Paso Robles is a famous wine growing region of California. Located north of San Luis Obispo, the area is famous for its healing mineral hot springs. In addition to great wineries, vineyards, wedding venues, tasting rooms and restaurants, Paso Robles is home to the Estrella Warbirds Museum, theVina Robles Amphitheatre, the Paso Robles Children's Museum and other unique attractions. Here are the best things to do on your weekend getaway or day trip to Paso Robles, California.
1.Paso Robles Pioneer Museum
The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum showcases the history and cultural heritage of the Paso Robles area. The museum features a variety of exhibits, historical literature, and educational displays that tell the story of this small town, including a replica of the first two-cell jail with an original door dating back to the late 19th century, an El Camino Real bell that was placed along Highway 101, and a one-room schoolhouse.
An old windmill on the grounds is reminiscent of the farmers in the area who used them to source water for the cattle and land, and pieces of old farm equipment highlight their way of life. Other signature items in the museum include a special handcrafted saddle by Edward Bohlin, an authentic chuck wagon, and a life-size cowboy and his horse. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum has a small gift shop that sells memorabilia and gifts. The museum is one of the top Paso Robles attractions.
2010 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles,CA, 93446, 805-239-4556
2.River Oaks Hot Springs
Formerly known as Paso Robles Hot Springs, River Oaks Hot Springs Spa is a luxurious spa centered around the region’s famous artesian thermal spring waters, and it offers a range of premier spa services, therapeutic remedies, rejuvenating body treatments, and tailored skin care.
Designed in the prairie style of architecture, the spa features modern therapy suites and open-air tub rooms where guests can unwind under the stars. If you are looking for fun things to do in Paso Robles, River Oaks Hot Springs is a relaxing place to visit. Deluxe accommodations offer absolute comfort, and luxury spa services range from signature massages and face and skin therapies to wraps, glows, and waxing.
800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-238-4600
3.Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Exceptional wine meets intimate live music in the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. Resting on a picturesque hillside, the boutique amphitheater is one of the largest outdoor entertainment venues in San Luis Obispo County and hosts a variety of concerts and events from April through October. The concert season features first-class acts in a range of genres from around the world, and past acts have included Judas Priest, Ringo Starr, and Tears for Fears.
Guests have a choice of various seating options, from VIP to lawn seats, all within 150 feet of the stage, and a wide variety of food and drinks are available from stalls inside the venue. Enjoy homemade corn dogs and wood-fired pizzas with Vina Robles estate wines by the glass or bottle or a selection of beers.
3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles, CA, 805-286-3680
4.Paso Robles Children's Museum
The Paso Robles Children's Museum opened in 2007 in a restored firehouse and is known for its strong education outreach programs. Children learn while playing in the many interactive exhibits such as Firehouse Pizza Kitchen, New Renewable Resources, the Physical Science Center, El Mercado, the Market Area, and many more. If you are wondering what to do in Paso Robles with kids, this is a great place to visit.
Outreach programs include the School Field Trip Program; Jack’s Helping Hand which is a toy lending library for children with special needs; and a partnership with the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center to give autistic children private play time at the museum.
623 13th Street, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-238-7432
5.Eberle Winery
Eberle Winery is a family-run wine estate in the Paso Robles Wine Region owned and managed by Gary Eberle. Eberle, meaning “small boar” in German, was established in 1984 and features a modern production facility, tasting room, and vast underground wine caves. Gary greets all visitors to the estate, and they can enjoy complimentary wine tastings and public tours of the production facility and explore the 16,000 square feet of underground caves where the wine is stored.
VIP tours and tastings include private wine tastings paired with artisanal cheese platters, and gourmet picnic baskets can be ordered and enjoyed on the estate’s scenic deck that boasts beautiful views of the vineyards and the Santa Lucia Mountains. A bocce ball court and cornhole are available for those who are feeling active.
3810 HWY 46 East, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-238-9607
6.Estrella Warbirds Museum
The Estrella Warbirds Museum is an aviation museum located on more than 13 acres of land at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport. The museum is named after the Estrella Army Air Field, which was built in 1943 and eventually became the city’s municipal airport. The focus of the museum is on restoring and preserving military aircraft, memorabilia, and vehicles.
It also has displays of classic racing cars in its Woodland Auto Display exhibit. In addition to many kinds of military aircrafts, the museum’s collection includes battle tanks, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, missiles, and much more. The museum hosts many activities such as its annual Warbirds Wings & Wheels event.
4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-227-0440
7.LXV
LXV is a small award-winning boutique winery that sources its limited wine production from the famous Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Their tasting room and wine lounge in downtown Paso Robles provides a unique experience for wine lovers in an exotic, sensual space with cobalt blue walls, plush daybeds, and art from Kama Sutra. The wines are paired with interesting mixes of spices sprinkled on an assortment of cheeses for a blend of flavors that are sometimes complementing each other and at other times contrasting for an enhanced experience. The atmosphere is opulent and for wine lovers an absolute must when in this famous wine producing region.
