Unique Things To Do In Grover Beach California

An Overview of Grover Beach

Grover Beach is a town on the California coast, off of the southern portion of famous Highway 1. The community sits near low, rolling mountains, large sand dunes and a series of rugged cliffs. With excellent beaches, popular outdoor venues and entertaining small shopping centers, there are many unique things to do in Grover Beach.

Sand dunes near a golf course in California

Unique Things To Do In Grover Beach


Eldwayen Ocean Park

This is a small, grassy oceanside park with several picnic tables and a parking area. The park has easy access to the beach and ocean via a set of stairs.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

This grove is filled with eucalyptus trees which are home to thousands of migrating butterflies from late October to February. The area is a protected overwintering site for the western monarch butterfly migration route.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

This large oceanfront sand dune area is used for recreational four-wheel vehicles and dirt bikes. The site also has locations for beachside camping.

Price Historical Park

Price Historical Park is the historic ranch of John Price, the founder of Pismo Beach. The old cattle ranching area has many preserved structures, including a butterfly garden, the remnants of the original stone corrals, an orchard, a windmill, old faming tools and the Price Anniversary House. It’s a quaint and pretty place to visit.

Pismo Preserve

This is a large, seaside nature preserve which offers hiking trails, bike rides and equestrian routes. The wanders into low, grassy hills with splendid views of the sea and town below.

A figure standing in Smugglers Cave in Grover Beach California

Smugglers Cave

Formed in a rocky cliff, this cave cuts through a stone wall to overlook a secondary cliff gazing into the sea. The cave is a popular place for hikers and sunset-watchers. Those who look below can often spot marine animals, such as birds and seals. The Cave is quite close to Pirate’s Cove Beach and can be reached by following Shell Beach Bluff Trail.

Cave Landing

Hidden slightly below a ridgeline, Cave Landing is a chasm which has narrow shelfs with churning ocean below. At certain points, the incoming waves and tide strikes the back of the chasm below in a thunderous drumbeat. The area around Cave Landing is beautiful, with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.

Oso Flaco Lake

Located just off Highway One, this is a large lake with a long boardwalk extending over the water’s surface. The walking route is quite easy, only taking an average 40 minutes to walk along.

San Luis Obispo Light Station

This beautiful white budling with a red roof sits near the Point San Luis Lighthouse, a low, Victorian-model lighthouse. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places for it’s contributions to the region and its picturesque beauty.

Bubblegum Alley

Found in the nearby town of San Luis Obispo, this is a tourist attraction made from thousands of pieces of used bubblegum lining the walls of an alley.

Reservoir Canyon Trailhead Parking Area

This is a 5.4-mile loop trail heading past a pleasant waterfall space.

Leaning Pine Arboretum

Found on Cal Poly Campus, this arboretum offers relaxing walking trails filled with class projects, laboratory exercises and quiet walking trails.

Fin’s Bar & Grill

This is a nice, casual modern grill for seafood and cocktails with views looking into the ocean. It’s especially popular around sunset.

A worn and potholed cement road following a ridge in Grover Beach California

Ontario Ridge Trail

This is a moderately challenging out-and-back hiking trail following some small hills on the California coast. The route is roughly 4.0 miles.

Pardon My French Bakery

This is a desert and pastry shop which makes cakes, cupcakes, French pastries and other treats. The patio area is pet-friendly.

Grover Beach Sourdough

This is a great eatery which specialized in traditionally fermented sourdough, buttermilk biscuits, brown-butter cookies and more. The restaurant makes great food and their sourdough bread bowls are quite tasty and filling.

Lopez Lake

About twenty minutes driving outside Grover Beach, Lopez lake is a large reservoir with oppertunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails.

Asmat Art Gallery

This is a small art gallery and museum found in the nearby town of San Luis Obispo.

Orcutt Road Vineyards

Located slightly to the North of Grover Beach, this road is packed with excellent vineyards, offering tours, wine tastings and events.


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