not long before you find yourself in the middle of a eucalyptus forest - which is a favorite of the Monarchs! There are numerous trails that take you all in and out of the eucalyptus forest and this is where you'll find most of the concentration of butterflies. I only saw one moderate sized cluster and the clusters are hard to see - so it's nowhere near the scale and accessibility as the grove at Pismo Beach - but still awesome! There were tons of the Monarchs flying around and sunning themselves in small groups. But for me, the highlight was all the birds!! I even saw two on my life list that I'd been dying to see but hadn't yet (the Cassins Kingbird and the Common Yellowthroat)!! There were so many different species everywhere!! Especially once you get to the coastal oak trees by the beach cliffs. Which was another pleasant surprise- such lovely ocean views from the cliffs! There are several trails and lots of offshoots that take you all around the preserve and out by the coast. It seems like you can go down onto the beach possibly - but I saw signs saying it's a Snowy Plover habitat so I'm not sure it's allowed - just be aware and read the signs. There's lots of shade around the forests but not outside of them so I recommend sunscreen for sure. Parking is street parking and mine was the only car. I believe there's another parking area further down the Main Street as well. Parking and entry is free but there are donation boxes at the trailhead. The trails have some fun information signs along the way. I didn't see any bathrooms so plan ahead. Such an excellent trail system! Will definitely be back!

Beautiful nature preserve. You first walk by a eucalyptus forest and the nature walk is easy and a reasonable distance. You than come to an open space eith various easy trails which will take you to coastal access. It is definitely family friendly. It is really beautiful here.

Awesome little hiking area but I came here when it wasn't butterfly season. It must be a beautiful thing to experience. I'll definitely be back to check em out. Hiking path is for beginners as well so give it a try don't be scared. There's also plenty of parking.

Loved the hike to the flat area, entry is deceptive but you pass eucalyptus trees and a stream(dried when we where there) very short hike to ocean views. Parking is by the side of the road in a residential area. Definitely one of the highlights of visiting SB, would recommend morning/late evening activity though since it can get hot during afternoon/early evenings.

I was staying at the Ritz Carlton when I saw the sign that said Butterfly Preserve and was so intrigued but didn't realize that the time of season I went, all butterflies were gone. Overall the preserve is beautiful. Signs point out directions to butterflies. Be mindful as it is a public area and on your own. It is not too strenuous of a walk/hike. There is a parking lot but the GPS took us to a dead end house and the preserve was behind the house so we parked on the street in a residential area.

There are times you come here for the butterflies, but mostly you come here for the ocean, the beaches, the views. There's really never a bad time to come here. Always a beautiful and serene place for a jog, cycling or brisk hike along the tranquil coastline.

Little nice nature preserve close to UCSB. Although it was supposed to be butterfly season, we didnt see one during our small day trip hike here. Its a very nice serene and obviously well kept place. The trails were very clearly demarcated and there werent too many obstructions. Its a very easy trail and that you can use to bring kids or the less hiking inclined for a brief bit of physical activity. The eucalptus trees were also wonderful as they provided a bit of shade and escape from the sun-exposure. As other have told you, this trail can get a little windy with all the small trails about so make sure you snap a photo of the trail map at the trail head before you go too far. A water bottle and some small snacks would also be great idea. I am not really sure when about the butterflies come out--but again, I've never seen one during the hike.

I really love this spot! Plenty of open space to walk and beautiful beach views. Hike through tall Eucalyptus and end up at the beach or bluffs. Very easy walking terrain and if it's butterfly season be on the lookout for Monarchs. Parking can be tight, but if you can find a spot be sure to check it out!

