It’s that wonderful time of year when butterflies descend upon Santa Cruz! Thousands of fluttering monarch butterflies winter in the eucalyptus trees on the Westside of Santa Cruz at Natural Bridges State Park, California’s only state park butterfly preserve.
Famous for both their grace and stamina, the monarchs make an extraordinary migration of thousands of miles, flying from summer habitats in the United States to warmer climates in Mexico and California for the winter.
Take a peaceful self-guided walk among the eucalyptus trees for viewing. Knowledgeable naturalist are often also around and along the trail and are happy to share all the monarch factoids and viewing tips!
A bonus monarch viewing location has been established over the last several years – Lighthouse Field! Just two miles south of Natural Bridges State Park on West Cliff Drive, Lighthouse Field has been a popular location for the wintering monarchs as well. This large field located across from the Surfing Museum / Lighthouse Field State Beach, allows visitors another chance to spot these seasonal guests of Santa Cruz.
And for those eager for the monarch season, be sure to attend the annual Welcome Back Monarchs Day event! Thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, there is always a day full of family friendly monarch fun with music, arts and crafts, hand-cranked ‘Monarch’ ice cream (pumpkin), information and action booths as well as more about Monarch butterflies and how-to’s for a butterfly garden. So get your monarch butterfly fill this season and be sure to tag @visitsantacruz in your photos!