The green structure where the people are gathered in photo is the Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge.

One of the fun things to see on the California Central Coast is located just five minutes off the Interstate 101 in Arroyo Grande. The Swinging Bridge is a footbridge you can walk across, spanning the trickling Arroyo Grande Creek.

The historic 1875 bridge suspended by cables has been renovated since first built by Newton Short whose land was divided by the Arroyo Grande Creek. One side sits next to the public park, Village Green Park, behind the main shopping street, Branch, and City Hall. The other side of the bridge connects downtown with a residential neighborhood and historic schoolhouse next to the foot of the bridge on Short Street, named for this locally famous gent.

The bridge was so useful to the town that the city added sides to the bridge in 1911. It lasted for 84 years until a tree fell in 1995 and destroyed it beyond repair. Federal funds and fundraising efforts paid for rebuilding and it was opened to walking traffic again in May 1995. 

Stroll through the Village to see old photographs, memorabilia, a visitors center, Real Estate office, restaurants, and other unique shopping and dining.

Arroyo Grande's history is steeped in Old West lore.  Still standing is the jail where outlaws ate, slept and were kept at the Hoosegow. Home to The Terrible Tragedy in which a farmer was hung in a dispute over land, request the Village Walking Tour map and visit over 20 historic buildings and locations, all within several city blocks.