Easily one of the most peaceful areas of Goleta. Coronado Butterfly Preserve is an excellent place to escape the mundane trials and tribulations of everyday life. I see the space as a total oasis and while it's adjacent to a residential neighborhood, most definitely feels completely secluded. You'll find acres of wildlife, paths, and natural vegetation including a large number of eucalyptus trees. The trees are not native but were planted over 150 years ago; that said, I couldn't imagine Goleta without their presence. The aroma, the leaves, and the myriad butterflies they attract are nothing short of breathtaking. The walking/biking trail is lovely and goes straight out to a very secluded and clean beachfront. It's a total hidden gem of Goleta. I admire how carefully preserved it is, and how clean the trails are in general. If you are truly looking to unwind and become one with nature, check out this mild and beautiful preserve!

Absolutely beautiful. Lots of little trails, so MAKE SURE you know where you're going. Hubby and I thought we could walk all the way round the beach and ended up walking 3 miles back to the car lol. user error. I will say, I've been 3 times since December and not once have I seen the butterflies. Maybe they've moved and no one's realized it? It's a beautiful walk anyway. nice little light hike with plenty of great views and bluffs.

Tis the season: Don't miss the Monarch butterflies while they're around! Coronado Butterfly Preserve, also known as Ellwood Preserve, is one of the select few places the beautiful creatures choose to stop and rest on their long 3,000 mile flight south to Mexico. Coastal plants and eucalyptus trees on the 9.3-acre preserve are a safe haven to them with moderate temperatures at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and winding Devereux Creek. They normally visit during the short, peak winter window between December and February and are most active during mid-day. The monarchs can easily be confused with fall leaves because they are often clustered together. Since they are 'cold-blooded,' they do not create enough heat from their own metabolism to keep themselves warm and build up enough energy to fly. When the sun hits them, they flutter their colorful wings to energize and warm up. Whether or not you're lucky enough to witness monarchs, the Elwood Preserve and Grove's cliff's and trails are absolutely breathtaking and worth checking out. Notes: The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset and is free of fees. To access a parking lot, use GPS coordinate of 34.429018, -119.897017. You can also enter through a residential neighborhood by turning off Hollister Avenue onto to Coronado Drive until it dead-ends. Due to the recent droughts, the city of Goleta has decided to close off many of the forested areas to avoid human injury from falling trees, however, some areas still remain accessible. Please use caution when visiting and mind all closure signs. Wear boots since there are some muddy spots. Recently there has been more and more trash left behind by visitors. Please pack out what you bring in.

Love this place for butterfly watching or for a nice run! I love that at some points you're walking under Eucalyptus trees and the other points of the walk you're on flat land looking out over the ocean with storkes roaming around! Its just magical. There are two beach access points along the trail. Its also a fun place to play hide and seek :)

RUNNIN' WITH BUTTERFLIES! A pasture, as far as the eye can visualize, the eco-richly filled with lush green grass, and butterflies flutter here and there. That's what I envision when I think about butterflies. The Monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration like birds and November through February is the time of year the Monarch butterflies migrate to Goleta. Free admittance, but the City of Goleta accepts donations to support the Monarch Butterfly Docent Program are welcomed. Open from sunset to sunrise, the 9.3-acre preserve includes Devereux Creek, woodlands and meadows as well as trails, an outdoor gathering area and classroom. The grove is shaded with blue gum eucalyptus trees, the same place the Monarchs have returned to every year since the early 1900's. The number of butterflies visitors will see vary from year to year, ranging 20,000 to 500,000 and flutter around in the warmth of the sun. If you're so inclined, after walking through the preserve, follow the trail to the buffs and enjoy the view of the Ocean. Better yet, head down the bluff and take a walk along the beach. If you like walking barefoot on the beach, be warned, there is tar on this beach, which is not so easy to get off. The upside, if you get tar on your clothes, WD40 is a removing agent, which may ruin some fabrics.

