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Visiting
Arroyo Grande California
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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. |
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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 |
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BEST
WESTERN Shore Cliff Lodge overlooking the
cliffs and beaches of Pismo Beach.
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The
Cliffs Resort Enjoy a beach hotel unlike any
other breathtaking ocean views of Pismo Beach. |
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Discount
Tickets |
Half
Price Family Deals |
Northern
California |
Central
California |
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