Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Paso Robles, CA

  • Published 2022/05/28

Paso Robles is a Californian city famous for its delicious wines and fresh olives.

It is located about 30 minutes from the Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Home to a charming downtown area, Paso Robles has a lot of exciting attractions for tourists to enjoy.

Wine tours, a water park, hot springs, are breweries are just some of these.

Interested in finding out more about what this city has in store for visitors?

Here are the best things to do in Paso Robles, California:

Tour Paso Robles’ Famous Vineyards

Ripe Grapes for harvest in Paso Robles

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Wine contributes a lot to Paso Robles’ economy.

Wine grapes have been the city’s major attraction since 1800.

The Paso Robles climate is ideal for winemaking, resulting in the availability of more than 60 grape varietals.

The tremendous manpower produces more than 250 wineries.

You have to choose at least a full day tour to visit all the vineyards here.

Vintage wine press at Paso Robles Vineyard

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The local people will not only let you taste their wine but will also let you experience their culture.

You will enjoy some top-notch vintages and views from vineyards like the DAOU vineyard.

Do try to pack a picnic basket while visiting the vineyards.

While exploring Paso Robles, you will see that many things to do here are related to vineyards, wine-tasting, or wine tours.

Scenic view of a Paso Robles Vineyard

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Enjoy Art with a Side of Wine at Sculpterra Winery

A animal-shaped sculpture at Sculpterra Winery

Jim Gateley, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wine and art come together at Sculpterra Winery.

The place invites visitors to enjoy a fantastic sculpture garden and tour its vineyards.

The gardens contain sculptures made by both permanent and visiting artisans.

The winery has a tasting room where arts and sculptures are also displayed.

Some are even for sale.

The winery arranges many events like music concerts, summer concerts, and wine club events.

Exterior of Sculpterra Winery

Jim G from Silicon Valley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Among all the sculptures, the winery’s primary attraction is its magnificent granite cat.

This sculpture is 14 feet high and weighs 7 tons.

This sculpture is entitled Golden Morning as it is in a position to greet the arriving guests.

Moreover, there are a variety of blends that you can taste.

Sculpterra Winery offers blends with titles dedicated to wine regions around the world.

For example, “Heroe” is a tribute to all the wine industry’s unsung heroes.

The grounds of Sculpterra Winery

Jim G from Silicon Valley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Day of Family Fun at the Ravine Waterpark

Paso Robles is not only a place to taste wine and check out beautiful scenery.

This city also invites you to enjoy yourself with your family.

Grab your kids, enter the Ravine Waterpark, and dive into the pool with a splash.

Enjoy a fun-filled day with your nearest and dearest.

Spend your day sliding down the giant slides and flumes of Anaconda & Viper.

It’s completely fine if the water isn’t your thing, as you can simply chill on the sundeck.

There are various amazing water rides like the Kamikaze Drop Slide, Vertigo Body Bowl, and more.

Visit the City’s Exquisite Olive Farms

Olive Harvest in Paso Robles

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Paso Robles produces some of the finest olive oils.

In addition to tasting it, visitors can also learn about the olive oil production process.

Family-owned farms like Kiler Ridge Olive Farm produce award-winning olive oil in small batches.

View of an olive orchard at Paso Robles

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Others like Pasolivo allow you to taste olive oils with orchard bound in an oak-studded setting.

If you want something unique, do visit Dobust Ranch.

You can taste Tempranillo and Syrah together with shots of golden-hued EVOO.

Olive tree at Paso Robles

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Refresh Yourself at Paso Robles’ Hot Springs

In Paso Robles, visitors can refresh themselves at three different locations: Franklin Hot Springs, River Oak Hot Springs, and Paso Robles Inn.

The guests can relax while enjoying the springs along with scenes of beautiful vineyards, mountains, and lakes.

You can also enjoy spa treatments and relax to restore the balance between mind and body.

Enjoy an Evening at BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

If you think Paso Robles is all about wine, olives, and sceneries, you might have to think it over.

At BarrelHouse Brewing Co., you get to enjoy some of the finest beers in the world.

Live music concerts and jamming will surely accompany you when you’re there.

Want to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing?

This is the place to do just that.

Learn about the City’s History at the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is the ideal tourist attraction for history buffs.

Its main objective is to preserve and showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum showcases visual and written accounts of Paso Robles’ fascinating history.

It features fun interactive displays, making it a great place to visit with the entire family.

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum holds several events throughout the year.

You may want to join in on the festivities while you’re in town.

Walk through Bruce Monro’s Breathtaking Field of Light

The stunning Field of Light

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You’ll find a glimpse of heaven at Sensorio, one of Paso Robles’ most popular entertainment attractions.

Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, the Field of Light is a 15-acre walkthrough that will make you feel like you’re walking on novas.

Silhouette of a person at the Field of Light

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After sunset, more than 58,800 stemmed spheres are lit by fiber optics, illuminating the landscape with bright colors.

If you think harnessing and illuminating such huge land negatively affects the environment, rest assured that it doesn’t.

Its power is harnessed from solar energy, which is slowly transferred through the spheres.

Explore the City’s Delightful Culinary Scene

A fish dish at Paso Robles

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The restaurants at Paso Robles prepare delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients of the best quality.

These eateries often have crafty themes that will make you love them even more.

Amuse bouche at Paso Robles

Missvain, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Paso Robles is fast being recognized as a foodie destination.

Bricked buildings, art galleries, and the fantastic downtown area create the perfect ambiance for street-side dining.

Visit the Best Brewhouses in Paso Robles

One of the world’s finest brewing companies started in Paso Robles.