Well marked trails. Though several trails were closed due to due to seasonal dry spell and risk of falling trees. Caught a glimpse of a few early rising butterflies late October

Visited in the morning today. This place is about 13 miles north of Santa Barbara near I-101. We parked on the residential street on Coronado Dr. Saw only a few lonely butterflies. Walked through the eucalyptus tree forest toward the ocean. I smelled the scent of the fresh eucalyptus trees. Saw groups of wild yellow flowers. The bees were busy hanging around the flowers under the warm sun. The birds sang to us as we walked along. The only thing that bothered me was the airplane noise. Some trails have fallen tree so we crawled over/under them. The trails are still children friendly. Expect some muddy spots. It was such a beautiful baby blue sky. Will have to monitor other posts for butterfly sightings.

We arrived a week after a heavy storm, so not sure if that affected the monarch groupings in the trees, but it was nice nonetheless. My bf and I didn't know what to expect. We just searched for something cheap and close to do. Upon arriving, we parked in the parking lot and followed a couple people through the trails. They are marked but there are so many trails we were playing it safe. We walked through the trees, behind the residential homes. We couldn't see any ocean views. Then it took a turn and we walked upwards, splitting away from the people in front of us. Once on top, as we broke through the tree area, we could hear water breaking. It opens up into a large field area. Then you keep walking and ta-da.... cliffs overhanging the beach. Absolutely beautiful. Along the entire walk, we saw a few butterflies. So it was worth the trip. I would like to return better prepared with proper shoes and walk a little further. If you are looking for a little nature walk, I highly recommend this place.

No butterflies but spotted an Owl. Planned a trip for January hoping to catch the migration.

It's not bad for a little side trip if you're in the area and it's the right season for the butterflies. Heck, even when it's not the right season for the butterflies, it's a pretty little walk. Not a hard hike, suitable for children as long as you're making sure they don't fall into the water. Unfortunately, as of July 2017, all the trails are currently closed in the preserve because most of the trees are dead due to the drought and the city decided it was too dangerous to have open at this time. So, if you go, be aware that you're going at your own risk and face possible fines. The city is working on removing the dead trees that pose safety hazards so the preserve should be able to open up again next year. More info about the work to re-open the preserve is here: http://www.cityofgoleta.org/projects-programs/ellwood-mesa-habitat-project

The trail is an easy walk toward the ocean and back. It's very clean and not too many people. There are plenty of parkings on a weekday.

Hundreds of Thousands.....literally! HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of butterflies adorned trees, logs, streams, the air....you name it, they adorned it Everywhere - just everywhere you looked, there were butterflies. The Park Ranger said they estimated around 200,000 were there this yr & it was a low-number year.....W - O - W Each year, Monarch Butterflies migrate up the CA coast & for some reason, they absolutely love this little forest cove. But in all reality, I can totally see why - it's absolutely gorgeous! Located smack-dab in the middle of a neighborhood, if you didn't know what you were looking for, you'd never know it was here Enter the Preserve & walk along the trail for only a short moment before you come upon Ellwood Grove.....which are the trees that house the thousands of butterflies Continue walking along the trail & come upon the most beautiful coastal scenery. This would be a great spot to picnic or watch the sunset. We also saw lots & lots of walkers & joggers & this trail fit the need nicely Butterflies are only around Dec till March so come in the winter to see the migration or come anytime to enjoy beautiful trails along the coast.....it's a win-win! This would *definitely* qualify for a repeat, yearly visit! Best Tip: Bring a proper camera. I only had my phone & the pics didn't do justice to our experience!

