"Grover Beach - worth a look" Grover Beach by DRWilliams

Often forgotten as it lives in the shadow of its better known neighbour Pismo Beach, Grover rarely merits a mention in most guidebooks but it has an easy going, quiet, laid-back feel to it and is a good alternative to Pismo, especially as it is one of the few public beaches where you can still drive your vehicle on the sand (mainly 4x4s and pick-ups - don't try this with an ordinary streetcar!). The streets are safe and VERY wide ("the main thoroughfare, Grand Avenue, is well named!) and the locals very friendly. As well as a variety of shops and the usual fast-food outlets there are several good restaurants (especially "Fin's", by the dunes if you like seafood), an Amtrak service, and I found that the hotels were a lot cheaper than Pismo which is just a mile or so up the road. I loved Grover, but it is quiet, and if you are fond of noisy nightlife and fast living it probably wouldn't appeal to you.

• Pros:Easy going, friendly, small-town California
• Cons:Not for those who like the bright lights
• In a nutshell:Don't forget Grover