The tiny 2.25 square mile city of Grover Beach sits on the sunny California coastline. BBOnline has compiled a list of the most enjoyable attractions in this beautiful area, including riding the dunes and visiting a grove filled with thousands of Monarch butterflies.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
Highway 1
West Grand Avenue
Oceano, Grover Beach, California 93445
(805) 473-7230
www.ohv.parks.ca.gov
The adrenalin rush that comes from riding towering sand dunes draws one million visitors annually to Grover Beach. Plus, it's the only place in California where you can drive your car for miles on the beach. It's cheap, too. If you don't have your own ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or OHV (off-highway vehicle), you can go on an exciting one-hour Hummer dune tour, or rent a dune buggy or ATV available on and around the beach. It's a sandy, sunny ride, so bring along the goggles and plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget a jacket, because it's cold and windy on the central coast. Oceano Beach, located at the south end of Pismo Beach, is not far from your Arroyo Grande Bed and Breakfast. It's also good for kite surfing, horseback riding, bird watching and swimming. Look out for dolphins.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Highway 1
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4382.
www.monarchbutterfly.org
If you're in Grover Beach during the winter months (November to February), you're in for another unforgettable experience. Just half a mile from Grover Beach is a eucalyptus grove where thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate, clustering on the branches like leaves. In fact, this is the place where you'll most often find the largest number of Monarchs in the country. This makes Pismo Beach the most visited site in the world.
Meadow Creek Trail
Highway 1
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4382
www.trails.com
This hike covers the Monarch Butterfly Grove and branches out to Meadow Creek, after which it runs alongside a golf course. The dunes on Pismo Beach are accessible via side trails. At the end of the trail, you're rewarded with a view of Port San Luis and the cliffs on Shell Beach. This is an easy to moderate one-hour hike mostly across a boardwalk, starting at the western end of Le Sage Drive. The Grover Beach parking area is a short walk away.
Grand Dunes Trail
Highway 1
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4382
You can hike the sand dunes on this trail. It begins at Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and meanders across the dunes to Oceano. On the way, you'll see plants such as sand verbena and primrose. Bird lovers will enjoy plenty of bird sightings. It's a mildly strenuous hike and can get hot in the summer months.
Bird Watching on Pismo Beach
Highway 1
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4382
www.ccnha.orgl
The Guiton Trail which encircles the freshwater lagoon near the Oceano Campground is a delight for birders. You'll walk through woods of willow and spot a huge variety of shorebirds like the snowy plover and pelicans, as well as woodland birds such as the migrating warbler and the peregrine falcon. You could even see a whale sharing a meal with the birds-a sight not to be missed while you're at your cozy Arroyo Grande Inn.