The Best of Arroyo Grande – The first thing you’ll notice about Arroyo Grande is the genuine character and charm. Here you’ll have a one-of-a-kind California original with a walkable downtown and a ton of beautiful Victorian buildings you’ll love to explore. Look closer and find dozens of intriguing antique and specialty shops, fine boutiques, and restaurants and cafés serving food and drink for every taste. The people are warm and welcoming. And the surrounding countryside is classic Central Coast. This is the Vintage California you will love exploring! Arroyo Grande is located just south of San Luis Obispo City and only two miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy the wonderful beaches of Arroyo Grande, and the Central California coast (you’ll find a list here), then come enjoy. Visit Arroyo Grande! Start planning your vacation today, we have all the answers! Just keep reading!
Weather (When to Go)
In Arroyo Grande, the summers are warm, arid, and clear and the winters are cold, wet, and partly cloudy. The average temperature varies from 42°F to 76°F. The best time of year to visit Arroyo Grande for warm-weather activities is from late June to late September. During this time you will have clear, rainless days with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
Arroyo Grande Area Beaches
Grover Beach
Grover BeachGrover Beach is the middle portion of Pismo Beach and the only beach in Grover Beach. It is a small beach squeezed between Oceano and Pismo Beach. Grover Beach is a wide flat sandy beach packed firm enough for passenger cars to drive onto. It is still recommended to have four-wheeled-drive to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
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Pismo State Beach
Pismo State BeachThere are many activities at Pismo State Beach including camping, surfing, swimming, fishing, bird watching, walking trails, a boardwalk thru the dunes, a visitor center, a freshwater lagoon and the opportunity to observe the Monarch Butterflies (November thru February).
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Eldwaylen Ocean Park
Eldwaylen Ocean ParkThis is a long narrow park along the bluff in the Shell Beach area of Pismo Beach. There is a small grassy area with benches and picnic tables. At low tides there are plenty of tide pools to explore. Kayakers here can explore the impressive shoreline including the arches and caves.
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Avila Beach
Avila BeachAvila Beach City Beach is the large wide sandy beach that takes up the entire waterfront of the town of Avila Beach, CA. The wooden Avila Pier sticks out over 1600 feet into San Luis Bay from the center of City Beach. For those that want to head out on bike, the Bob Jones Trail is a scenic paved bike path that begins at 1st Street and Avila Beach Drive.
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Fisherman’s Beach
Fisherman’s BeachFisherman’s beach is the smallest of beaches in the area and is called “Dog Beach” by the locals. No matter what time of day it is, you will more than likely find dogs running free through the surf. The Port San Luis Harbor District currently allows well behaved dogs to be off the leash anytime on this beach and Olde Port Beach.
The Best of Arroyo Grande Restaurants
Mason Bar & Kitchen $11 – 30
Drop in for casual dining in a spirited atmosphere at the bar, or enjoy fireside ambience in our dining room. Their menu relies on locally sourced ingredients to offer a diverse, evolving menu. With 25 beers on draft, an eclectic wine list, and only premium spirits, creative cuisine meets premium libations. For more information call 805-202-8918, or visit them on the web at Mason Bar & Kitchen.
Ember $11 – 30
Ember Restaurant is all about serving authentic hand-crafted food cooked by a wood fire. They aim to create the ideal environment to experience Central Coast food and wine. For more information call 805-474-7700, or visit them on the web at Ember.
Rooster Creek Tavern $11 – 30
Rooster Creek is a full-service restaurant with a modern bar, and several flat screen televisions throughout. They strive to offer a variety of quality menu items in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. For more information call 805-489-2509, or visit them on the web at Rooster Creek Tavern.
The Oyster Loft $31 – 50
More than a restaurant, Oyster Loft is an experience, where excellent service rivals the taste and aesthetics of presentation. Oyster Loft boasts a menu rich with fresh fish and thoughtfully executed dishes. Their raw bar features a variety of oysters shucked on the half shell from both the east coast and the west. The menu also includes refined fish dishes, shellfish preparations and a selection of meat to round out the pervasive offerings. For more information call 805-295-5104, or visit them on the web at The Oyster Loft.
Wooly’s $11 – 30
Wooly’s is a great place for fast-casual dining! Order at our service counter and sit wherever you like, we’ll bring your food to where you want to be! Sit back and relax on our open air beachfront deck for a lazy beach day full of elevated-casual fare and all your favorite wines, beers, and cocktails. For more information call 805-295-5100, or visit them on the web at Wooly’s.