1306 Pine St B, Paso Robles, CA 93446, Phone: 805-296-1902
8.The Wine Wrangler
The Wine Wrangler offers tours and tastings in the western wine regions of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. The company offers a wide range of tours through Paso Robles and Edna Valley, as well as tours to Monterey, Big Sur, and historic Hearst Castle. There are more than 300 wineries in the Paso Robles area, and the company offers half day and full day wine tours.
The narrated tours consist of small groups led by experienced guides. Tours usually include visits to between four and six small wineries and last about four or five hours.
9.Giornata
Giornata is a high-quality boutique winery in Paso Robles, established in 2005 by married duo Stephanie and Brian Terrizzi. The winery is known for its highly drinkable Italian wine varietals, which are prepared on site according to traditional Old World winemaking techniques and emphasize the unique terroir of the Paso Robles region. Signature wines include Fiano, Vermentino, Ramato, and Barbera varietals, along with blends such as the winery's il Campo Bianco, which pairs Vermentino and Pinot Grigio for a deliciously aromatic white wine with jasmine and lime leaf notes. Visitors can taste wines by appointment at the company's Tin City tasting room, with reservations available on the company's website.
470 Marquita Ave a, Paso Robles, CA 93446, Phone: 805-434-3075
10.Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room
Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room is an award-winning winery in the heart of the Paso Robles wine region. Tobin James crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel, all of which visitors can sample in the inviting tasting room that features a grand, 150-year-old bar.
Built on the site of an old stagecoach stop, the Tobin James Western style tasting room is home to an antique 1860's Brunswick mahogany bar from Blue Eye, Missouri where the winery’s outstanding wines are poured and tasted. Owners Toby, Lance, and Claire, like to share their passion for wine with visitors and give impromptu tours of the barrel room, where they sometimes offer samples of "Liquid Love."
8950 Union Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-239-2204
11.Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden
Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden is a beautiful estate that combines wine and art to create a unique experience for both wine aficionados and art lovers. Established in 2007 by the Frankel family, Sculpterra brings the beauty of art and wine together in stylish form. Meandering paths wind through the perfectly manicured landscaped gardens that feature sculptures and ironwork by well-known artists Dale Evers, John Jagger, and Robert Bentley.
The estate’s tasting room boasts more art and miniature sculptures, along with a variety of wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir to Viognier and more. In addition to producing award-winning wines, moving sculptures, and magnificent gardens, the estate offers guests a tranquil oasis to which they can escape.
5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 888-302-8881
12.Halter Ranch Vineyard
Located in the Westside Adelaida District, Halter Ranch Vineyard is a historic vineyard and winery that grows superior wine grapes and produces world-class wines.
The estate-grown wines are sustainably farmed in the limestone soils, producing Bordeaux and Rhône wines of the highest quality. Halter Ranch features a modern tasting room surrounded by large oak trees and a beautiful garden where visitors can sample the estate’s fine wines, as well as enjoy picnics with select deli items, including cheeses, meats, olives, nuts, and locally produced olive oils.
Guided wine, cavery, and barrel tasting tours are offered on the weekends, and they explore the historic property and state-of-the-art winery facility, taking a closer look at sustainable farming and the art of viticulture.
The estate also offers an award-winning Excursion Tour, which begins with a circumnavigation of this historic ranch in a 4X4 vehicle, taking in the beautiful views, followed by a visit to the state-of-the-art, gravity flow winery to learn about the winemaking process and a tasting of the estate’s current release wines.
8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-226-9455
13.Opolo Vineyard
Established in 1994, Opolo Vineyards, owned by Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols, produces a range of Bordeaux varietals, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Spread over 80 acres on both the west and east side of Paso Robles, Opolo features a rustic tasting room surrounded by the Zinfandel vineyards where guests can sample some of the estate’s best wines and enjoy patio pairings of deli-style platters of cured meats, artisan cheeses, and wood-fired pizza.
7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-238-9593
14.Adelaida Cellars
Adelaida Cellars is a family-owned wine estate made up of five distinct properties in the rugged mountainous terrain of Paso Robles’ Adelaida District.
Situated on steeply elevated sites just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyards feature a diverse range of more than 24 varietals, including old vine Pinot Noir, dry farmed Zinfandel, Rhônes, and mountain style cabernet sauvignon. Adelaida Cellars offers visitors a scenic Tour, Taste and Tailgate Tour, which explores the winery’s 150-acre estate.
Highlights of the tour include spectacular views of the historic estate vineyards, such as Viking, Anna’s, Michael’s, and the oldest producing Pinot Noir Vineyard on the Central Coast – the legendary 50-year-old HMR Vineyard.
