Destination Guide to the Golden State

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. 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.
 
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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