Points of Interest
The entire spectrum of scenic diversity is found near the Village of Arroyo Grande.
Using the village as a base, travelers can enjoy blazing orange sunsets along the coast,
blankets of flower blossoms in Arroyo Grande, rugged Santa Lucia mountains covered in lush native grasses,
and the crystal blue water of Lopez Lake.
Scenery & Wildlife
To the south, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes comprise 18 miles of the largest, most biodiverse, coastal dune-lagoon ecosystem on earth.
To the west, the Monarch Butterfly Grove hosts thousands of butterflies each year during the unique migration of the Monarch.
To the north, the rugged Pacific Coastline provides year-round refuge and seasonal migration for vast species of marine and bird life.
To the east, Huasna Valley and the Santa Lucia mountains are home to inland black bear, the mountain lion, black tail deer, bob cat, fox, coyote, raccoon and many other mammals.
Lopez Lake
Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande offers 22 miles of shoreline and rugged mountainous terrain providing not only recreation, but scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Huasna Valley
Huasna is a name for an Indian princess which is part of the Chumash Indian legends or beliefs. This valley provides unique opportunities to view native trees, flowers and wildlife.
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex comprises 18 miles of the largest, most biodiverse, coastal dune-lagoon ecosystem on earth.
Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, surf fishing, and digging for the famous Pismo clam. There are tree-lined dunes and the beach is popular with bird watchers.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Learn about the unique migration of the Monarch and view thousands of butterflies in the grove. Interpretive trail and docent-led walks available during winter.
Port San Luis
A busy fishing harbor, Port San Luis offers deep-sea fishing and whale watching excursions that leave from the pier. Watch the California Grey whales as the migrate past the county during winter. Humpback whales follow in spring.
Morro Bay Estuary
Morro Bay is an important stop-over on the Pacific Flyway and a critical winter home to numerous bird species. The bay and its 48,000 acre watershed rank perennially among the top sites in the nation during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
Montana De Oro
A jewel of San Luis Obispo County, Montana De Oro State Park, named for the California Poppy, is one of the most diverse parks in the region. From beautiful coved beaches to sheer cliffs, eucalyptus groves, streams, tidepools, camping and an abundance of natural wildlife.
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony
Elephant seals can be observed along small coves just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Populations have grown from a few dozen in 1990 to current estimates of nearly 10,000.
Nine Sisters
The peaks called the Morros, Seven Sisters and Nine Sisters, are volcanic plugs that were later eroded to the surface. This strip of mountains begins in the ocean, breach the surface with Morro Rock, and follow a fault inland to Islay Peak in San Luis Obispo.
Other Points of Interest
The world-famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the majestic Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, several 1930-vintage mineral hot spring resorts, and the rustic Pozo Saloon are among other scenic points of interests not far from the Village of Arroyo Grande.
Then step back in time with visits to our nearby stately Victorian mansions and San Luis Obispo missions.
Pozo Saloon
Experience California as it was in the 1800s. The historic Pozo Saloon, in the town of Pozo (population 52), has been a San Luis Obispo County landmark since 1858. It is also is one of the finest and most authentic examples of how the west used to be.
Avila Hot Springs
The Historic Avila Hot Springs, situated between oak-covered foothills, offer a nice morning, afternoon, or evening swim.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
California's missions have come to represent for many a romanticized version of the state's past. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the fifth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra, Sept. 1, 1772.
Hearst Castle
The north county stretch of Highway 1 follows an especially scenic route and takes you to Hearst Castle. Hearst's extravagant estate is laden with rich showbiz history.
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