Top 3 Things to do This Summer Near Arroyo Grande, CA

Arroyo Grande is in San Luis Obispo County and near Santa Barbara County. There’s so much to do in both all year, and especially during the summer. If you enjoy music, the beach, or camping, you’re definitely in the right place.

Here are our top three choices for summer activities in and near Arroyo Grande.

Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series

Every summer Arroyo Grande hosts the Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series. Live events took a hiatus during the stricter lockdown periods, but now they’re returning and you can expect to enjoy these concerts outside. 

This is a series of free outdoor concerts at Heritage Square Park in Arroyo Grande. The first event is on July 4, when you can purchase hotdogs and more during the concert. Adults can also buy wine or beer. As of this writing the website doesn’t show the groups that will be playing this year, so we encourage you to visit the site in the months to come.

Pismo Beach

Just six-minutes away from Arroyo Grande, on the coast, you’ll find gorgeous Pismo Beach. With golden and white sand, stair access from above, and lovely rock formations, this is a great place to relax in the sun, go swimming or surfing, and do some bird watching. People love playing frisbee and building sandcastles here, too.

Speaking of surfing, get yourself a wetsuit and a surfboard and hit the waves. If you need surfing instructions, visit Sandbar Surf School and Central Coast Surf School for lessons.

When you head to Pismo Beach, check out Dinosaur Caves Park, a playground and activity area on a bluff overlooking the beach and ocean. Have a picnic, do some bird watching. It’s a popular spot for joggers, walkers, photographers, dog owners, and anglers. 

Lopez Lake Recreation Area and Mustang Waterpark

If you enjoy camping and you’re visiting Arroyo Grande, you must check out Lopez Lake Recreation Area. It features a 22-mile shoreline around the warm waters of Lopez Lake, horseback riding and zip-lining, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Since the park has 350 campsites, some in the woods you’re almost guaranteed to get a spot here. Some sites are near the lake and some among the oaks. RVs get full hook-up campsites. If you prefer a cabin, they have those, too, and they’re large enough for six people.

During the day while you’re hiking, stop at one of the periodic picnic areas. They include tables, seating, shade, and barbecues. So, on your walk, bring what you want to cook in your pack and take it easy.

Lopez Lake Recreation Area has a waterpark, as well. Mustang Waterpark is a fun place to enjoy water slides, swimming, relaxing in the shade of a cabana, and snacking on hamburgers, chili dogs, and snow cones.

Enjoy speeding down two 600-foot water slides, then hitting the Stampede water ride, and taking your children to the kiddie pool. 

People often throw parties at Mustang Waterpark. If that’s your plan, reserve a cabana. You can go between rides, slides, swimming, and snacking in the shade.

If you live in or near Arroyo Grande and need a place to store your camping gear, off-season wardrobe, sports equipment, or business items, we’re here to help at Rock Safe Self Storage. Sign up for a unit online or come into the office. We have everything you need, including boxes and supplies sold onsite, and alarmed units. We accept deliveries for you and put them in your unit. We also have units ideal for vehicle storage, if you’re looking for that.