Guidebook for Arroyo Grande
Food Scene
This place is one of the best "local" restaurants around. It's hip, fun and the food is great. It's pricey for the area, but worth it. For a town as quaint as Arroyo Grande is, this restaurant certainly has received great press, including a review by "The New York Times!"
"Conventional wisdom calls for dinner at a Paso Robles restaurant, where organic ingredients reign and the local wine lists are excellent. But a new restaurant, Ember, is worth the drive to Arroyo Grande, an underappreciated town about 45 minutes south. Opened last year by Brian Collins, who trained under Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, the restaurant has a Mediterranean-influenced menu...
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Ember Restaurant
1200 E Grand AveThis place is one of the best "local" restaurants around. It's hip, fun and the food is great. It's pricey for the area, but worth it. For a town as quaint as Arroyo Grande is, this restaurant certainly has received great press, including a review by "The New York Times!"
"Conventional wisdom calls for dinner at a Paso Robles restaurant, where organic ingredients reign and the local wine lists are excellent. But a new restaurant, Ember, is worth the drive to Arroyo Grande, an underappreciated town about 45 minutes south. Opened last year by Brian Collins, who trained under Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, the restaurant has a Mediterranean-influenced menu...
No visit to the area is complete without some clam chowder in a bread bowl or tacos from "Splash Café. It's more of a walk up place—although there are some tables (never enough) inside. Grab your chowder and walk one minute down to the Pismo Pier and find a seat over the water to eat your treasure.
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Splash Café Pismo Beach
197 Pomeroy AveNo visit to the area is complete without some clam chowder in a bread bowl or tacos from "Splash Café. It's more of a walk up place—although there are some tables (never enough) inside. Grab your chowder and walk one minute down to the Pismo Pier and find a seat over the water to eat your treasure.
Rooster Creek is in the heart of the "AG" village. It reflects so many of the qualities of the town—the vineyards, the rural vibe, even some of the "cowboy" quirkiness. It's a great place for quick dinner, a nice "sit down" place, with both indoor and outdoor patio seating. It's named after the ferrel roosters that live alongside the creek.
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Rooster Creek Tavern
200 E Branch StRooster Creek is in the heart of the "AG" village. It reflects so many of the qualities of the town—the vineyards, the rural vibe, even some of the "cowboy" quirkiness. It's a great place for quick dinner, a nice "sit down" place, with both indoor and outdoor patio seating. It's named after the ferrel roosters that live alongside the creek.
In the heart of the village, this is a classic "greasy spoon" kind of grill... but oh... the burgers here are some of the best. We spent many a family dinner here after the kid's basketball games. It has a really unique ceiling that feels like what one might find on the inside of an old sailing vessel. Pictures on the wall of old days in Arroyo Grande complete the local and wonderful vibe of this "local favorite."
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Old Village Grill
101 E Branch St In the heart of the village, this is a classic "greasy spoon" kind of grill... but oh... the burgers here are some of the best. We spent many a family dinner here after the kid's basketball games. It has a really unique ceiling that feels like what one might find on the inside of an old sailing vessel. Pictures on the wall of old days in Arroyo Grande complete the local and wonderful vibe of this "local favorite."
One of our very favorite breakfast places. Pancakes and eggs, french toast and bacon, old style coffee yes,— but somehow, I think that I'm eating healthier if I order the the "Village Veggie," a thick, cheesy omelette full of broccoli and lots of other good things. Real cowboys like to eat here early on weekday mornings. (I'm not kidding).
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Village Cafe
112 Branch StOne of our very favorite breakfast places. Pancakes and eggs, french toast and bacon, old style coffee yes,— but somehow, I think that I'm eating healthier if I order the the "Village Veggie," a thick, cheesy omelette full of broccoli and lots of other good things. Real cowboys like to eat here early on weekday mornings. (I'm not kidding).
Spoon Trade... this and Ember are our favorite "date" places. Amazing, "Farm to table" food with the chef and owners usually on the premises. Really good.
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The Spoon Trade
295 W Grand AveSpoon Trade... this and Ember are our favorite "date" places. Amazing, "Farm to table" food with the chef and owners usually on the premises. Really good.
Such yummy baked goods and excellent coffee! If you stop by, you're sure get a warm hometown welcome!
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Sweet Pea Bakery
1200 E Grand AveSuch yummy baked goods and excellent coffee! If you stop by, you're sure get a warm hometown welcome!
Casual, with outdoor patio seating. Friday nights catch the live local bands!
