The Best of Arroyo Grande

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 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.

Pismo State Beach

There 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).

Eldwaylen Ocean Park

This 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.

Avila Beach

Avila 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.

Fisherman’s Beach

Fisherman’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

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.