If you are ever passing through Santa Barbara between November and February, but especially in December or January, you definitely want to try and make a stop at the Coronado Buttery Preserve and the Goleta Butterfly as you can see Monarch Butterflies in a way that you may have never seen them. As you drive in the area, there is a main parking lot you can use on Hollister which allows you a nice little hike into the grove. Just follow the butterfly signs!
On my first trip, I went on a weekday and encountered almost no traffic, but when going on a weekend, there was a mix of people who were running and hiking in the area, photographers shooting family portraits and a handful of people there for the butterflies. When walking into the area, I saw a few butterflies up above and was wondering, what is so special about this place. However, upon closer inspection, you can see thousands of monarchs hanging from the tree, camouflage so that you may never would have noticed that they were there if you were just passing through.
I was so stunned an amazed and was so glad that I had made that stop. After seeing the butterflies, you can plan on a nice walk over to the beautiful coastline and if you wish, a hike down to the beach. Being on the cliffs, you get a nice view of the coastline and also UCSB off in the distance.
If you visit, please be respectful of the area. As usual, leave the place better than you left it by cleaning up after yourself. Stay on the trails and do not disturb the butterflies! It's definitely a place I want to return to as often as possible and it will only happen if we take care of it.
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