Pismo Nature Center and Monarch Grove

This little museum is located inside the Pismo State Beach campground at the Oceano Campground, and offers hands-on exhibits to learn about native birds, plants, and animals.  There are exhibits on the Chumash Indians who inhabited the area years ago.  After checking out the nature center, you can take a hike on the trail around the freshwater lagoon.  One can see ducks, turtles, and native birds in the lagoon.  
From November to February, you can see the wintering Monarch Butterflies nearby.  Go north from the Nature Center approximately 1 mile on highway one until you see a large Eucalyptus Grove, and park on the west side of the road.  The monarch grove is next to the Pismo State Beach North Beach campground.  Docents are available to help you locate the butterflies, and they often have telescopes available to get a better view of the butterflies.  Butterfly season is from November to February, and they are most active between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  During colder weather, they retreat to the trees.  Follow the trail through the eucalyptus trees and you will find yourself heading toward the beach.  Pismo Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach perfect for strolling and seashell hunting.  It's a good place to walk the dog and let the kids wade in the surf.  If you wander south on the beach, you will find yourself in the middle of trucks, trailers, campers, and ATV's heading out to the dunes.  We avoid that area (see my other review).

PISMO NATURE CENTER
Located in the Pismo State Beach - Oceano Campground, this Nature Center links the visitor to the plants, animals and cultural history in this State Park. Interactive, hands on exhibits on birds, animals, Monarch butterflies, the fresh water lagoon, native plants, and Chumash culture make learning fun for all ages. There are also many mounts of local animals on display and a collection of video presentations on local natural history.
Docents trained in interpretation are on site to answer your questions. 
Several docent led walks start from this Nature Center. Check the current Adventures with Nature schedule.
Nature Store
A small but unique gift store, located in the nature center, specializes in educational and interpretive material relating to the cultural and natural history of this area.