I think I found one of my favorite places in the world and wonder why it took me so long to discover it since it is scarcely an hour drive from my house! The Ellwood Butterfly Preserve located in Coronado Butterfly Preserve in Goleta, Ca. We went at the beginning of March knowing that there probably were not many butterflies left but it was still so gorgeous and peaceful. The Monarch butterfly season normally runs from December through February so we will definitely be coming back Dec-Jan to see the butterflies next time. I hear it can be very crowded during that time so some of the magic of the solitude of the place may be gone but I bet seeing thousands of butterflies makes up for it! But if you ever want to get a little taste of paradise, check it out. Only a short walk to the preserve but you can walk up to the bluffs and then keep walking and exploring. See photos below for a glimpse of it's beauty!
Here we are in the midst of the Elwood grove - only a few butterflies still lingering
The fields
View from the bluffs
Shayla
Mitchell
Trees to climb
The dream life of a little boy-open wilderness and a stick!
Best Directions for Future Reference:
Get on US 101 going northbound by taking Laguna St. to Mission St. (toward the ocean).
Turn right on Mission St.
Follow Mission St. to the freeway and take US 101 north.
Take the Storke Rd. exit.
Exit and turn left.
At Hollister turn right.
Coronado Drive is one street past Entrance, which is prominently marked. Turn left.
Park near the end. There is a hill with a big disply sign at the bottom with information about the butterflies. That is where you start!
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