California Day Trips

Visiting Arroyo Grande California

 
Arroyo Grande, meaning “Big River”, is one of the Five Cities of the Central Coast. Pismo Beach, Oceano, Grover Beach, and Shell Beach make up the other four. The Chumash Indians were the first people to have inhabited the area back when they conducted trade with other Indian tribes just south of the mission in San Luis Obispo. It was very fertile land and they used it to their advantage.

Back when California was still a territory of Mexico, Francis Ziba Branch saw the land as great hunting grounds and he and his wife settled here, owning most of the property for miles. When they struggled financially, they had to sell their land in parcels to a group of settlers, starting the first of many migrations to the coast.

Arroyo Grande was finally incorporated in 1911. In the 70’s and 80’s, Arroyo Grande saw great expansion because of the waste water treatment plant that lifted growth restrictions. Since then there have been more and more businesses and people wanting to live close to the beaches. The weather is great year round. If you are visiting, you might want to bring clothes for cool and warm weather as sometimes, after the fog lifts, the afternoons can get warm.

The majority of town is on the west side of the highway, with shops lining the streets, residential areas, and the Pacific Ocean at the end of Grande Avenue. This is where Arroyo Grande meets up with Grover Beach and goes out on the dunes where you can drive your vehicle right up to the ocean. Just about any car or truck can make it quite a way down the beach at low tide. Remember getting stuck can be very expensive.
 

Arroyo Grande California

Old Town Arroyo Grande is quite a contrast from the rest of the town. The east side of the highway offers a quaint little area of shops in historical buildings. You can find antique shops, an ice cream shop with flavors you have never dreamed possible, old fashioned hamburgers and other cafés, and pubs that look like they are right out of Ireland.

Arroyo Grande Creek is home to the last swinging bridge left in California. Depending on how strong your stomach is, you can go onto the 171 foot bridge, jump around, and have a good time. Farmers Market runs, rain or shine, every Saturday at 2:30. You will find music, fruits, veggies, and all kinds of people. While you’re there, visit the Santa Manuela School House and the Heritage House Museum. Both will entertain the kids and give you a day trip to remember.

Lopez Lake is a day trip by itself. Mustang Water Slides is one of the few water slide parks on the Central Coast. It is located inside the lake boundaries and can host birthday parties or other events. The lake itself is open year round and allows swimming also. Boating, skiing, wind surfing, and fishing are only a few of the activities at this lake. No matter what you do in Arroyo Grande, you are bound to come home feeling like you visited a quiet little town that is often overlooked. You might even come home with a sunburn and an antique or two. .

Arroyo Grande is located between Los Angeles, San Francisco in Central California. Start your trip off at Arroyo Grande village which is centered around Branch Street. From the Bay Area, the most scenic route is Highway 1,the most direct route is U.S. 101 South. From the Los Angeles area, take U.S. Highway 101 North (Ventura Freeway), north to Arroyo Grande. Travel time is three to four hours from Los Angeles or San francisco.

Arroyo Grande Area Hotel Deals
Cottage Inn By The Sea
BEST WESTERN PLUS Shore Cliff Lodge
Pismo Lighthouse Suites
The Cliffs Resort
SeaCrest Resort
Cottage Inn By The Sea bluff top overlooking the sandy beaches of Pismo Beach.
BEST WESTERN Shore Cliff Lodge overlooking the cliffs and beaches of Pismo Beach.
Pismo Lighthouse Suites ocean front luxury in Pismo Beach. Family activities.
The Cliffs Resort Enjoy a beach hotel unlike any other breathtaking ocean views of Pismo Beach.
The SeaCrest Resort expansive manicured lawn and oceanfront patio. Pismo Beach.
 
 
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