Monterey is located on the beautiful Pacific Coast in Central California. Along with a bunch of other picturesque towns, it sits on Monterey Bay, which is an absolute hotspot for marine life and coastal views. For anyone who loves nature and charming coastal towns, this is an incredible destination to visit. There are so many things to see and do: venture out into the bay on a whale-watching tour, spot sea otters and sea lions while paddling in a kayak, stroll along the coast in Monterey, hike at nearby Point Lobos, or watch one of those awe-inspiring California sunsets. If you are planning your outdoor-focused trip around Monterey, this is the post for you.

Every year, starting in October, thousands of monarch butterflies embark on the journey of their lives, escaping freezing temperatures and seeking the shelter of the mild climate along the California coast. It’s a journey that none of the travelers have ever undertaken before—without a map, without a compass, and relying solely on their instincts. This repeated journey is made by a unique generation—a generation with lives so drastically different from those of their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and even great-great-grandparents. All of this happening simply because they were born in the fall.