Perhaps best known as the gateway to the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is home to native coastal sage scrub habitat, eucalyptus groves and numerous birds and wildlife that thrive in this urban community treasure. The 9.3-acre preserve includes Devereux Creek, woodlands and meadows as well as trails, an outdoor gathering area and classroom.

The Preserve is protected open space and acts as a gateway to existing and future protected coastal resource areas nearby, via trails linking the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, Ellwood Shores coastal bluffs, Santa Barbara Shores County Park, the Devereux Slough and the beach.

The preserve, a gateway to one of the largest Monarch butterfly over-wintering groves in California, is enjoyed by as many as 1,000 visitors per weekend during butterfly season.

When to See the Monarchs

Peak over-wintering time for the Monarch butterfly typically range from December through February. They begin arriving as early as October and are usually gone by the end of March. The clusters of Monarchs are most easily seen during sunny weather during the middle of the day.

Directions to the Preserve

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.