Enchanting. Magical. Sublime. These are three adjectives that come to my mind when describing this place. As others have reviewed, this is where THOUSANDS, yes, THOUSANDS of monarchs come to roost in eucalyptus trees during the late fall and winter months. The location of this preserve is nestled within a suburban neighborhood on Coronado Dr. Street parking is usually available. If you have a hard time finding a parking space here, you might want to head over to the Goleta Butterfly Grove, where they have a huge free parking lot (located a few blocks north on Hollister). It's probably good to know that this preserve is FREE! However, it would be awfully kind if you made a donation. :) They have a donation box at the beginning of the preserve, along with an explanation about the preserve itself. Begin walking along a dirt path, and you will find yourself immersed in a native coastal sage scrub habitat. Immediately, you will begin to hear the sounds of hummingbirds and other types of birds. Yes. This preserve is known for its monarchs, but where monarchs abound, so do birds! Continue walking along the trail and you will be surrounded by hundreds of eucalyptus trees. On windy days, these trees creak a lot. Do be careful, since eucalyptus tree branches are known to fall down and possibly cause injury. Soon, you will see butterfly signs guiding you to spots for the best viewing of the monarchs. To make the most of your experience here, bring/wear the following: 1.) a good pair of binoculars, 2.) a good camera, 3.) durable footwear such as lightweight hiking boots/sneakers with good treading, 4.) layers of clothing--it gets windy here, but can be warm once out in the open (don't forget sunglasses). Once you get to the spots where the monarchs congregate, be ready to be amazed! Truly. When the timing is right, you will be astounded. Thousands of monarchs fly about up in the tree-line area, where they find a place to roost and just bask in the sun--when there is sunlight. After hanging out here for a bit, you might want to continue on the various trails that meander into the fields that lead to the bluffs that overlook the ocean. It's so nice, especially since this area is undeveloped. It's so pristine, as it should be. And if you have eagle eyes like me, you will see so much. :) As mentioned in the website for The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, "The Preserve is protected open space and acts as a gateway to existing and future protected coastal resource areas nearby, via trails linking the Goleta Monarch Grove, Ellwood Shores coastal bluffs, Santa Barbara Shores County Park, the Devereux Slough and the beach." Good to know! I know there were some complaints about not seeing more monarchs. Well, we can blame ourselves for that. Numbers have been declining due to climate change and destruction of habitats. Thank God for places such as these, that ensure these lovely creatures to thrive.

What an AMAZING way to spend a Saturday morning. We'd been meaning to visit earlier in the winter, but I'm glad we waited. The butterflies were up and about, flying around the grove. Being surrounded by thousands of free flying Monarch Butterflies is definitely a unique experience that I recommend to everyone reading this review. TIPS: - The Ellwood grove and Coronado Reserve are the same thing. I was confused at first and thought they were different places. - If you continue past the grove, you will find a beautiful bluff overlooking the ocean. - It's not a hike, but I'd wear comfy shoes because the ground is muddy. - I read that by March, the butterflies have left Goleta and continued on their migration towards Mexico. Directions: From Highway 101, exit Storke Rd./Glen Annie and head south (away from mountains). Turn right on Hollister Avenue, drive about 1.2 miles and take a left on Coronado Drive. Entrance to the Preserve is at the end of Coronado Drive.

In my best Huell Howser voice, "Coronado Butterfly Preserve is definitely one of California's Gold". Although there were not many butterflies on our jaunt through the shoreline, the short walk through the preserve was peaceful, relaxing, and therapeutic. I've had family live in SB for over 25 years and this is one of my favorite places to stop whenever I come up for a visit. Great for couples and families of all ages. The main trail (and numerous off shoot trails) are all very well maintained and are wide enough for 2 people to walk side by side. Dogs are also permitted in this area as long as they are leashed. After a short walk you will be at the shoreline taking in the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline. If you're into trail running then this is the place for you. The shoreline trail is a perfect place to get a good run in and take in the sights! There is a main parking lot that is relatively easy to find. If you park in the residential area then you might be able to find a spot with an even shorter walk to the shoreline. So if you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Barbara, State Street, and the packed beaches off Cabrillo, then Coronado Butterfly Preserve is a must visit.

