Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure!
Arroyo Grande has an abundance of fresh air, wide-open spaces and active adventures for lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you gravitate towards mellow walks in nature, teeing off on the golf greens or thrill-seeking mountain bike rides, this two-day plan is a helpful road map to ensure your time in Arroyo Grande is time well spent.
Day 1
Morning
Breakfast and local landmarks
Start your day at European-style Cafe Andreini, set in a photogenic historic building in the heart of the village with ample indoor and outdoor seating. People watch as you sip locally roasted coffee or a matcha latte. Fuel up for the day digging into a hearty breakfast burrito or one of their signature, customizable open-faced sandwiches—the best kind of fancy toast!
Stroll on over to the Swinging Bridge for a walk across, pausing to admire the creek flowing below. Say hello to the roosters and check out some more historic buildings including the Santa Manuela School Museum and barn.
Hop in the car for a short 2-mile drive to Halcyon Farms, one of the best farm stands around. (Note: they are open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Pick up some fruit to snack on later in the day and don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to collect some freshly harvested veggies too. In season, you can get hands on and pick berries.
Afternoon
Explore Lopez Lake
Take a scenic, 20-minute drive inland to the Lopez Lake Recreation Area in the Santa Lucia foothills. Here, you’ll have your pick of land and water activities, from fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to birding, hiking and biking. If you’ve got kids in tow, the Mustang Waterpark and Vista Lago Adventure Park are equally entertaining.
Back in town, if you’re feeling peckish, pick up a light, healthy afternoon snack at Poke Morro or Virt Juice and relax at your accommodations for a spell.
Evening
Craft beer and live music
Feeling refreshed, head back to the Village to settle in for a beer and more good grub at Humdinger Brewing, a go-to local craft brewer. Start with a beer or hard seltzer flight and pair your sips with street-style tacos, or order their special of the day, which never disappoints. The brewpub typically has live music on weekends, too.
Day 2
Morning
Sip fresh coffee and book a tee time
Get your morning coffee fix at Tribe Coffeehouse in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. Try one of the seasonal lattes or go for a signature latte like pistachio rose or lavender honey. Snack on a pastry, bagel or muffin. And definitely exit through the gift shop, which is stocked with tempting items including their own merch and Cacti Coffee as well as crystals, locally made soaps, cool hats, candles and much more.
Book a late morning tee time at Cypress Ridge Golf Course an award-winning, Peter Jacobsen Signature Course. Marvel at the mature cypress trees as you enjoy the lush green fairways and ocean breezes.
Afternoon
Relax and put your feet in the sand
Head to the Village for a fast casual lunch at Jaffa Cafe. Keep your eyes peeled for roosters as you savor the vibrant Mediterranean flavors of dishes like lentil soup, kabobs and shawarma.
If you have sore muscles or simply want to relax, book massages at Massage Envy. For a different sort of soothing sensation, drive to the coast to hear the sound of the sea and feel the sand between your toes. You can actually drive right on the sand at the Oceano Dunes, which is a uniquely Central Coast experience.
Evening
Sunset and dinner
Linger at the coast to watch the sunset—perhaps after a walk along the Pismo Beach Pier. Back in town, Mason Bar & Kitchen is an excellent choice for dinner. The restaurant has a strong wine program, a fast-casual bar with over 200 spirits to choose from for refreshing cocktails, an impressive selection of Central Coast craft brews and the food is off-the-charts good.
