Grover Beach: Thrift, Yoga & Sunsets

One of my favorite ways to spend a day on the Central Coast is heading just a couple miles down the road to Grover Beach. It’s close, easy, and has a totally different feel — a laid-back surf town with a lot of character.

I like to start the day thrift shopping along Grand Avenue. There are so many great secondhand spots all within a short stretch, including California Cool Thrift Store, Brighter Side Bargains, Shamrock Thrift Store, Second Chances Resale Shop, Grover Beach Trading Co., St. Barnabas Thrift Shop, Goodwill Arroyo Grande, and Rhonda’s Relics, and each one has something a little different to offer. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, pop in and out of shops, and never know what you’re going to find.

After a morning of shopping, I usually stop for lunch at Holy Belly Café. It’s a great local spot to sit, relax, and recharge before heading into the rest of the day.

From there, I like to slow things down with a yoga class at Empower Yoga & Mindfulness. It’s welcoming for all levels and a really nice way to reset after being out and about.

If you’re visiting in the summer, Sunday evenings at Ramona Park are always a highlight. The concert series brings live music, food trucks, and a fun, relaxed crowd. It’s one of those easy, feel-good experiences that really captures the local vibe.

To end the day, I usually head over to Old Juan’s Cantina in Oceano for dinner and margaritas. It’s a longtime favorite and just steps from the beach. From there, you can drive right out onto the dunes and catch the sunset by the water, which is always the perfect way to wrap up the day.

It’s the kind of day that feels effortless and local — a mix of hidden gems, good food, and coastal moments you’ll want to do all over again.