Absolutely gorgeous place for a walk! I ended up driving down Coronado and parking In a residential area. There is a sign that shows the trail maps and up you go on a small path that leads you through some eucalyptus and in to the Ellwood Grove, where the butterflies will be (of course IF you go at the right time.) Unfortunately, it had been a rainy morning and/or maybe still too early in the season? Never mind, the paths were still well worth a gander and it was quiet, peaceful and felt quite remote, even though you're very close to nearby housing developments. After walking amongst the tall trees still dripping with rain and the sun beginning to shine through, my boyfriend and I wandered up to the left, after we passed Ellwood Grove and headed up a small hill towards the coastal bluffs for some dramatic ocean views-it was perfect as the rain clouds were clearing and we were rewarded by clear views up and down the Goleta coastline. If I were a local, I'd definitely spend a lot of time hear meandering the various paths. Something about this place was downright magical. We had a lot on our agenda so only spent 30-45 minutes here. However, if you've got some time to spare, there are lots of paths to follow. Bonus that every person we walked by on the paths said "good morning" and seemed genuinely friendly-something I'm not used to in Northern California....

The Coronado Monarch Butterfly Preserve is lovely all times of the year but especially during the fall and winter months when the Monarch butterflies migrate to the preserve. I love to ride my bike here and it's a great place to take a date. When visiting the preserve I highly recommend good tennis shoes. The trail is covered with shade and is relatively short so bringing water along isn't a necessity. There are a few hills, possibly difficult for the elderly and out of shape; but easy to moderately difficult for a healthy adult or child. The preserve also allows beach access. The beach below is full of tar like most SB beaches but the other day (early July 2013) I found a 26 perfect sand dollars. I left them in the sand in a peace sign. Check them out if they're still there :) Hope you all enjoy the preserve as much as I do.

I found this place on Yelp and it is exactly as described! I'm not much of a nature person. I've never been camping. I don't like bugs, mud, too many trees, dark places. You get the point. Well, to my surprise, all that went out the window. This place is a hidden gem! It's beautiful!! The Butterfly Preserve is located smack in the middle of a residential street. When you first walk in, it's more a forest. Pay close attention when you see big clusters of brown leaves. Those aren't leaves, but hundreds of monarch butterflies. If you walk up further, it'll lead you to a wide open space with little trails. If you keep walking up, it'll lead you to the cliff that is right above the beach. I had to 2hrs to kill and tried to stick around for the sunset. I was able to take a few pictures but didn't stay long enough. I'll be back next time. P.S. As I was walking around the preserve I noticed that there were houses all the around. Can you believe these people have as their backyard? I'm so jealous!! I saw alot of people jogging and walking their dogs (most off leash). All the dogs were well behaved and everyone seem very polite. Damn.... I wish I lived there. I would so jog every morning if I had a backyard with such breathtaking view.

This was a great place, but you can't appreciate it without the timeline of events... First we get there, and there is a beautiful forest of older trees, a burbling stream and some very nicely laid out paths... But no butterflies. We get through the forest area, into an open grassland, and still no butterflies... We made it all the way to the beach, a most beautiful view of the islands. On the way back from the cliffs, we made it back to the preserve, and saw two butterflies.... Wow, and then another one, and another one... We started seeing more of the sun come out and then suddenly the handful of butterflies turned into 10's and hundreds, then we saw clusters... What is a cluster? So imagine looking up and seeing what you think is a branch with a bunch of leaves on it, and then realizing that the leaves are moving... When you zoom in to the 'leaves' you realize that every single one of them is a set of orange monarch butterfly wings. Very cool place, very fun for kids to run around, but the butterfly experience was amazing, you just have to wait for it.

This place is beautiful and definitely a must see in SB. We went the last weekend of February at around 2:00pm and there were still lots of butterflies. There were so many resting in the trees we thought they were leaves. A few will fly around and you can see them up close and personal when they are mating and happened to fall out of the trees. The preserve is close to the shoreline and nice little hikes are nearby.