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Branch Street Deli
203 E Branch StCasual, with outdoor patio seating. Friday nights catch the live local bands!
A MUST VISIT with or without kids! A fun local favorite and the ice cream is super yummy! Located in the Village of Arroyo Grande!
Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab
475 1st StreetA MUST VISIT with or without kids! A fun local favorite and the ice cream is super yummy! Located in the Village of Arroyo Grande!
Palo Mesa Wood Fired
150 W Branch StDelicious pizza we promise you will love!
A nice place to enjoy a meal and the nearby beach in Avila.
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Custom House
404 Front StA nice place to enjoy a meal and the nearby beach in Avila.
Hapy Bistro
821 N Oak Park BlvdPretty good Greek food and wide variety of wines.
If you have a craving for yummy cinnamon rolls, this is the place for you! Absolutely delicious!
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Old West Cinnamon Rolls
861 Dolliver StIf you have a craving for yummy cinnamon rolls, this is the place for you! Absolutely delicious!
We never pass up an opportunity to buy these absolutely delicious home grown strawberries. A quote we live by, "Friends never let friends buy strawberries at the supermarket." They also have other fruit and vegetables along with flowers and just a hometown feelin.' A must visit! Only in the summer though!
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Okui's Strawberry N Fruit Stnd
1234 Highland WayWe never pass up an opportunity to buy these absolutely delicious home grown strawberries. A quote we live by, "Friends never let friends buy strawberries at the supermarket." They also have other fruit and vegetables along with flowers and just a hometown feelin.' A must visit! Only in the summer though!
For lunch, you can’t go wrong with local favorite, Firestone Grill. Their burgers always hit the spot, but the real treats are their Tri-tip Sandwich – tri-tip is a local Central Coast specialty – and the Pig Sandwich (pulled pork).
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Firestone Grill
1001 Higuera StFor lunch, you can’t go wrong with local favorite, Firestone Grill. Their burgers always hit the spot, but the real treats are their Tri-tip Sandwich – tri-tip is a local Central Coast specialty – and the Pig Sandwich (pulled pork).
A necessary stop is the famous Madonna Inn. It serves up old school steakhouse dishes, but that’s not why you should stop here. The hotel is a giant gaudy mansion that answers the age-old question: “What if Dolly Parton designed a Barbie Dreamhouse?” The cakes are delicious, albeit ridiculously rich.
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Madonna Inn
100 Madonna RdA necessary stop is the famous Madonna Inn. It serves up old school steakhouse dishes, but that’s not why you should stop here. The hotel is a giant gaudy mansion that answers the age-old question: “What if Dolly Parton designed a Barbie Dreamhouse?” The cakes are delicious, albeit ridiculously rich.
Great views of the ocean. We recommend eating outside!
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Spyglass Inn Restaurant
2703 Spyglass DrGreat views of the ocean. We recommend eating outside!
Beautiful restaurant for a more formal dinner.
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Lido Restaurant & Lounge
2727 Shell Beach RdBeautiful restaurant for a more formal dinner.
Beautiful views. Great food. A bit more formal, not great for families with small kids.
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Ventana Grill
2575 Price StBeautiful views. Great food. A bit more formal, not great for families with small kids.
A new locals favorite! Great coffee and yummy sweet treats! Located in our quaint village of Arroyo Grande.
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Mule Bakery
117 E Branch StA new locals favorite! Great coffee and yummy sweet treats! Located in our quaint village of Arroyo Grande.
Scout Coffee Company is a relatively new third wave specialty coffee shop. The family-owned shop (with 2 locations) take great care with the beans and really love what they do, and it shows. The Nitro cold brew is especially good, as are the unique in-house made syrups like Wilderness, made with doug fir and citrus, or raw sugar & whiskey syrup.
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Scout Coffee
1130 Garden StScout Coffee Company is a relatively new third wave specialty coffee shop. The family-owned shop (with 2 locations) take great care with the beans and really love what they do, and it shows. The Nitro cold brew is especially good, as are the unique in-house made syrups like Wilderness, made with doug fir and citrus, or raw sugar & whiskey syrup.
Okay... this really is a place where "everybody knows your name." Old style coffee and amazing raisin bread toast.
Francisco's Country Kitchen
1488 E Grand AveOkay... this really is a place where "everybody knows your name." Old style coffee and amazing raisin bread toast.
A family owned Italian restaurant that has been around for over 50 years. Our son-in-law worked there for years! When he and our daughter come to town, it's a sure stop. Delicious food and a warm ambiance.
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Rosa's Italian Restaurant
491 Price StA family owned Italian restaurant that has been around for over 50 years. Our son-in-law worked there for years! When he and our daughter come to town, it's a sure stop. Delicious food and a warm ambiance.
