Page 30 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2023

Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Oceano
Five places to have a picnic in the Five Cities
Pack a lunch at California Fresh Market and go enjoy the outdoor destinations
Travelers in search of fresh ocean breezes and quaint coastal vistas should head south to the
Five Cities area of San Luis Obispo County.
The “Five Cities” were originally made up of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach (originally named Grover City), Oceano, Fair Oaks, and Hal- cyon. Today, the Five Cities region consists of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, and Halcyon. Lesser known Halcy- on is technically an unincorporated area in the southeast part of Grover Beach. Each city is unique and the terrain is equally varied.
No visit to the Five Cities is complete without checking out
these iconic Central Coast outdoor destinations. Pack the family and a picnic lunch and head out to one of these beloved picnic spots.
Dinosaur Caves Park
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids play, Dinosaur Caves Park is an ideal option. This popular, 11-acre, oceanfront, bluff-top park is a local favorite for families, photographers, dog lovers, and anyone looking to get a bit of fresh ocean air. The park includes sweeping views, a grassy lawn area, restrooms, and a play structure with a dinosaur, dinosaur eggs, concrete sea animals, a tot swing, and The “USS Imagination,” play ship. Dinosaur Caves Park is a top pick for families in Five Cities and is located at 2701 Price Street in Pismo Beach.
Pismo Beach Pier
The iconic Pismo Beach Pier is a must for visitors to SLO County. The pier and the nearby promenade are the perfect place to stroll, shop, and head out over the water to get a unique view of the Five Cities area and maybe even throw a fishing line over the edge. The Pismo Pier and promenade are located at 100 Pomeroy Ave, in Pismo Beach.
Monarch Butterfly Grove at Pismo State Beach
The Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove, part of Pismo State Beach, is free to visit and open to the public daily from sunrise-sunset, weather permitting. Butterflies overwinter in the grove in the park in the winter months, November - Febru- ary. The grove is located on HWY 1 between Grover Beach and Pismo Beach. The GPS location is 445 South Dolliver, in Pismo Beach.
CA State Parks reminds visitors to be respectful of the important, endangered pollinator: remember to watch for butterflies on the ground; don't step on them, stay on the designated paths, do not disturb butterfly clusters, and dispose of all litter in proper receptacles.
At Pismo State Beach, visitors can also enjoy camping, surfing, swimming, walking trails, fishing, and bird watching.
Oceano Dunes
Just south of Pismo State
Beach is the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, suit- able for those seeking a bit more adrenaline in their visit. One of
the few beaches on the West Coast where you can drive on the sand, recreators bring or rent ATVs and explore the otherworldly dunes and camp on the beach next to the roar- ing surf. A truly unique experience, the recreation area is located at 100 Pier Ave. in Oceano.
Lopez Lake
Located in rural Arroyo Grande, Lopez Lake is a hidden escape located about 20 minutes east of The Village of Arroyo Grande. The reservoir is nestled among rocky hills and has various hiking trails and picnic areas as well as kayak- ing, fishing, and camping.
Where to pick up picnic supplies
California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach offers a delicious selection of gourmet, organic, conventional, and freshly made products that are perfect compan- ions to an outdoor excursion in the
Celebrtating 70 Years in Pismo Beach!
209 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA (805) 773-6165 www.BradsOfPismo.com
30 WINTER 2023
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