Best place in California to see monarch butterfly migration?

I have been thinking about visiting Mexico to see the monarch sanctuaries there, but in case I can't make the trip, I was thinking California. Does anybody know a place and time that is the best? Monarchs are my hobby and if I make the trip from OH, I want a pretty sure thing. I was hoping to travel over MLK holiday or President's Day weekend. How are those for timing?

Public Comments

1. Pacific Grove, Ca - on the Monterey Peninsula, is known for the monarch migration. There is lots of information on the city's website about best dates to expect their arrival.
2. Originally, the Western Monarchs overwintered in the Monterey Pine forest of Pacific Grove, California. In the 1850s, Eucalyptus Trees were brought from Australia and abundantly planted for landscaping, windbreaks and fuel. They turned out to be the perfect overwintering habitat for the Monarch Butterflies.....with the added benefit of providing nectar from winter blooms. Pacific Grove, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo are favorite overwintering areas in California. Pacific Grove is called Butterfly Town U.S.A. The Monarchs migrate around October and in March, the roosts usually break up. I have friends who went to Pismo Beach last January and saw lots of Monarchs. I think either MLK or President's Day would be a great time to go.