Yummo Pizza, our kids frequented this place while growing up. Located in the Village.
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Klondike Pizza
104 Bridge StYummo Pizza, our kids frequented this place while growing up. Located in the Village.
If you're looking for sandwiches to take to the beach, this is the place. Located in Pismo Beach.
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Hoagies Sandwiches & Grill
580 Cypress StIf you're looking for sandwiches to take to the beach, this is the place. Located in Pismo Beach.
Our kids love the food here. If you're in the mod for Thai this will suit you just fine.
Thai Talay Restaurant
601 Price StOur kids love the food here. If you're in the mod for Thai this will suit you just fine.
Papi's Grill
1090 Price StExcellent tacos and Mexican food in general.
Drinks & Nightlife
The village tends to roll up the sidewalks after 10:00 PM... if you want to stay out really late, San Luis Obispo is only a 15-20 drive north—however, the village does have a few places that stay open late, mostly on the weekends, for dinner, wine and drinks. Mason Bar has a great vibe.
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Mason Bar and Kitchen
307 E Branch StThe village tends to roll up the sidewalks after 10:00 PM... if you want to stay out really late, San Luis Obispo is only a 15-20 drive north—however, the village does have a few places that stay open late, mostly on the weekends, for dinner, wine and drinks. Mason Bar has a great vibe.
Karaoke and an old time bar feel. If you like "country" you'll like Bill's.
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Bill's Place
112 E Branch StKaraoke and an old time bar feel. If you like "country" you'll like Bill's.
San Luis Obispo has plenty of nightlife. On Higuera Street in downtown SLO, you’ll find loads of bars – it’s hoppin’ on a weekend night! Looking to dance? Check out some of the (smallish) nightclubs like The Library and Mother’s Tavern.
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San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo has plenty of nightlife. On Higuera Street in downtown SLO, you’ll find loads of bars – it’s hoppin’ on a weekend night! Looking to dance? Check out some of the (smallish) nightclubs like The Library and Mother’s Tavern.
Feel like seeing a movie? How about pretending it’s the 1950’s and you’re living a scene straight out of Grease? Check out the Sunset Drive-In, an old school drive-in movie theater that plays a double feature for crazy cheap.
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Sunset Drive-In Theatre
255 Elks LnFeel like seeing a movie? How about pretending it’s the 1950’s and you’re living a scene straight out of Grease? Check out the Sunset Drive-In, an old school drive-in movie theater that plays a double feature for crazy cheap.
If you are in the mood for some good ol' time entertainment, check out the melodrama. So much fun for the whole family. Their website will tell what they are performing during your visit. (Some performances may not be suitable for young children). Such a fun night out! Located in Oceano.
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The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville
1863 Front StIf you are in the mood for some good ol' time entertainment, check out the melodrama. So much fun for the whole family. Their website will tell what they are performing during your visit. (Some performances may not be suitable for young children). Such a fun night out! Located in Oceano.
Sightseeing
This is literally a Central Coast "Hidden Gem." It cannot be seen from anywhere in the area because of its location behind the point. Get to it via trolley, hike or kayak.
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Point San Luis Lighthouse
1 Lighthouse RdThis is literally a Central Coast "Hidden Gem." It cannot be seen from anywhere in the area because of its location behind the point. Get to it via trolley, hike or kayak.
The only one of its kind in all of the Golden State, built in 1875. After you walk across the bridge, be sure to visit the old school house, bandstand, toddler's play area, museums and antique shops. Be sure to listen for the roosters crowing in the creek below.
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Swinging Bridge
200 Olohan AlleyThe only one of its kind in all of the Golden State, built in 1875. After you walk across the bridge, be sure to visit the old school house, bandstand, toddler's play area, museums and antique shops. Be sure to listen for the roosters crowing in the creek below.
If you've seen "Citizen Kane" you know that this is one of the world's greatest monuments that any individual has ever built to himself. An truly beautiful one hour drive north along a road that hugs the ocean and zigs inland through bucolic fields and quaint villages.
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Hearst Castle Visitor Center
700 Hearst Castle RdIf you've seen "Citizen Kane" you know that this is one of the world's greatest monuments that any individual has ever built to himself. An truly beautiful one hour drive north along a road that hugs the ocean and zigs inland through bucolic fields and quaint villages.
A fishing village that's huddled around its bay, fleet, estuary and the iconic Morro Rock, one of the "nine sisters" of dormant, volcanic mountains in San Luis Obispo county. Cool air, warm sun—a quintessential part of California's Central Coast.
