There’s magic in the Pacific Grove area. At the edge of the Monterey Bay, history has played upon its shores and continues to delight along the peninsula.
My Aunt lives along the waterfront in Pacific Grove, so visiting her gives me the greatest excuse to visit two of my favorite places: the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary and Asilomar State Beach.
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Visiting the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Tucked away between a cluster of inns and hotels, including the Butterfly Grove Inn, the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary is a short meandering path amongst the group of trees the monarch butterflies call their home while on their great migration. I’ve visited a few years in a row during their November peak season and stayed in the cluster of accommodations out on the Pacific Grove peninsula, making Asilomar State Beach and the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary within walking distance.
Didn’t see any butterflies. Not one. But, it was very fun to walk through the grove and feel its peace and tranquility. Everyone was social distancing while on the path, and there are benches where you can sit and rest if needed.
I was a little sad to see there weren’t butterfly clusters like I witnessed in 2018, but I’m hopeful there will be greater migrations in the future. Above all, I’m grateful to have seen the migration before the decline of monarch butterflies globally.
Asilomar State Beach — a place of beautiful sunsets.
There’s something about the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park, with the Asilomar State Marine Reserve as a beautiful backdrop, that captures my imagination.
The beautiful boardwalk of Asilomar State Park allows you to take in the moment — this stop is best at sunset, in my opinion. Take in the last moments of the day and absorb the beauty and power of the sea. It ebbs and flows in majesty. You’ll find tidepools, shells (not to take), and other ocean beauty abounding all around. Dunes covered in coastal greenery and the crashing of waves will draw you into this wonderland.
The light is always what’s beautiful to me at Asilomar State Beach. Striking. Glowing in warmth.
Seriously, sunset at Asilomar at the bottom edge of the Monterey Bay is spectacular.