If you are a beer lover, you’ll surely enjoy touring all the local brewing farms and tasting different beer samples.

There are many tour options you can choose from, including the Brewhouse Tour and Barrelroom Tour.

Don’t miss out on a chance to visit Paso Robles’ best brewhouses, fermentation cellars, and bottling lines and sample locally crafted beer.

Spend a Night in Paso Robles Inn

Exterior of Paso Robles Inn

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Paso Robles Inn is a fine boutique hotel where visitors are sure to enjoy a relaxing stay.

It has a lot of suites that overlook the vineyards that surround the hotel.

The grounds of Paso Robles Inn

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The hotel restaurants serve wines produced at those vineyards, which are best paired with their excellent steaks.

How good does that sound?

Paso Robles Inn’s other amenities include a spa, pool, and pond.

Enjoy the Pacific Views at Adelaida Vineyards

Situated in the Adelaida District, this winery extends across 150 acres.

Adelaida Vineyards is not just known for producing some of the best grape variants but is also famous for offering terrific views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can join a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about winemaking, and sample exquisite wines.

Treat Yourself to Wine and Authentic Italian Cuisine at Il Cortile Ristorante

Fine wines and luxurious dinners are essential when visiting Paso Robles.

Il Cortile Ristorante boasts fine dining and authentic Italian cuisine, making it one of the city’s must-try restaurants.

You’ll love the restaurant’s cozy interiors almost as much as you’ll enjoy their mouth-watering dishes.

Their menu items are always prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Learn How to Cook, the Paso Robles Way

Are you delighted with the food in Paso Robles?

The city is famous for its wine, olives, and in-house food productions.

You can take a class at Refugio Cooking School to learn valuable ways to prepare a meal, Paso Robles style.

You can also prepare your own meal here while enjoying the scenic beauty of the vineyards and olive farms.

Bring Your Kids to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum

The Paso Robles Volunteer Firehouse houses the Paso Robles Children’s Museum.

Visitors to this non-profit museum will be able to quench their curiosity with various educational activities.

When it’s rainy or chilly outside, check out and engage with the exhibitions like El Mercado and Newton’s Playhouse for some fun inside to keep you entertained.

Allow your children to choose the activities they wish to participate in.

Spending time with your children, learning new things, and having fun together are excellent Paso Robles activities.

See Vintage Aircraft at the Estrella Warbirds Museum

Exterior of Estrella Warbirds Museum

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The Paso Robles Municipal Airport houses the Estrella Warbirds Museum, dedicated to vintage airplanes and other flying machines.

Estrella Army Air Field, which was created in 1943 and was the city’s municipal airport, is the inspiration for the museum’s name.

The museum’s primary objectives are restoring and conserving historic military aircraft, artifacts, and automobiles.

Betsy's biscuit bomber aircraft at Estrella Warbirds Museum

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To round up the Woodland Auto Display exhibit, there are also exhibits of antique racing automobiles.

Battle tanks, anti-aerial weapons, anti-tanks, missiles, and many more military relics may be found at the museum.

The museum holds various events, including its yearly Warbirds Wings & Wheels show.

An aircraft on the grounds of Estrella Warbirds Museum

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Catch a Concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Vina Robles Ampitheatre is a place where exceptional wine and excellent music collide.

Perched on a gorgeous hilltop, the boutique amphitheater is one of the county’s major outdoor entertainment facilities, hosting a wide range of events and concerts from April to October.

Since its inception, the concert season has included world-class artists from throughout the globe, including Judas Priest, Tears for Fears, and Ringo Starr.

Food and drink kiosks are located around the arena, and guests may choose from several seating choices, from VIP to grass seats, all within 150 feet of the stage.

Corn dogs and wood-fired pizzas are served with Vina Robles wine and various beers.

Visit the Dazzling Light Installations at Sensorio

Colorful lights of Sensorio

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In a vast valley near the Warbird Museum, Sensorio is a light field art project.

The vividly colored bulbs spread over the Californian valley will fascinate art enthusiasts.

On the other hand, it makes you feel like you’ve landed in another world, among a field of vibrantly colored flowers.

Take a stroll around wine bottle towers standing 6 feet tall, and capture photos of the fields.

Attraction guests may enjoy seeing these dazzling structures move to the music.

Sip Wine Like Royalty at Tooth & Nail Winery

Building sign of Tooth & Nail Winery

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Castle-style vineyard and winery Tooth & Nail Winery can be found off Highway 46 West.

Having your wine tasted within a castle is an experience you don’t get to have every day.

This winery’s fairy tale-like appearance makes it a terrific complement to Paso Robles’s other intriguing attractions.

Pack your camera and pose at this stunning location.

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect winery background, look no further.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go on a Day Trip to the Majestic Hearst Castle

Exterior of the grand Hearst Castle

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Are you thinking about touring the attractions in Paso Robles’ neighboring cities?

Take this opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which sits less than an hour away from Paso Robles.

Gothic library in the Hearst Castle

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The vast residence dating back to 1947 belonged to William Randolph Hearst, who was a businessman, publishing tycoon, and politician.

Formerly known as La Cuesta Encantada (Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill”), the historic home features a main house with 165 rooms, two guesthouses, and a 127-acre garden.

Join a guided tour and learn all about this fascinating monument’s history.

Hearst Castle's neptune pool

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Final Thoughts

Paso Robles is the place to go if you want to be surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.

Aside from the magnificent environment, there are also many unique activities in the area, such as museums and theaters, that will keep you entertained.

It’s easy to get drunk on fun when you’re on vacation in this area.

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