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Morro Bay
A fishing village that's huddled around its bay, fleet, estuary and the iconic Morro Rock, one of the "nine sisters" of dormant, volcanic mountains in San Luis Obispo county. Cool air, warm sun—a quintessential part of California's Central Coast.
Fun park for the kids and you can't beat the ocean view!!
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Dinosaur Caves Park
2701 Price StFun park for the kids and you can't beat the ocean view!!
A fun family time, you are sure to enjoy this farmers market. Every Thursday night, so if you're in town on a Thursday, check it out. Also lots of good shopping in Downtown San Luis.
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Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
Higuera StreetA fun family time, you are sure to enjoy this farmers market. Every Thursday night, so if you're in town on a Thursday, check it out. Also lots of good shopping in Downtown San Luis.
Wonderful family beach that is usually warmer than some of the others beaches nearby. Fun park for the kids as well as delicious restaurant and treats for you to enjoy.
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Avila Beach
Wonderful family beach that is usually warmer than some of the others beaches nearby. Fun park for the kids as well as delicious restaurant and treats for you to enjoy.
Fun town to browse. Lots of local artwork, and beautiful scenery. Wonderful boardwalk next to the beach to walk and enjoy the beauty. Lots of restaurants, too. We love it.
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Cambria
Fun town to browse. Lots of local artwork, and beautiful scenery. Wonderful boardwalk next to the beach to walk and enjoy the beauty. Lots of restaurants, too. We love it.
Avila Beach Whale Watching
Port San Luis PierA fun family activity!
So much fun for the whole family. Depending on the time of year, there is pumpkin picking, delicious ice cream and awesome homemade pies....and lots more. A must visit with the family.
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Avila Valley Barn
560 Avila Beach DrSo much fun for the whole family. Depending on the time of year, there is pumpkin picking, delicious ice cream and awesome homemade pies....and lots more. A must visit with the family.
A wonderful walk on the pier. You can't miss the hilarious elephant seals that hang out and you will enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and landscape. Food and fun all around.
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Port San Luis Pier
Port San Luis PierA wonderful walk on the pier. You can't miss the hilarious elephant seals that hang out and you will enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and landscape. Food and fun all around.
"Everybody's goin' surfin'"—and you can walk out on to the pier and watch them "catch a wave while you're sittin' on top of the world." Classic California
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Pismo Beach
"Everybody's goin' surfin'"—and you can walk out on to the pier and watch them "catch a wave while you're sittin' on top of the world." Classic California
Peaceful, sleepy little beach town. Fun to visit.... restaurants, yummy baked goods, ice cream, fun for the family.
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Cayucos Pier
Pacific AvenuePeaceful, sleepy little beach town. Fun to visit.... restaurants, yummy baked goods, ice cream, fun for the family.
A beautiful town in wine country. Fun to visit....cute shops, restaurants and very quaint.
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Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association
835 12th StA beautiful town in wine country. Fun to visit....cute shops, restaurants and very quaint.
Museum of Natural History
20 State Park RdFun visit with the kids!
Hop in a kayak and explore Pismo’s incredible sea caves on a Sea Cave tour with Central Coast Kayaks! Keep your eyes open for sea lions, otters, and dolphins.
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Central Coast Kayaks
1879 Shell Beach RdHop in a kayak and explore Pismo’s incredible sea caves on a Sea Cave tour with Central Coast Kayaks! Keep your eyes open for sea lions, otters, and dolphins.
Want to give surfing a try? Hit up Pismo Beach Surf Shop, where you can pick up a board and wetsuit.
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Pismo Beach Surf Shop
160 Hinds AveWant to give surfing a try? Hit up Pismo Beach Surf Shop, where you can pick up a board and wetsuit.
Even though it’s so close to such touristy places, Los Osos has remained relatively isolated from the neighboring areas and their visitors. What that means is there’s no nightlife, nary a hotel to speak of, and not much in the way of tourist traps – but that just means you’ll be discovering what the locals already know: Los Osos is quietly awesome and a nature lover’s dream.
Covered in pine and scented by groves of eucalyptus trees, Los Osos is tucked in between 2 gorgeous parks – Montana de Oro and Morro Bay National Estuary – making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
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Baywood-Los Osos
Even though it’s so close to such touristy places, Los Osos has remained relatively isolated from the neighboring areas and their visitors. What that means is there’s no nightlife, nary a hotel to speak of, and not much in the way of tourist traps – but that just means you’ll be discovering what the locals already know: Los Osos is quietly awesome and a nature lover’s dream.
