This is such a cute little town where you would see from one of the cute family movies. A hallmark…read moremasterpiece...lol... We normally would stop by on the way up to SLO town or Paso Robles. There's a few little shops that I like to frequent for lunch and coffee. It's only a good half mile or so strip which is their downtown area. Cute boutiques, coffee shops, bakery, souvenir shop, a bar and some restaurants. We stopped by on Sunday morning which the town was pretty mellow. I don't think most of the shops are open before noon as it was quiet. Mainly the coffee shops were open while the restaurant was starting to set up. The street is cute in a sense of walking though a make believe town fit for a movie. It's like a movie set. The people are alway friendly and welcoming. I can't figure out if it's more locals or visitors that come through. But it's a cute place for a nice wander and meal. Or some shopping and just enjoying the day. It's not far from SLO town or Pismo just off the 101.

Quaint little town…read more.. Picture if you will a little town in San Luis Obispo where the community gathered in Centennial Park for special celebrations, a jazz band playing underneath the gazebo and nearby a swinging bridge, walk across the bridge, feel it sway--- you have now crossed over into... THE TWILIGHT... err, I meant a residential neighborhood and a historic schoolhouse. Huh? What? Where?? I know... Arroyo Grande is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's Central Coast. Arroyo Grande is just south of San Luis Obispo and is surrounded by Grover Beach, Oceano, Shell Beach, and Pismo Beach. Anyway, just kidding about the Twilight Zone bit but we almost missed finding this place. You have to lookout for a small narrow entrance to get to this little area. It is behind Branch Street and City Hall. The park has a nice gazebo surrounded by a grassy area. There are also public restrooms just across the gazebo. We stopped by the Swinging Bridge [separate review] located at Centennial Park, the only bridge of its kind in California. This historical landmark is 171-ft long and is suspended 40-ft above the Arroyo Grande Creek. We were already at SLO and we wanted to check it out. The bridge is open for foot traffic. There is plenty of open space public parking in Centennial Park. We walked towards their main street and explored a little bit. Purchased some pastries at Eclair Bakery [separate review]. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, bakery, along Branch Street. Review #1466

Checked out the Pismo Beach Pier in the late afternoon/evening, and it made for a really pleasant…read morevisit. The area feels lively and walkable, with plenty of nearby shops and spots to check out without feeling overwhelming. The beach itself is nice and clean, and best of all, it wasn't overly crowded when we were there, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the coastal views. Of course, stopping by to see the cool large Pismo Beach letters is a fun little bonus for a quick photo. It's a classic California beach spot that's definitely worth a stroll if you're in the area (great for clamming)

Pismo Beach Pier always delivers -- wide open views, salty breeze, and that perfect coastal energy…read more N"Pismo Beach Pier always delivers -- wide open views, salty breeze, and that perfect coastal energy. Nothing beats a walk down this boardwalk with the waves crashing beside you and the whole Central Coast stretching out in front of you. This is the kind of spot you save... and come back to every chance you getothing beats a walk down this boardwalk with the waves crashing beside you and the whole Central Coast stretching out in front of you. This is the kind of spot you save... and come back to every chance you get... #pismobeach #pismobeachpier #beach #traveltiktok #visitcalifornia

Dinosaur Park is stunning. Sadly after years of shopping happily at the art show, I just got…read moreconned out of $150.00. A jewelry vendor from Santa Barbara sold me a silver ring. After I got home I found because of its design, it slips around on the finger to an unattractive position. I located the vendor and she said she doesn't give credits or refunds, and I should bring in it and she would adjust it a second time. Next she told me she will won't be at Dinosaur Park until Easter day. When I said I would try to be there she said she actually won't be there at all this year. She suggested I take the ring to a jewelry store and try to use it towards buying something there since the price of silver is high right now.

The view is amazing! It's a perfect spot for taking younger kids, and I know that I really enjoyed…read moreit. Perfect photo op and amazing weather when we went. Such a fun place to visit, no matter how old, if you're in the area!

When our grandson was younger, there was a weekend when we wanted to take him to Solvang. All the…read morereasonable lodging options were booked, so we expanded the search to Lompoc. Ended up staying at the Embassy Suites for more room, more food, and an all-around better hotel experience than we would have had for 25% more (at least!) in Solvang. I still have fond memories of that trip, and it's lead to a general positive impression of Lompoc. My current impression is that the small-ish town owes it's economy to a mixture of agribusiness, plus proximity to Vandenburg Space Force's base. Military and agriculture spending help keep Lompoc alive, but there are other reasons to consider a visit. Long known for their flower fields, the location in a scenic Central Coast valley setting offers a get-away-from-it-all feel. I've never been to the nearby beaches, but they are available. Wine country is also close at hand. In town, especially in the history Old Town section, hand-painted murals beautify many of the venerable buildings. Some people may decry that there's not a lot to do, but from what I've read, that would be the case if you only wanted to stay inside. There are many outdoor activities to pursue in and around the area. Independent shops and restaurants may not be as plentiful as in Solvang, but they do exist to explore. One of the restored missions is close at hand, along with a killer golf course - La Purisima. We came and went fairly quickly on our last drive through, but I would plan a longer visit the next time. Maybe when the flower fields are showing off Spring color.

