This is a review for the gardens and surrounding property. There is a beautiful large garden with…read morestring lights and a gazebo for events. You could have a beautiful wedding here! Around the area is swinging bridge (yes it's creaky and a little scary to walk across!) a stream and historical buildings. We heard a rooster but never saw any. If you're in the area and need to stretch your legs for 20 minutes it's worth a little jaunt

We booked the Heritage House for our wedding, that we had to cancel for medical reasons. Aside from…read morethe extremely reasonable price, which includes tables and 200 chairs, they were very personable. Our medical issues have been life changing for us causing us to cancel the big wedding we were planning. I expected to jump through hoops to get any sort of refund from them, but they were so understanding of our situation, it blew me away. A huge thank you to Diane who helped us through the booking and canceling with zero hassle. More than 5 stars are deserved.

We love the grounds of this special place. Their preservation of not just the Victorian house where…read morethe museum itself is located, but especially the surrounding area with the charming period gazebo, the barn and all of the authentic equipment, etc. Find it once you cross the suspended foot bridge over the creek and to your left. What a rare treat to have this right in the middle of a neighborhood where residents walking by can enjoy a quick stroll through the past.

The South County Historic Society - Independent Order of Odd Fellows former Meeting Hall,…read more has an annual fund raising event which we attend, that occurs the first weekend in November. [http://www.southcountyhistory.org/ioof.htm]: "IOOF HISTORIC HALL On the National Register of Historic Places, the former meeting hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The first floor is a multi-purpose area that serves as a theatre in the summer for on-going readers theatre programs exploring stories from local history, from the Dunites to Halcyon to remembering the Village in the 1930's. The live, one-hour, free programs play every Saturday during the summer at 2PM. The huge annual rummage sale is held here the first weekend in November. Special programs during the year. 128 Bridge St., Arroyo Grande, CA 489-8282 The South County Historical Society acquired the property which was formerly the meeting place for the International Order of Odd Fellows in 1985. The hall is located at 128 Bridge Street and was built in 1902 on land donated by Mrs. Elston in 1898. The building was completed in six months at the cost of $5,500.00. A local contractor, Ben Stuart did the stone work with native sandstone which came from a quarry just south of Arroyo Grande." In their annual rummage sale in the first weekend in November, you can donate or buy items. The fund raising event is a 2 day weekend affair & is run by a wonderful group of mainly seniors. On late Sunday, they reopen with everything at half price; later offering a "fill your own bag" for only $4. The fund raising is to help their projects. As you wait for them, or wish to explore, they are right next to the historic AG bridge, Kiwanis Park/AG Creek, Centennial Park, the Swinging Bridge, & more. On Saturdays at Noon, there is a Farmer's Market. AG Village is a cute restored town, that has numerous shops, antiques, diverse eats, pizza, ice-cream, coffee, wine, steak, Italian, Greek, Mexican, vintage butcher [AG Meat Co.] & bakery [Eclair]. Many of the shops are house in restored or original buildings over a century old, along with amazing ceilings [Coffee] or original woodwork. There are numerous building that are architecturally wonderful. Up the hill is an old Hoosegow [Jail & park]. You can easily spend a day exploring around here! The South County Historic Society multiple locations in Arroyo Grande, but the Yelp or map listings are a bit perplexing, since they have different addresses & may have similar or disimiliar names. [http://www.southcountyhistory.org/index.htm] : 1) ["SANTA MANUELA SCHOOL HOUSE ...Built in 1901 the one-room school is restored to its original state with books, maps, blackboards and photographs... The Santa Manuela Schoolhouse a one-room schoolhouse, was built in 1901 on the property of Joseph Jatta which is now under the water of Lake Lopez... 2) " HERITAGE HOUSE GARDEN & MUSEUM A cultural museum, housed in a Victorian cottage, depicting elements of home life and costume spanning over a hundred years, in permanent and changing exhibits. In the late 1990's, a gazebo and gardens transformed the yard into a backdrop for weddings and social events...The Heritage House was built in the late 1800's... In 1906 the house was sold to Dr. H. S. Walters and was known as "Dr. Walter's Sanatorium"... The museum has an interesting collection of period clothing, photographs and kitchen items, just to name a few and docents are available to answer any of your questions." 3) " PAULDING HISTORY HOUSE A registered California Historic Resource built in 1889..., it was the home of Arroyo Grande's first medical doctor, Edward Paulding. His missionary parents and his daughter, Ruth, filled the house with artifacts from around the world....countless other artifacts, among them the only authentic Cumash Indian basket in the County." 4) IOOF Historic Hall. 5) "THE BARN MUSEUM Home to agricultural, ranch, and mercantile artifacts, vintage carriages and vehicles, including a 1923 LaFrance fire truck as well as a horse-drawn hook and ladder truck from the earliest days of the city... The "Barn" is the South County Historical Society's Museum Annex which houses a variety of antique vehicles and agricultural artifacts from the South County area. It also houses vintage printing presses and other interesting exhibits..." 6) "PATRICIA LOOMIS HISTORY LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTER - RUBY'S HOUSE Books, pamphlets, photos and other resources on local history... This center offers teachers, students, journalists and researchers a wealth of materials on California history with a special emphasis on local South San Luis Obispo County history..." There is more information on the societies website. Not all locations are open most weekends, nor times, and it is vital to check their website for hours, rain closings, phone, before you go....and the rummage sale is only one weekend a year, but is quite a hoot! ~~~

