Top places to see in Arroyo Grande
Overview
Arroyo Grande is a historic village located just 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo. The place is known for its old-fashioned small-town charm and its selection of antique shops and vintage boutiques.
Arroyo Grande has a lively Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Strawberry Festival all weekend. Visitors can stroll through the city and go hiking or cycling along the nearby trails.
For a day excursion, you can go for a walk, organize a picnic in the countryside and then spend the day at the nearby Lopez Lake. This picturesque lake is a delightful spot for fishing, boating and windsurfing.
Swinging bridge
This bridge is one of a kind in California. The bridge is 171 feet long and rises 40 feet above the Arroyo Grande stream. Newton Short built it in 1875. At that time, the bridge connected his estates, which were separated by a stream. The bridge had no sides. They were completed in 1902. A violent storm in 1995 completely destroyed the original bridge, and thanks to efforts and donations from local businesses, residents and some federal funding, the bridge was rebuilt.
Lopez lake
Located just 10 miles east of Arroyo Grande, the Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the best camping and relaxation options. Windy coves and warm waters are ideal conditions for windsurfing. The modern yacht marina with ramp, grocery store, fishing tackle shop and boat rental are open all year round. Many visitors to the Central Coast make Lake Lopez their springboard for visiting wineries, golf courses, historic sites and Hearst Castle.
Barn museum
It is a historic home, which is also a museum. You can find there an impressive collection of period clothing, photographs, kitchen items and more.
Heritage house garden and museum
This house was built in the late 1800s. In 1906 the house was sold to Dr. H.S. Walters and was known as Dr. Walter's Sanatorium. In 1976 the house was sold to the city of Arroyo Grande and used as a kindergarten. Now, this house can be visited as a museum with a beautiful garden.