The Best of Arroyo Grande Nightlife
R & D’s (Ralph and Duanes)
R&D’s is owned and operated by Mother and Son, Marsha & Arly Maretti. They have an excellent team of friendly bartenders on staff, and a high-energy DJ ready to start the party. In addition to the main bar that features a pool table, pong table and dart board, there is a BIG outdoor patio – affectionately known as “Marsha’s Backyard” – which has plenty of seating, an additional bar, oak pit barbecue and a stage where bands come to entertain during the summer months. For more information call 805-481-2871, or visit them on the web at R & D’s.
Mason Bar & Kitchen
Drop in for casual dining in a spirited atmosphere at the bar, or enjoy fireside ambience in our dining room. Their menu relies on locally sourced ingredients to offer a diverse, evolving menu. With 25 beers on draft, an eclectic wine list, and only premium spirits, creative cuisine meets premium libations. For more information call 805-202-8918, or visit them on the web at Mason Bar & Kitchen.
Harry’s Night Club & Beach Bar
Harry’s specializes in FUN! Full service bar with live music every night at 9:00 pm. They also have afternoon bands on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 3:00 pm. They have 3 pool tables that are always hopping too. Go on in for a cool one, dance the night away with friends, or enjoy a friendly game of pool. For more information call 805-773-1010, or visit them on the web at Harry’s Night Club & Beach Bar.
The Rooftop
The Rooftop at Inn at the Pier is the bar to visit in Pismo Beach, with elevated views of the Pacific coastline and effortless West Coast style. Bask in the sunshine poolside, or keep it cool under an umbrella. Choose from seasonally-inspired small plates at our Pismo Beach restaurant, perfectly complemented by signature cocktails and the best of local craft brews. Grab the girls for the ultimate Sunday brunch – did we mention the Build Your Own Bellini Bar? Or share a breathtaking sunset with that certain someone. At The Rooftop, every occasion is special. For more information call 805-295-5565, or visit them on the web at The Rooftop.
The Oyster Loft
More than a restaurant, Oyster Loft is an experience, where excellent service rivals the taste and aesthetics of presentation. The upscale cuisine and regional seafood dishes are prepared with the utmost attention to detail. Happy hour is Monday – Thursday from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. For more information call 805-295-5104, or visit them on the web at The Oyster Loft.
The Best of Arroyo Grande Hotels
Awesome place and great article. Thanks for sharing this leahrae. I wish I could go there just even one week, it would be fantastic. I enjoyed the video you posted as well.
Thanks Benjamin, glad you enjoyed and thank you for stopping by to visit Arroyo Grande!
Once again – awesome article!
You never fail to deliver.
I’ve never been to California and you make it so hard to keep resisting!
So much information…
I know where to dine now and all those attractions are definitely worth to visit.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
You are so welcome Boryana and you would love visiting California. It really does have so much to offer, especially the Central California beaches. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Sorry to sound stupid, but how do you pronounce Arroyo? Is it ARR-O-YO ?
Our family took a trip into Washington and Oregon and stayed in Cabins and just LOVED it, so ever since, we’ve been looking for places that have these little rustic cabins. Your link to Lopez Lake looks perfect, but it also looks pretty busy. Is this a really busy camping destination? I’m wondering if we went in the 1st or 2nd week of September, if it would still be as busy, but still have the nice temperatures?
Not a stupid question at all Dave, it is pronounced Arr-OI-oh GRAND-ee 🙂 Yes, Lopez Lake is a popular spot and it is best to reserve a cabin well in advance. So September will be busy as well. But, it is well worth the visit here. Thanks for reading!
California’s Central Coast is so beautiful we try to drive up once a year. Hearst Castle is one of our favorite spots just such a cool place to visit. Great wrote up with tons of great info and recommendations.
Thanks Brandon for visiting and taking the time to leave comments for me. I agree, and everyone should visit Arroyo Grande and make a stop to Hearst Castle.
Love this! What a great guide! No excuse to be bored, with all the resources you have provided. Wonderful photos, too!