The tour includes sampling the wines in the vineyard in which they are grown. Private tastings led by one of Adelaida’s wine educators are offered with either “Classic” or “Reserve” wine flights and include a selection of local farm-to-table appetizers.
5805 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-239-8980
15.Tablas Creek Vineyard
Tablas Creek Vineyard is a stunning 120-acre property in the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles that produces traditional French red varietals such as Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise and whites of Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc.
Run by a partnership between the Perrin family and Robert Haas, Tables Creek Vineyard produces signature red and white Rhône blends modeled after the Chateau de Beaucastel wines from Chateauneuf du Pape.
Visitors can taste the estate’s fine wines in the tasting room, which is open daily and offers a range of Provençal linens, books, food and wine gifts. Special Reserve Tastings give guests the opportunity to sample the estate’s most exclusive wines as well as enjoy selections from the library.
Winery tours through the organic estate vineyard, grapevine nursery, and winery occur twice daily and visitors can partake in picnics on the shaded patio of the tasting room.
9339 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-237-1231
16.Niner Wine Estates
Located in the heart of the Paso Robles Wine Region, Niner Wine Estate, owned by Richard and Pam Niner, produces estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, as well as a broad range of varietals.
Spread across three different vineyards and covering 212 acres, the farm’s wines are made at the LEED Certified Winery at Heart Hill Vineyard, and visitors to the farm can enjoy daily wine tastings in the tasting room, as well as guided winery tours.
Niner Wine Estate offers a seasonally inspired lunch service at their restaurant, which offers a menu of sustainable farm-to-table fare paired with estate-grown wines. Visitors can also enjoy monthly chef-taught cooking classes and exclusive pop-up dinners designed to showcase produce from the estate and surrounding farms.
In addition to private estate wines, Niner also produces their own extra-virgin olive oil, have a chicken hatchery and vegetable garden and work with local roaster Joebella to age and roast batch coffee, which is served in the restaurant.
2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-239-2233
17. Il Cortile Ristorante
Il Cortile Ristorante is an award-winning fine dining Italian restaurant in Downtown Paso Robles. Decorated in warm tones of dark and light woods and rich creams, the restaurant has a warm and inviting ambiance with a menu to match.
Executive Chef Santos MacDonal draws inspiration from the surrounding local and regional landscapes, which are world-renowned for their seasonal produce and exquisite wines, and he uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create rustic Italian cuisine.
The menu features selections in antipasti, primi, and secondi courses along with an enticing mozzarella section, with signature dishes such as seared scallops and parmesan fonduta, lobster ravioli, and pan-seared venison medallions. The dessert menu offers sweet Italian delights, while a selective wine list offers exquisite wines from the Paso Robles area along with excellent selections from Italy’s many wine regions. Read more
608 12th Street, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-226-0300
18.BarrelHouse Brewing Company
BarrelHouse Brewing Company produces a variety of beers and hosts many exciting events. The brewery features a beer garden located near a waterfall. Founded in 2013, the brewery strives to produce unique beers, and some of its products include its year round beers such as BarrelHouse Blonde, BarrelHouse Rye IPA, and Templeton, a Kolsch Style Ale.
The company also offers small batch releases like Estate Hopped India Pale Lager and Good Medicine Session IPA. The brewery is well known for its special events, especially music concerts by local musicians.
3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA, Phone: 805-296-1128
19.Paso Robles Inn
Situated in the heart of California’s wine country, Paso Robles Inn is a boutique hotel that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Boasting magnificent views of the surrounding rolling vineyards, the inn features eighteen wine-themed rooms with luxurious en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Beautifully landscaped gardens with Koi ponds and babbling brooks surround the hotel, and guests can relax in their own private spring hot tubs or at the heated indoor swimming pool as they soak up the lovely views.
The in-house Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse offers both indoor fireside dining and patio dining of hearty steakhouse fare paired with some of the region’s finest wines. Situated in the heart of California’s wine country, the hotel offers a variety of nearby attractions, including the iconic Hearst Castle.
1103 Spring Street, CA, 93446, 805-238-2660
20.Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a regional brewery in Paso Robles that produces a range of exceptional pale ales and craft beer. Founded by Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company produces a variety of seasonal beers, including the Lion and Bear, Proprietor’s Reserve and Vintage Series, and “Collabrewtives.”
Visitors can enjoy daily guided tours of the brewhouse and cellar, learn about the history of the brewery and the beer making process, and sample some of the beer, ending their tour with a delicious bistro-style lunch at the Taproom Restaurant. Weekday tours are complimentary and last about 30-45 minutes while weekend tours charge a small fee. Space is limited for the tours, so it is recommended you book in advance.
