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. The city 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. |
Beach Campgrounds near
Arroyo
Grande |
Pismo
Beach State Beach - Pismo State Beach offers all kinds
of attractions: hiking, swimming and surf fishing and the annual
winter migration of millions of monarch butterflies. Tree-lined
beach is also popular with bird watchers. |
Oceano
Dunes SVRA - Ocean Dune State Vehicular Recreation
Area has 1,500 acres, featuring beach and sand dune riding. Thousands
of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the beach dunes of this
SVRA most weekends during the summer. |
Pacifci
Dunes Ranch RV Resort - Bring your family to the Pismo
Beach area's most unique RV resort, nestled among the dunes of the
beautiful Oceano Preserve. You'll enjoy breathtaking vistas and
trails to the beach. Pismo Beach 5 miles |
Montana
De Oro State Park - Park features over 8,000 acres
of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams,
canyons, and hills. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude
and freedom found along the park trails. Pismo Beach 13 miles. |
Morro
Bay State Park- Morro Bay State Park features lagoon
and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro
Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing fishing, hiking, and
bird watching. Pismo Beach 16 miles. |
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Old
Town Arroyo Grande is quite a contrast from the rest of the town.
The east side of the highway offers a quaint little lining 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. The 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. .
Article by Robin Canada |
|
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. |
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