Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is located in Pacific Grove, California just a few blocks from the beach and a twenty minute walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on Mondays and all major holidays. Admission charges are free but donations are welcome both per person and per family. The Museum Store carries an assortment of affordable souvenirs, birthday presents, and items that reflect the local landscape and local artists. The museum store hours coincide with the hours of the museum but close one hour earlier each day at 4:00 pm.

The most well known exhibit at the Museum of Natural History is the monarch butterfly display. Monarch butterflies overwinter in Pacific Grove every year from November through mid February. Pacific Grove's monarch overwintering site is located on Ridge Road off of Lighthouse Avenue in downtown Pacific Grove. Museum sanctuary docents are available everyday at the sanctuary from 12-3 to assist with monarch viewing. Admission is free to the display with donations appreciated. The museum offers free class field trips for groups and school programs. Parking is available on three sides of Jewell Park and is unlimited and free.