Located along the Central coast of California, Paso Robles is a charming city that's rooted in nature and offers a laid-back lifestyle with high-end experiences around every corner. It's about halfway between major cities Los Angeles and San Francisco along U.S. Route 101, offering a variety of ways to plan the perfect vacation.
We've rounded up some of our top must-visit places to see while visiting the area.
GET CLOSER TO NATURE
Surrounded by natural beauty, Paso Robles offers many hiking trails at different skill levels. You'll get to enjoy sweeping views of vineyards, coastal landscapes and breathtaking mountain terrain. Some favorites to check out include the Salinas River Walk, a quick and flat trail that winds through the edge of downtown. Next up is the Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trailhead which offers a moderate but well-graded climb, rewarding you with fantastic high-elevation views looking back down over the entire valley.
If you're willing to travel a little further down the coast and want more of a challenging hike – you won't want to miss Cerro Alto Summit. This 4.5-mile hike is in the Los Padres National Forest and once you reach the peak, you'll see a 360-degree view of the entire coastline and the inland wine valleys. Looking to explore more? Check out this list of hiking trails in the area we put together.
VINEYARDS AND DINING
Home to California's fastest growing wine region, Paso Robles boasts more than 200 wineries to explore. Among the must-visit stops are DAOU Vineyards, located 2,200 feet above sea level on DAOU Mountain and offers gorgeous vineyard views, and JUSTIN Estate Vineyard & Winery which offers an elevated wine-country experience, award-winning wines and Michelin-starred dining (more on that later!).
You'll also want to add Tablas Creek Vineyard to your itinerary – it's the world's first vineyard to earn Regenerative Organic Certified® status. With so many wineries to discover, there's no shortage of places to sip, savor, and experience the best of Paso Robles wine country.
After a day of wine tasting, you'll work up quite the appetite! Lucky for you the area is also growing in the gourmet restaurant scene. Balance your palate at Michelin-starred restaurants Six Test Kitchen in Tin City and The Restaurant at JUSTIN. Reservations are required at both locations and sell out far in advance. Some other must-try restaurants in the area include Les Petites Canailles, in bloom and The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar.
WORTH THE WANDER
With so much to do (and often so little time to squeeze it all in!) – here are a few other notable stops to add to your trip itinerary. Have wet and wild family fun at The Ravine Waterpark. Splash in the water, experience thrilling water slides and rides, or surf the wave pool. Hearst Castle is a California treasure and U.S. National Historic Landmark. The castle offers 127 acres featuring gardens, terraces, walkways, and ornate estate buildings that showcase the Hearst family's expansive and legendary art collection.
You can also take a day trip to San Luis Obispo and enjoy incredible views, a fantastic Mediterranean climate, charming shops, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Another route worth exploring is the Pacific Coast Highway – it offers one of the most outstanding scenic drives in the world. Hugging over 600 miles of California's rugged and beautiful coastline, this highway gives you breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and gorgeous sunsets.
WHERE TO STAY
Need a place to land after all your exploring and fun? Plan your stay at one of our resorts:
Our resorts are designed to provide the ultimate relaxation and offer an array of accommodation options, including unique vacation rentals and RV sites. Our family-friendly resorts offer peaceful retreats and an array of exceptional amenities such pools, spa, fire pits, a wellness center, nature trails, and dog parks.
We can't wait to welcome you to our resorts as you prepare to explore Paso Robles, California!
