Arroyo Grande

The largest of the Five Cities in southern San Luis Obispo County – the other four being Oceano, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, and Grover Beach–Arroyo Grande means “wide riverbed” in Spanish. This perennially sunny and fertile valley was then, and is still, a major agricultural land. With today’s population at about 17,000, the city is divided into two main parts by the 101 Freeway. The eastern section is called The Village of Arroyo Grande, and is a treasure trove of old California history. This is the heart of the city, where the South County Historical Society, a swinging bridge, charming coffee bars, gift shops, and a thriving 1890s butcher shop reside.

With five museums, including a one-room school house and the now-historic home where the city’s first physician lived, Arroyo Grande is a California history buff’s must-see destination. And true to its gentle “Norman Rockwell” appearance, it’s also where anyone can enjoy the many concerts and festivals that bring the community together. A burgeoning and highly regarded wine region spreads out from Arroyo Grande, providing visitors with blissful afternoons of wine-tasting in pastoral countryside. The ideal place to raise a family, or just enjoy a visit for the day.

History

Like most of San Luis Obispo County, the original inhabitants here were the Chumash tribe of Native Americans. And while the famous Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo is credited with being the first European to glimpse this beautiful place, it was Francis Ziba Branch (for whom the main street and a school were later named) who is responsible for founding the city. Originally from New York, Branch came west with a hunting expedition and ended up as a merchant in Santa Barbara. He married a prominent Mexican woman, Maria Manuela Carlon, and as a result of that marriage, was given a Mexican land grant in 1837. Mostly wilderness at the time, the future city of Arroyo Grande was enfolded inside the scope of that grant.

By 1862, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors formally established the township of Arroyo Grande and businesses grew up along Branch Street to support the thriving agricultural community. In 1882, a railroad depot was built and the city was incorporated in 1911.

Weather

Being inland means higher average temps than much of the rest of our county. Winter temps can rarely have extremes from low 40s to low 80s, but average temps are in the 60s and 70s. Summers see most days with temps in the 70s and low 80s. The warmest month is September; the coldest is December. Average annual rainfall is about 18 inches with February being the wettest month. Humidity here is in the 65% to 75% range.