Parking is 5.55 and I was able to log on and use apple pay…read more This hike was very easy and moderate. The incline was slow, therefore you are not really able to feel it. But you can see it once you see other people hiking the same route. The view itself on the way up is beautiful, your able to smell the ocean smell, enjoy the view and just take it all in. Really green everywhere, watch out for the cow droppings because they do roam. If you lucky you can see them afar enjoy their grass and space. I would say it was maybe about 1.5 miles back and forth, I want to try the loop next time but these was just a quick little hike before we stuff ourselves with food!

Pismo Reserve displays a beautiful outlook on Pismo beach and 5 cities in general. It's a beautiful…read moreplace to do a hike and a picnic. There are multiple routes to take depending on which outlooks you'd like to see! I did the Spring to Spring route which totaled to 4.7 miles. It was relaxing, not challenging at all. Parking is available but if you don't want to pay and don't mind a little walk, I parked on the dirt across Ventena restaurant for free!

Very fun experience playing at the dunes! Took my 2 dirt bikes and also rented ATVs with my…read morefriends. SUPER affordable camping prices. Would recommend to people who's okay with camping in the car/RV that don't mind the sandy inconvenience. 4WD/AWD and basic low traction driving knowledge is necessary to get to the camp areas. Ocean view is nice to wake up to and the sound of the waves is super relaxing.

Driving on the beach just feels weird to me but my daughter really wanted to visit so we went to…read moresee what this experience was all about. The Oceano Dunes cover 1,500 acres and are a huge draw for ATV's, Razors, four wheel drive and motorcycles. It is open daily from 7am - 10pm for day use. The beach area can handle normal cars and trucks. We arrived late in the day and there was not a ranger in sight. There is a small fee of $5.00 to take your vehicle on the beach. We paid by the honor system since the fee station was closed. After we paid, we went ahead and drove down the driveway onto the sand. Speed limit is 15 mph. We did not go far but found a great place to park and take in the views. The second time we went back for sunset and parked in the paved parking lot instead. Everyone that was there was having a great time with campfires, waves rushing in and out, dogs and kids running around. The temperatures were perfect, just a light hoodie was needed. Overnight camping is available but does require a reservation especially during high season. My grandfather spent many summers with his buddies camping here and fishing away the days. It did feel good to be here knowing this was one of his favorite getaways. This is definitely a unique experience.