I've visited Lompoc a few times over the year but never realized it has a charming side of this…read morerural town about an hour northeast of Santa Barbara. It's easy to see the somewhat rundown neighborhood and antiquated stores on the streets. But after I did a little more research I found a nice AirBnB on a farm (Dare 2 Dream farm), a fantastic eatery ( Eye on I), an idyllic coffee shot (Southside Coffee) and beautiful scenery all around. The La Purisima Mission is just gorgeous and a great place to spend a few hours or half a day wondering. Would recommend this town for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy nature but still stay reasonably close to civilization.

Passing through on Highway 101 City of Nipomo is in the San…read moreLuis Obispo county , half way mark from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Many of the residents of Nipomo are retirees. Quiet and a quaint town

Nipomo is a cute town. I usually just come here to go to Jocko's but tonight I caught their…read moreChristmas parade which was very cute. They had a place for kids to go see Santa. They also had a few booths up selling Christmas items for sale. There was a live band and a beautiful Christmas tree. A few blocks away they had an area to take pictures with a huge ornament.

The Parade of Lights is surprisingly good. Santa Maria really shows up for this parade, the streets…read morebecome flooded with families. The parade itself is really nice, tons of local business support and the floats are amazing. Hot Cocoa is offered for sale through the local Key Club. Have one!

Life is meant to be lived, so make sure that you are doing this every day. Life is a gift and many…read morenever realized this, until it's too late... "I learned that every mortal will taste death. But only some will taste life." Rumi Please do not be the one that lived life in shadows, come into the light. Taste and embrace the joy of life. Their is so many new rich experiences and flavors to enjoy every single day. It's harder to be happy and nice, so try it! Smile. Paradise found! There is no other more magical place than where I chose to let him go. When the winds blow I will feel his breathe on me forever. The embrace and connection that I felt here is incredible. It's intoxicating, I long to go back for I am drawn to his spirit that now is free to roam anywhere. This place choose me, to let my husband go. Now when the dawn meets the land every single day I know that the rays from the sun will forever keep him. The ocean views here are some of the most beautiful in the world. The feelings and vibes from the earth cry out to stay forever, but a piece of me is forever apart of the area. My other half belongs to that of the four winds and the bouncy waves of the ocean. As the tides come in I will forever feel the connections that I have established and experienced here. It's unlike any other connection that one could experience with a place. It's sheer bliss and joy. It's that calming wind as the waves of the ocean crash over your feet in the sand as the sun sets. The sand swallows every step just a little, but when your foot raises for air you wrapped in the entwines of him. Listen he calls to me, who or what calls to you? Come take my hand, we will explore and find it. Beautiful things don't as for attention, the land and surrounding area scream at one with emotional empathy. Many many thousands of years this area has been home to so many people. Some of the first inhabitants to call this area home were the indigenous Chumash peoples. Primarily existing on fishing and gathering what was around the area it's a thriving piece of land to call home. Their are so many abundant flora and fauna around to build your dwelling and such. The Chumash indigenous peoples had so many abundant resources that they were able to explore what we take for granted these days; "free time." The introduction of exchanging something for something else started with the Chumash. It was said that these early inhabitants were extremely friendly and welcoming. Becoming friends with the Spanish and other individuals that wandered into their area. They traded and exchanged goods for their famous first form of currency in exchange for goods with a monitory system. Indeed we learned a lot from these past peoples that are still celebrated together in the area with their ruins spread all over the place. San Luis is a great city with a legacy of hosting so many events. Up until about five years ago, they held the areas only Marci Gras parade that was compared to the likes of that in New Orleans. It was canceled due to drunkenness in the public by too many citizens being disorderly. Here the citizens have created chaos and this is not the first time when public intoxicating created an intolerance in the community. The area works well to solve their issues just like that of the early indigenous individuals that first called this area home. The land here is healing and takes care of those that choose to live here. Not sure if you could tolerate this connection, not all can it take a special few to hear the whispers that allow for this connection. Fear and disparities are no way to ever live. In fact it's those that truly live that feel the joy and warmth around them. This place choose me, and I believe their are no coincidences in life. All happens for a reason, but we chose the path. Just as life is apart of life, death is usually off limits for most. It's a fact and fear of life. Death should be discussed not pushed aside because of some fear. It's taken me enormous leaps to be able to say and believe these words. I know first hand, since I lost my beloved Chris so young. He passed at 45 years of age and after 23 years of marriage. That's a lifetime, but it's been my overcoming battle with FEAR, to face it and move on. My husband would of wanted that, and for me to be happy. If not I would of been beside him in the ground and that's not gonna happen. Every time I long for him I have these precious memories and moments. Explore more joy and seek that out that makes your rainbow glow.

A Heavenly Place to Live! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~…read more Heavenly Beams of Sun. Starry Nights bundled together with Orion's Belt. Distance echo's of Andromeda. Ocean Fog engorging like an Amoeba. Blue hues that caress your retina. Ambrosial fruits of the Earth. Peaks & Valleys that ring with Greens. Wildflowers that paint the glorious tapestry. ~~~~~~~ What more can one desire? I know not. What is the way? I know not. What are the right words? I know not. Why? It is......