Covered in pine and scented by groves of eucalyptus trees, Los Osos is tucked in between 2 gorgeous parks – Montana de Oro and Morro Bay National Estuary – making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
Follow Los Osos Valley Road to its end and you’ll reach Montana de Oro State Park. Known for its breathtaking rugged cliffs and pebble beaches, this is a must see for anyone looking for an easy hike with gorgeous coastal views.
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Montaña de Oro State Park
3550 Pecho Valley RdFollow Los Osos Valley Road to its end and you’ll reach Montana de Oro State Park. Known for its breathtaking rugged cliffs and pebble beaches, this is a must see for anyone looking for an easy hike with gorgeous coastal views.
Just north of San Simeon on Highway 1 lies the Piedras Blanca Elephant Seal Rookery, the largest elephant seal rookery in North America and our favorite place ever because we love elephant seals. Here, you’ll find dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of elephant seals at different stages of their migration period. The best time to see them is January – March, that’s when you can see tiny floppy little fat elephant seal babies!
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Friends Of The Elephant Seal Gift Shop
250 San Simeon AveJust north of San Simeon on Highway 1 lies the Piedras Blanca Elephant Seal Rookery, the largest elephant seal rookery in North America and our favorite place ever because we love elephant seals. Here, you’ll find dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of elephant seals at different stages of their migration period. The best time to see them is January – March, that’s when you can see tiny floppy little fat elephant seal babies!
We have never been here but it sounds cool. Head to Covell’s California Clydesdale’s Ranch, the only place in the country where you can ride giant Clydesdale horses! These gentle giants are seriously massive. Like, the size of small buses. But they’re also totally tame. Sitting 6 feet up in the air on your truck-sized horse, you’ll have sweeping views of the ranch and the hills. This is a wonderful and unique way to spend an afternoon in Cambria!
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Covell’s Clydesdales
5694 Bridge StWe have never been here but it sounds cool. Head to Covell’s California Clydesdale’s Ranch, the only place in the country where you can ride giant Clydesdale horses! These gentle giants are seriously massive. Like, the size of small buses. But they’re also totally tame. Sitting 6 feet up in the air on your truck-sized horse, you’ll have sweeping views of the ranch and the hills. This is a wonderful and unique way to spend an afternoon in Cambria!
Very fun family friendly bike and walking trail that takes you to Avila Beach. Highly recommend.
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Bob Jones City to the Sea Bike Trail Park & Ride
7009 Ontario RdVery fun family friendly bike and walking trail that takes you to Avila Beach. Highly recommend.
Who doesn't love butterflies? Kids will love running around and beautiful scenery.
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Monarch Butterfly Grove
400 South Dolliver StreetWho doesn't love butterflies? Kids will love running around and beautiful scenery.
If you like to shop at outlets, this is the place.
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Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
333 5 Cities DrIf you like to shop at outlets, this is the place.
Parks
This park is located across the street from our neighborhood, a nice walk and fun at the park with the kids!
Rancho Grande Park
This park is located across the street from our neighborhood, a nice walk and fun at the park with the kids!
Fun little park for the toddlers and grass area to run around. Gazebo is a great place to snap some pics with the family.
Heritage Square Park
201 Nelson StFun little park for the toddlers and grass area to run around. Gazebo is a great place to snap some pics with the family.
Fun park to hang with the family and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean.
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Dinosaur Caves Park
2701 Price StFun park to hang with the family and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean.
Fun park right next to the ocean, walkways and restaurants.
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Avila Beach Pier
443 Front StFun park right next to the ocean, walkways and restaurants.
Hiking
For a great day hike, check out Bishop’s Peak. It’s a four mile out and back moderate hike. It only takes a couple of hours and the views are phenomenal!
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Bishop Peak
For a great day hike, check out Bishop’s Peak. It’s a four mile out and back moderate hike. It only takes a couple of hours and the views are phenomenal!
Winery
Edna Valley Vineyard
2585 Biddle Ranch RdA local's favorite!
We're friends of the folks that own this beautiful, idyllic vineyard and winery. Although it's our favorite, it's one of many scattered throughout the county. There's also three wine tasting rooms in the village... cheers!
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Talley Vineyards
3031 Lopez DrWe're friends of the folks that own this beautiful, idyllic vineyard and winery. Although it's our favorite, it's one of many scattered throughout the county. There's also three wine tasting rooms in the village... cheers!
Lots of fantastic wineries north of us in Paso Robles, about an hours drive, but worth it!
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Paso Robles Inn
1103 Spring StLots of fantastic wineries north of us in Paso Robles, about an hours drive, but worth it!
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
453 Laetitia Vineyard DriveAnother winery to explore!