Such a fun experience at Santa Margarita Ranch Ziplining! The adventure honestly starts the minute…read moreyou arrive. You check in at the main office downtown, then hop on a tour bus to the ranch property. Our driver was super informative and entertaining along the way. The drive itself felt like part of the experience with bumpy ranch roads, multiple gates, gorgeous scenery, and a real behind the scenes feel of the property. Once you arrive, the staff gets you geared up with all the safety equipment and everyone was incredibly friendly, professional, and great with all ages. After gearing up, you take an old Army style jeep up the mountain and that ride alone was an adventure Super rickety, steep, and fun! We felt very safe the entire time because before every single zip line, the staff carefully checked everyone's safety gear and connections. There are 6 zip lines total and each one is different with spectacular views that change throughout the course. One thing to know is that you should be in reasonably good shape because there are mini hikes between some of the zip lines. There are lots of water stations along the course, which was great, but the experience is definitely active and you do not want to hold up the group. Totally worth it though and such a memorable Central Coast adventure for families, couples, teens, and adventurous kids!

Super friendly. Super professional(s). 6 zip lines! And of…read morecourse, Super fun! Kids are welcome. Under 100 lbs, your little rider must go tandem on 3 (they can go alone on the other 3)

I came here for an event today so really my review is tailored more towards the events that Casa is…read moreholding but also to acknowledge the fabulous grounds and building though I admit I don't have full context for the history or background. I would definitely come back here to learn about the house and to take the guided tour. This wasn't the purpose for me coming today but the gentleman who works here noted that it's a great tour and I know friends who have enjoyed learning about the family and the history of the house, getting a deeper dive of information. I came here with some friends for their first hosted event Sound Bath. A wellness day if you will. From start to finish everything was very organized and thoughtful. The staff hosting the event and the spiritual wellness guide and sound healer was wonderful. Everyone was nice and you felt welcomed. Not pretentious and just very positive and good vibes. We had a nice group and everyone was respectful and on time for the sound bath so it went off without issue. It was a relaxing experience and the grounds were very nice to hold this outdoor event. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, we found an area with shade, very nice. Very faint sounds of cars in the distance here and there which wasn't ideal but out of their control and once things settled in you really couldn't hear much external noise. After the relaxing sound bath we were offered tea and light pastry snacks. I opted for a water and began exploring the grounds instead of partaking in the refreshments. The grounds are lush and lovely, very zen. Loved the beautiful trees and walkways with small fountains and running water. It was green and pretty all around from the recent rains. Definitely a great location for events and to learn a little SB history. I will definitely do my research and come back again soon.

Yikes, this is an expensive tour but it is a rarity to see a period house with most of the original…read moreoccupants furnishings etc. The tours are docent led and very informative. If you like these types of tours, this one is quite worth it.

Pier is beautiful and flooring is stable af…read more Beach is Clorox clean. I swear!!! Visitors, locals, and staff really keep this beach clean. I didn't see any trash except in the trash can where it belongs. Weather was nice and cool. Locals are friendly and nice. We had a few of them give my ex gf and me some unsolicited conversations that made us smile. We had another local offer to take pictures of my ex gf and me with her phone. So nice. Wish folks were this nice and friendly in Los Angeles County . Male and female restrooms were clean when we needed them. Lots of places to eat and shop. Most are pricey. If you want souvenirs, definitely go to the outlets, a mile away from the beach. Biggest issue with beach (and any other beach) is available free public parking. We actually got lucky to find a nice spot while a person was leaving.

After grabbing some award winning Clam Chowder at Splash Cafe, we decided to walk around the Pismo…read moreBeach Pier before getting back on the road to Solvang. We walked around the outer part where they have a huge stand up Pismo Beach photo op, plus a nice public restroom and even a little playground near the pier which I think is a nice touch! Our daughter loved playing on it! The Pismo Beach Pier is about 1,200 feet and it was nice to stretch our legs and enjoy the ocean breeze. Lots of benches and concrete tables to sit at and relax - it was fun watching the surfers catch some waves. They allow you to fish off the pier as long as you don't cast off of it. They also have signs that tells you what kind of fish you might catch as well as information on the different birds in the area. The pier and beach were also nice and clean - I didn't see any trash! My family and I are already talking about coming back in the Fall and renting one of the hotel rooms that overlook the ocean. It was a much needed fresh air break away from the busy city! We can't wait to come back!