Just lovely! Parents, bring your kids here. Men and women, bring your significant other here. Heck, everyone take some time to check it out! Hiking the path to the woods nearby is a refreshing trek, with the reward of two of nature's best shows. Butterflies and, if you come at dusk, beautiful sunsets. There really is a mucho number of butterflies at the Butterfly Preserve, and the people who are watching alongside you are often just as interesting as the sight of hundreds of fluttering wings. Clustered high in the branches of the trees in the forest, tons of butterflies float around. At first you have to look close as they look like leaves. Careful inspection reveals they are everywhere. We're surrounded. Be sure to walk a little further to the cliffs edge for a breathtaking view of the ocean, and one of the loveliest sunsets Mother Earth can offer.

I never knew I was such a voyeur. But this place is entomological pornography at its finest. Nestled at the end of Coronado Drive in Goleta (from Hollister Ave., turn south onto Coronado Drive and you'll see it at the end of the street, on the right), the trail head to the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is deceptive. After finding plenty of parking on the surrounding streets, and trekking up the first hill I was wondering when we'd see butterflies. The trail is an easy stroll and we saw many toddlers managing the walk with their parents just fine. After winding through what seems to be the backyards of some very lucky Ellwood residents, a grove of tall eucalyptus trees rises in front of you. Look up! At first it looks like eucalyptus leaves are just fluttering in the wind... until you notice that they're not leaves, but masses of monarch butterflies dangling from the tree branches. Every now and then a pair would flutter down from the branches and land on the ground in, what I'm assuming to be, a mating ritual. They toss about in all their carnal glory on the grove floor before one of the butterflies flutters away, still holding onto its mate. Watch where you step, as keeping your neck craned up the whole time makes it easy to miss all the toddlers, dogs, butterflies, and downed branches underfoot. If you're hoping to get a good shot of the butterflies, take a along a really good zoom lens, or else just wait until they flutter to the ground. The grove only shelters butterflies from November through March, so soak in the spectacle while you can. After living in Santa Barbara for four years I can't believe I waited until five years after graduation to come back and see this place in all its glory. A great place to spend a Saturday morning before a walk on Ellwood Beach. Oh how I miss the wonders of Santa Barbara.

There are several trails that lead to the beach and we got lost! Some trails are not an easy hike for families.

I'm going to thank Nick G for taking us to this GEM of a spot. It seems like a locals only secret kind of place, open to the public of course and parking is nearby on the neighborhood streets. We came here on a recent day trip to Santa Barbara one weekend. The Butterfly Preserve is a short and easy ten minute hike with barely any elevation gain/loss. Your grandmother can make it here and when she does she'll be glad she came! When we got to the area with the butterflies it was amazing! Tons of monarch butterflies flying all over you. Tons of butterflies just hanging out in the trees, there would be so many of them on the tree branches that they'd look like leaves! I have never seen so many butterflies in one area in my LIFE! The best time to visit this area is during the winter around December or January so go NOW!

Emerson once said that one should never lose an opportunity to see anything that is beautiful. This is especially true of the Coronado Butterfly Preserve and Ellwood Beach. In fact, this place is so stunning, so overwhelmingly beautiful that describing it in words would seem to diminish the experience entirely. I think I fell in love this weekend--if only because this place is the stuff of romantic poetry. A butterfly grove, a grassy pasture filled with brilliant yellow mustard flowers, bluffs overlooking thirty miles of pristine coastline, the warm 4 o'clock sun and the scent of sweet eucalyptus in the air. Distilled down, it offers something for which I seem to be endlessly searching: perspective. The Saturday afternoon I spent here with my best friend--to be filed under: Yes.