Glad you loved visiting my site, Beach Travel Destinations. I hope that you can visit Arroyo Grande soon! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Girl! You are going to cost me so much money as whenever I log onto the internet my wife always asks me to pop onto your website to see the new places you have written about and she has fallen in love with Arroyo Grande…Until you write about another new place that my wife would love to spend MY money going to visit, so thanks for that, lol
I really like the look of the Lopez Lake though, is there any accommodation by the lake that we could book into as a family of six?
I could see myself relaxing by that Lake for a week or 2 doing a bit of camping and fishing
I am so glad your wife enjoys visiting my site. Yes, Lopez Lake has accommodations for all of you 🙂 The cabins can accommodate up to 6 people. You can make reservations online here. Thanks for visiting!
Great information about Arroyo Grande Leahrae – I’ve never been to the Central Coast of California and it sounds like a great place to take a vacation and relax and unwind. You’ve listed so many options – for dining and fun things to do! I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a kayak – have you tried before? Is there a harbor or cove where the waves aren’t too much to handle?
Thanks for reading Christy and great question. I would head to Avila Beach as it is going to be less rough, as it does sit in a little cove. Yes, I have kayaked and it is a blast!
This is awesome! I have always wanted to visit 2 places in California, Hollywood and Sillicon Valley and for some reasons Malibu! After reading your article i now see how am gonna intergrate my Tour by adding your suggestions, The Rooftop in Pismo beach has caught my eyes just can’t imagine in a high view watching the the panaroma. Thank so much for such a great article!
Thanks for reading Mercy and yes, definitely an area of California that is worth visiting. Thank you for reading about the great beach travel destination of Arroyo Grande.
Leahrae, this is such a great article! I will bookmark your site for future reference. There is a lot of good information that will be very useful for me later! Great job and thanks for sharing!
Great Carole, glad you enjoyed and thank you for stopping by. Hopefully soon you can visit Arroyo Grande!
Another awesome travel guide from you Leahrae! I always love to check out your website because there will always be great travel ideas. I’ve been to California but have not heard of this beach yet. Will definitely bookmark this and add it to my travel list. Thanks a lot 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed Jerry! Definitely a beach destination that belongs on the bucket list. The whole area is wonderful. Hopefully soon you can visit Arroyo Grande.
Such an awesome article. I LOVE the beach. I don’t get to go on vacation much because of money and since I live in the North East there is natural beach within my vincinity. When you said that the people are warm and welcoming, I believe it. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real and because during fall and winter months we have shorter sunlight. This place sounds like a dream!You’ve given me a place to strive to go. Thank you for opening my eyes to a whole new world.
Thank you for stopping by Davona and leaving comments. You will love this destination. Arroyo Grande has it all, and what is not to love with great beaches, right?
Hello Leahrae,
Oh wow! Great pictures and so very concise descriptions. I almost felt as if I was somewhere in the Caribbean. I have never heard of Arroyo Grande, but I would sure love to visit. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I am also going to check out the rest of your site as I have a ‘travel bug’ in my bones!
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All the best.
Michelle
I am glad you enjoyed reading and learning about Arroyo Grande! Thanks for visiting and I will look for you back again 🙂
Leahrae,
So much to do at the beach with all these rentals. I would like to rent a dune buggy for some serious dune riding. The Ember Restaurant sound like a great way to end the day with a meal cooked over coals.
Why do you say that Feb is a busy month, do they have some kind of activity going on in this region.
John
A lot of people vacation to Arroyo Grande in February because the humidity is low, the winds (and they do have some winds) tend to be non existent around this time of year, and it is a little bit cooler. I myself prefer the summer months, because I like the heat and I am used to the humidity. Yes, dune riding is a must! Something not to be missed in this area. Thanks for stopping by.
Arroyo Grande looks like a great vacation spot. I would take the wine, beer and hard cider tasting tours for sure! The Hearst Castle is a must do. I loved the video, it shows all the sites you need to see while there.
Great Mick! I am glad you enjoyed reading about this great beach travel destination. Arroyo Grande is a wonderful coastal community, and definitely worth a vacation too. Thanks for reading!
I want to visit Arroyo Grande to check out the Hearst castle. That looks like a great place to discover the history and get into the right mindset. Then take on the swinging bridge before going down to the beaches to recharge. Do you know how much of the castle is available for tourists to explore?
You can visit quite a bit of the castle. Unfortunately, you have to purchase tours for them. I added the link for Hearst Castle here, so you can see all of your options. Those would be my two options too besides the beaches of course 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading about Arroyo Grande!