​Did you know ...?
EVERY season is rattlesnake season in So. California 

As a matter of fact their daytime activity actually increases in Fall and Spring vs Summer.

Why? Because they like cooler or milder temperatures just like some people do. So when the temperature is cooler in fall and spring, rattlers are more active during the day.

"Anytime the temperature gets above about 80 degrees, the rattlesnake will generally retreat from that and try to hide," said Terry Phillips, curator of reptiles at Reptile Garden.

"So in the spring and fall, they're active right now during the daytime. In the hot summer months, they're usually active in the evening, overnight, and early in the morning."

I feel, one of the many benefits to being a 5-cities resident are the many parks we enjoy throughout our communities. The parks are widely varied, in terms of what they offer. Some are tailored to tiny tikes, others are geared toward our four-legged kids, even adults looking to throw up a volleyball net, can find a great spot in our local parks. Many of our parks may be reserved for private events. Here's a few of our summer favorites.

Strother Community Park is located at 1150 Huasna Rd. This park offers two play structures, separated by age group. Nestled along the Arroyo Grande creek, this park makes a great gathering spot for groups. The barbecue areas are can accommodate large amounts of food, and are able to be reserved. Your group wil have access to horseshoe pits, basketball courts, softball field, pretty much anything your picnic could need on a summer's afternoon! For reservation, and other more detailed info, click here.

Elm Street Park is my dog's favorite spot in Arroyo Grande. Located at 1221 Ash st, this park offers a single ship-themed play area. This park has a large grassy area, with trees here-and-there (perfect for spending an afternoon reading our blog against). Elm street park is also gives us two penned off leash dog areas. One for large breeds, and one perfect for the little dogs. Your dogs will love you for taking them for a run, letting them exchange pee-mail, and sniffing every inch of this off-leash space. Another of this park's special features is it's proximity to Soto field. The barbeque space in Elm street park, can easily hold over 75 people. This makes it the no-brainer spot to reserve for the next team party. There is another small pedestal barbecue pit located in the park, and it's only available on a FCFS basis.

Many fellow Geocachers will have visited this little gem, due to the cache located within Hoosegow Park. At 150 LePoint st., you are situated just above old-town Arroyo Grande. This is almost small enough to be called a "parklet". Held inside the park, you'll find the old city jail (or hoosegow) which was built in 1910. This park just received a much needed renovation, leaving it an even better place to sit and contemplate life.

If you love to hike, but don't have all day to trek to and around SLO? The James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve is the solution I offer. This preserve (off of James way, as the name implies) allows you to disappear into nature and return, in under 10 minutes. If you aren't on your lunch break, and want to take some time exploring, the trails are fairly extensive. Many trails weave throughout the scrub and oaks. Make sure to take water, and I recommend a natural bug repellent, as this is tick territory.


These are simply four of our personal favorite parks. There are so many more, we're blessed with. From the million-dollar view of Rancho Grande Park, to the fun summer nights listening to a band in the Heritage Square Rotary bandstand, we can't get enough of Arroyo Grande Parks!