This is a cute little park, part of the town that resembles somewhat of a hallmark movie. The…read moregazebos where you find your love sitting there waiting.... lol... It's just behind the main strip of downtown Arroyo Grande. There's a parking lot that turns into a farmers market on a certain day. It's not a big park but does pack a punch. You're greeted with the gazebo which was what we saw walking by. Then theres a bridge that crosses from the park to the other side to the neighborhood. Looking down from the bride, there's a little creek below with what looks somewhat like a trail. Not really for hiking but I'm sure a walking trail. There's stairs that will take you down to the creek area which is covered in greenery. I'm sure there's loads of mosquitoes so be prepared. The park, quaint and cute. Not majorly big but does pack a punch with its size. It still pretty mellow even though on the side is the main road with shops and restaurants.

This quaint little park, which is a delightful added attraction to Arroyo Grande's Village…read morewonderful Saturday Farmer's Market at noon, provides a pleasant spot for a break or a snack. There are a few benches and even picnic tables, that make it easy to eat some of the offerings from either the Farmer's Market, or some of the nearby locals stores that line this amazingly serene village. There are a plethora of restaurants, a coffee house, an ice-cream shop, pizza places, "vintage" ole school butcher, & baker/ Eclair Shop. There are also a ton of cool antique shops, gift shops, vine tasting shops and more. You can easily spend a good part of the day exploring this unique area & it is far more quaint than either downtown SLO or nearby downtown Pismo. This old restored cool slightly scary swinging bridge is rather unique [a capacity of only 5 people & was originally built by an land owner without any rails!] and leads one to yet another little park [ Heritage Square which has a small children area] on the other end [where there are also sometimes some community events]. There is also a local historical barn museum [ South County Historical Society ] complete with a model T & ~100 year old tractor/printing press & more, on the other side. The bridge overlooks the waters of AG creek and there are paths which hug this quite lazy serene creek. They are rather hazardous, since the fence is composed of fairly rotten wood...so please use caution. There are stairs down to the creek area at least two points [ one is at the little known Kiwanis Park {also with a few picnic tables & a creek view}, which is right next to the cool historic Arroyo Grande Bridge] along this back Olohan Alley. Off peak, you will see alot of colorful semi-wild Roasters. At the center of this small park, is a charming rotunda which sometimes has live music for those in the area for the Farmer's Market. While sometimes you can also find Artwork for sale in this area, it varies as does the vendor selection. There are some steadfast regular local AG, or other farmers, who come here almost every Saturday at Noon, year round. Some do the huge Sat. AM Farmer's Market in SLO @8AM [in Madonna Plaza near the Dollar Tree] first & then come here to sell the rest at noon here. While sometimes you can find baked goods here, you can always find freshly baked Eclairs, cupcakes, bread, and more at Eclair bakery just two blocks away. You can also frequent the amazing 100+ year old AG Butcher shop and either get their signature housemade smoked products/sausages, or get a fresh huge Tri-tip sandwich to eat in one of the nearby parks....like this one. Needless to say, AG village is home to a nice eclectic assortment of restaurants and shops that are so pleasant and enticing. In general, people here are very friendly and the whole place seems almost utopian...except it does cost money. Fortunately, prices are quite fair in general. Centennial Park is one of the many great cool features in AG Village that makes this area one of the local favorites. This park also has a cool history and even contains a time capsule to be opened in the future. The seemly "indigenous" rooster population is somewhat of a mystery. The local newspapers think that these guys have been abandoned here. They usually do not bother anyone and do add some color, mystery, and character to this area. I must have been here a zillion times, but only now I had noticed that I could not find a listing. While this could be redundant, I apologize. Thank you & please enjoy! BTW- On 8AM Wednesdays, there is yet another AG Farmers Market, but it is way down on Grande Ave. in the same Plaza as the Dollar Tree & Smart & Final.

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