The Obispeno Chumash Native Americans had long occupied the Arroyo Grande valley when Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo arrived in the area. The area was divided into two enormous ranchos around 1840, but a drought caused the farmers to sell off part of the land. One part that they sold became Arroyo Grande about 1860. The city was not incorporated until July 10, 1911, and the vote, which required a two-thirds majority, passed by two votes. One of the first actions by the city was to have a jail built, and you can see this structure when you visit Hoosegow Park.
You will also want to visit the Heritage House Museums. The South County Historical Society operates five museums. Still, they recommend that you start at 126 Mason Street and walk to the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse, which is a one-room schoolhouse constructed in 1901, the Patricia Loomis Research Library, which contains many historical documents, the Barn Museum, where you can see many historical farming tools and antique vehicles and the IOOF Historic Hall, where summer reading theater is held on Saturday afternoons.
If you get hungry during your downtown walking tour, head to The Creamery. This market was once a working dairy farm. You will want to try some of the fabulous restaurants located there, like Bear and the Wren, where you can find wood-fired entrees, Ciapinot, where you can get delicious seafood, or Goshi, where Japanese food is prepared. This is also a great place to go shopping with a variety of artisans.
Summer Concert Series – Head to the bandshell in Heritage Square Park to hear live music bi-weekly from July through September.
Harvest Festival and Parade – Watch the parade, listen to live entertainment, and see agricultural exhibits during this September festival held at various points around the city.
Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze – This event put on by the Arroyo Grande Parks, and Recreation Department includes a carnival and family games at Elm Street Park.
Christmas Concert and Parade – Watch the lighting of the city's Christmas tree in Heritage Square Park before moving to the downtown area to watch the parade.
Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands and the ocean around them. You can only reach these islands by boat, and a public boat leaves for this national park from Santa Barbara and Ventura. Anacapa Island is a fantastic place for a nature walk to see the sunflower tree, which often has 100 blooms on it. Santa Cruz Island offers several examples of historic adobe ranches. The sea caves at Santa Cruz are excellent places for kayaking. The kelp forests at the Landing Cove on Anacapa Island are terrific places to go snorkeling.
Pinnacles National Park is ideal for hiking because you can enter a rare talus cave and climb towering rock spires. In particular, see the amazing talus caves filled with boulders in the Bear Gulch and the Balconies Cave area. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, and many of them start from near the Pinnacles Campground. Parking at this park is minimal, so consider leaving your vehicle at the visitors center and taking the shuttle to reach various locations.
Sequoia National Park is the land of giant trees, and you will want to plan a hike under them. You may want to go for a horseback ride, and horses are available to rent. This park's granite cliffs are fantastic places to climb or take the stone staircase up Moro Rock to enjoy stunning views. You will also want to see the marble formations in Crystal Cave.
Pismo State Beach is an ideal location for those looking for beachfront camping where you can go surfing, swimming, fishing, and birdwatching. The Oceano Lagoon and the dune make great places to go for a walk. This state park has two campgrounds.
Morro Bay State Park is an ideal place to learn more about California's natural history. Start your visit to the Museum of Natural History, where you can see many examples of plants that used to grow in this region. Right outside the museum's door is the Chumash Garden, where you can learn how Native Americans used plants in their daily lives. Sailing, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching are popular activities in this park.
Hearst San Simeon State Park offers stunning ocean views from its promontories and coastal bluffs. Take the 3.3-mile trail near the Washburn Campground to see the interpretative signage teaching you more about the native animals and plant life. Stroll along the Elephant Seal Boardwalk to catch a glimpse of these unique animals.
There are many California landmarks you may want to visit. Start by heading to Arroyo Grande Village to see the giant mural depicting this town's agricultural roots. Colleen Mitchell-Veyna painted the large mural in 2016. The mural's centerpiece is the Pacific Coast Railway engine that seems to roll right out of the mural and be heading west. Colleen put a lot of detail into the mural, including using local brand names. In many cases, the faces of residents were used as the farmers working in the field.
Many campers love Pismo Beach campgrounds. One choice that you may want to consider is Avila/Pismo Beach KOA. They offer a children's play area, game room, and swimming pool. You may also want to think about Le Sage Riviera RV Park, which is within walking distance of a golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Pismo Coast Village RV Park is within walking distance of the ocean and Pismo Beach's downtown shopping district.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Arroyo Grande, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Arroyo Grande?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Arroyo Grande from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Arroyo Grande?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.