Goleta Butterfly Grove

Activity Overview

Goleta Butterfly Grove is nature area in Goleta, California, which is about 15 miles away from Santa Barbara by car. It is located within Sperling Preserve in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, which is named after Ellwood Cooper, a local man who is known for his important eucalyptus nursery. This beautiful 137-acre coastal area is an important habitat for many species, especially beautiful monarch butterflies, which can be seen in the area between mid-November and mid-February. Visitors are welcome to explore the nature area year-round by hiking along its designated trails.

Things to Do

• Hike the nature trails and be amazed by the number of monarch butterflies that surround you!
• Learn about the monarch butterflies from volunteer docents during their winter visit - docents can be found between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each weekend in the winter.
• The grove is still beautiful when the butterflies aren't around - it's great for a relaxing walk to the beach.

Goleta Butterfly Grove Insider Tips

• Don't visit the grove after or during a rainstorm - the natural trails can get very muddy.
• Take advantage of the free parking available in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space lot on Hollister Avenue. For more details, view their directions and parking information.
• If you want to see monarch butterflies, visit between mid-November and mid-February, since they are only around the area for the winter. Bringing along binoculars is a good idea as well.
• Make sure to be respectful of the butterflies - don't touch them, and watch out for monarchs that may be resting on the ground. You can see the grove's full list of rules here.