Arroyo Grande Village Historic District

The Swinging Bridge is the reason to come. Originally built in 1875 by the Short family, whose land was divided by Arroyo Grande Creek, it stretches 171 feet and hangs 40 feet above the water — and it remains the only bridge of its kind in California. The surrounding Village corridor holds historic commercial buildings dating to the 1800s, five museums, and a historic reference library. The whole district is on the National Register of Historic Places. After a 2024 restoration, the bridge is open again.