My boyfriend surprised me with a trip to Santa Barbara specifically to see the Coronado Butterfly Preserve. He has heard me go on and on about how as a child, growing up in Stockton I'd see so many butterflies. It makes me sad that I don't see them as often in my city due to the drastic weather changes over the years. I literally yelp for joy if I do come across butterflies because it's just something I've held as a childhood memory that made me really happy. Regardless of me catching butterflies and not knowing that the powder in my hands could kill the butterfly... ANYWAYS. THAT'S NOT THE POINT. We got to the parking lot, which is directly in front of Elwood Elementary School (there is no specific address provided on the website, just the coordinates). It has a large map at the west end of the lot to show you how easy it is to get to the preserve. Also, for those who feel like they may have lost their way, there are actual sign posts with the preserve's logo with butterflies on there to help you keep track of the trail. These trails are dusty as you're walking down to the preserve so plan accordingly. Dogs are allowed on the trails! Pay attention to the signs as you walk through the preserve because, while I did see tons of dogs on the trails, make sure that they are acceptable! If you let them off leash and are planning on going towards the beach after the preserve, keep a close eye on them because the cliffs are extremely blunt and they can easily mistake the edge of a cliff for a continued path... You have been warned! At this time of year (late October), there were not tons of butterflies BUT there are a few of them! Every minute or so, we would spot two or three frolicking pretty high up in the trees. The Fall season is just starting, so as we continue into the winter I believe the populations of butterflies will multiply exponentially. As an extra precaution, if this destination is the only reason why you're coming here to Santa Barbara, do your research upon coming so you aren't disappointed in the time and gas you've spent to see patches of butterflies on trees because I didn't see them. With the drought, there are less butterflies because they depend heavily on the humidity within the air. While SB is off of the coast, it was not extremely cold out here. I was able to remove my sweater and wear shorts and still find myself sweating! In regards to the nameless beach that we stumbled upon, I have definitely visited better ones. The trails leading out of the preserve go directly to the beach. (To keep track of your whereabouts, screenshot your location on Google Maps since it shows the trails. This was how I was easily able to get back to the parking lot and roam far into the beaches without getting lost) There were tons of dildo looking creatures washing ashore as I was beach combing for the nonexistent sand dollars! They have clear exterior with a pink interior, which spits out water if you comb it with a stick or something. I did it out of curiosity. They aren't sea cucumbers, but I don't know the names of them. No matter how far up or down the beach you go, these monsters lurk not too far from your feet! THEY WERE SURFING IN THE WAVES AS WELL so yeah. Just saying. On top of the disgusting dildo-like creatures, there was a bunch of tar on the sand... As my boyfriend and I were leaving and about to put on our shoes, our feet were caked with tar! We couldn't remove it until we got home, which was an hour and a half away from SB! Oh, the insanity... We felt so uncomfortable. We hear people rave about Santa Barbara and the beauty of the beaches... only to be disappointed with the locals' unnecessary attitudes* and the thickly layered tar on our feet. With my experiences here, I would not recommend people coming to Santa Barbara specifically for the beaches or the preserve (unless there is an abundance of butterflies). *As my boyfriend and I were walking back from the beach to the parking lot, we encountered extremely rude people. A man, who appeared to be a local, was riding his bike that had a cow bell to let people know that he was coming their way. Obviously, I heard it. My boyfriend and I decided to choose a path so that we wouldn't get in his way because we were both going in the same direction. Arrogantly, he decided to cut a corner and choose our path and said "Oops," as he almost crashed into me. There were three different paths going in the same direction! What the f? Not even a minute later, these two guys (one Asian and the other some sort of Caucasian) were on their bikes and did the same THING! We specifically got out of their way and they both split up, one hooked left and the other right, rode two inches away from us. So unnecessary and I hope they burst into flames....

I live down the street and walk my dog here a few times a week. The butterflies are here in the thousands every year and the best time to see them is between December and March on a sunny day so that they are active. There's nothing like it seeing so many of them just flying between the Eucalptus trees. The corridor of trees alongside the creek is one of my favorite parts of this area. It is so serene and at night you can hear and sometimes see owls above you. Once out on the bluffs there are many trails, 2 of which will lead down to the beach. Looking down from the bluffs you can see Coal Oil Point on one end with surfers galore and on the other end you can see the cormorant nesting pillars. Don't wear or bring anything fancy to the beach because tar can get on everything but if it does you can always rub some baby oil on it and it should come off. Great place to go birding, walk your dog (there may be some dogs off leash even though they aren't technically supposed to be), go running, mountain bike, and consider how great life can be. I never leave feeling unhappy.

