Monarch Grove Sanctuary

While we're on the fun To-Do's of Pacific Grove, add this one to your itinerary: The Monarch Sanctuary. Every winter, thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate to the Pacific Grove Sanctuary where they cling to the pine and eucalyptus trees. They arrive in October and hang out through February (which means you have just a few more weeks to see them!) when they migrate north and east looking for places to lay their eggs. Believe me, it's a sight to see. The trees are loaded with the gorgeous orange, black, and white butterflies who look like leaves swaying gently in the wind until you see one take flight from the cluster. Learn about them and their migration traditions here, then be sure to catch them in action by following the directions you'll find here. The good people at the Natural History Museum can give you an up-to-date status on the beautiful butterflies, but word has it that optimal viewing time is between 10am and 2pm.

Image: Chieftain.com/AP Photo Mike Fiala