It was a nice walk, some of the trails are closed. I looked high and low, but there were not many butterflies here. I counted 10 flapping around but I did not see any groups of them in the trees.

This place is a favorite of ours when we are just looking for something to do and want to be out in the fresh air, checking out the beauty of nature. The butterfly season is November through February and it is an amazing, beautiful experience. We have gone out of season though and enjoyed ourselves just as much! It is a nice little walk through the Eucalyptus trees and then you are out in the open walking toward the cliff overlooking the ocean. There are MANY photo ops here; I highly recommend sunset off the cliff... breathtaking views! Don't worry if you don't want to take a real hike, this is more of a walk (though you will need to "hike" up a hill to get through the tree area where the butterflies (and owls) are. Boys, I think you need to take your special ladies here because they will definitely love you for it!

It's so beautiful here, I saw about 5 Monarch's on this trail. The trail will lead you to the beach and you can keep going along side the ocean bluff. There's a donation box at the start of the trail too. There's many split off's to this trail. Lots of locals running and Mountain biking through here. You can't ride through the butterfly exhibit area, you will have to find the entrance to one of the split off trails maybe the next street over- there appears to be an opening. The Exhibit itself is more of a trail and it's a small area that you will be able to just look up and in between the trees will you be able to see the Monarch's. It's all green in here with lots of shade, it backs to the residential houses in the area.

Highly recommended for nature lovers! My daughter and I visited on Sunday, 1/19, to see the monarch butterflies. There were two locations where they could be found, and at first, I saw a few flitting around and was a little disappointed until my 8 year old pointed out to me that they were all hanging from the trees, looking just like leaves (the signs tell you this, but I had not paid attention). Wow, it was a really cool sight to see, hundreds of butterflies grouped together, dangling from branches. The hike through the park was also really pretty. Free parking, free views, how can you beat it...about a 5 minute drive away was shops and restaurants and then Santa Barbara is about 15 minutes south. It makes for a very nice, scenic visit.

We got there too late in the year to see most of the butterflies, but it was an amazing trip regardless - a nice walk, gorgeous views, and enough butterflies fitting in and out of the sunlight to give this little treasure of a preserve a magical feeling for my family and I... We will definitely be going back earlier in the "season" for the full effect.

This trail is a fun place to hike for families! The trails are wide, no steep hills, plenty of shade, and leads to the ocean. The best part were the Monarch butterflies. It was fun to see them for a few minutes, but got boring. However, the kids loved chasing them for quite some time. My party arrived on a Saturday morning and there weren't too many people hiking and there were signs stating that the trails were closed due to unsafe paths, which concerned us, but we didn't want to turn around as we were looking for a hike that morning! So, be warned that they officially close at any given moment. Also, the grass looked dead and would have been awesome if they were still green! Once you get out of the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, you will get to the Ocean which is always a beautiful sight to see! Great place if you're looking for a quick hike!

In March there aren't many butterflies, but this is still a pretty nice walk. When you're driving down Hollister just turn when you see the sign for the preserve. There is a nice big parking lot and doggy bags/a trash can if you bring your pet. The trail veers off in several places so you have a few choices. If you take the most direct route to the beach it follows a dirt trail through trees, then a prettier trail through a wooded area and then you make a right up an asphalt hill that leads to the the trails on the cliffs above the beach. I'd say this is about a mile one way. I will definitely be back when the butterflies are around or hopefully after a rain so it's not so dry. Note: I don't think this place is off leash, but many people had their dogs off leash so I think it's okay.

Great hike! Very nice escape. There were lots of Butterflies but they were all grouped and not flying.