1400 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, CA, Phone: 805-225-5911
21.Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Lounge
Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Lounge is an inviting bistro and wine lounge in Park Street that serves a dynamic menu of bold, imaginative dishes made from organic, regionally produced ingredients.
Local purveyors supply the restaurant with poultry, fish, grass-fed beef, lamb while fresh fruit and vegetables come from regional farmers to create a menu of fresh, creative food that reflects the bounty of the Central Californian coast.
Signature dishes include smoked swordfish, black lentil tacos, pan-seared scallops and roasted rack of lamb, as well as an array of soups and salads, delicious appetizers and platters to share. The cuisine is paired with unique wines from the Central Coast.
1313 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA, Phone: 805-226-5888
22.Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs have attracted people to bathe in its mineral-rich waters for centuries, and many believe that the waters have unique healing properties. Springing from the Earth’s crust, the waters not only attract human visitors but also a wide diversity of animals and birds that come to enjoy this self-propagating eco-system.
Photographers will delight in the many opportunities for bird and wildlife pictures, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as boating and catch-and-release fishing on the pond.
3015 Creston Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-712-5372
23.J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines boasts more than 2,000 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to producing a range of varietals, including Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and other red varietals that showcase bold, concentrated flavors.
The winery offers four tiers of award-winning wines, namely J. Lohr Estates, J. Lohr Vineyard Series, J. Lohr Cuvée Series and J. LohrGesture, which are limited-release wines available solely to tasting room visitors and wine club members. Overlooking the lush Seven Oaks Cabernet vineyards in Paso Robles, the winery features a modern tasting room that offers visitors a tranquil place to sample some of the winery’s best vintages.
6169 Airport Rd, Paso Robles, CA, Phone: 805-239-8900
24.Ravine Waterpark
Surrounded by rolling vineyards and two golf courses, Ravine Waterpark is a family-friendly establishment that draws visitors from around the region to enjoy the water-based rides and attractions. The park features thrilling rides like the Quadzilla, Anaconda and Viper, and the Kamikaze, while Kickback Kreek offers a more relaxed ride on inflatable tubes down a meandering river.
The Calypso Bay Wave Pool caters to all levels of swimmers with varying depth ranges and small mechanically produced waves. Relax on the sandy beach under an umbrella or the wooden sun deck and watch your little ones in the Tadpool, which is ideal for toddlers and features multiple slides and a “Big Squirt.” Adventurous riders can take a spinning, dropping, and swirling ride on the Vertigo.
2301 Airport Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-8500
25.San Marcos Creek Vineyard
San Marcos Creek Vineyard is a family-owned wine estate that specializes in small single vineyard, estate grown, and produced varietals. Featuring over 14 unique blends and distinct varietals, including Chardonnay, White Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel, San Marcos Creek Vineyard prides itself on offering finely crafted high-quality wines.
The estate has an inviting tasting room conveniently located just 5 miles north of Paso Robles and provides a variety of unique gifts, gourmet goodies, and award-winning wines. The tasting room also features a beautiful shaded terrace, tranquil pond and vineyard views – perfect for a picnic.
Visitors to the estate can enhance their experience by staying the night in a range of luxury guest accommodation with tasteful décor and magnificent views over the vineyards.
7750 North Highway 101, Paso Robles, CA, Phone: 805-467-9260
25 Best Things to Do in Paso Robles, California
- Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, Photo: Paso Robles Pioneer Museum
- River Oaks Hot Springs, Photo: River Oaks Hot Springs
- Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Photo: Courtesy of Brad - Fotolia.com
- Paso Robles Children's Museum, Photo: Paso Robles Children's Museum
- Eberle Winery, Photo: Eberle Winery
- Estrella Warbirds Museum, Photo: Courtesy of Edelweiss086 - Fotolia.com
- LXV, Photo: LXV
- The Wine Wrangler, Photo: Courtesy of auremar - Fotolia.com
- Giornata, Photo: Giornata
- Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room, Photo: Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room
- Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden, Photo: Sculpterra Winery
- Halter Ranch Vineyard, Photo: Halter Ranch Vineyard
- Opolo Vineyard, Photo: Opolo Vineyards
- Adelaida Cellars, Photo: Courtesy of haveseen - Fotolia.com
- Tablas Creek Vineyard, Photo: Tablas Creek Vineyard
- Niner Wine Estates, Photo: Niner Wine Estates
- Il Cortile Ristorante, Photo: Il Cortile Ristorante
- BarrelHouse Brewing Company, Photo: Courtesy of Pavel Losevsky - Fotolia.com
- Paso Robles Inn, Photo: Paso Robles Inn
- Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Photo: Firestone Walker Brewing Company
- Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Lounge, Photo: Thomas Hill Organics
- Franklin Hot Springs, Photo: Franklin Hot Springs
- J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Photo: Courtesy of Deyan Georgiev - Fotolia.com
- Ravine Waterpark, Photo: Ravine Waterpark
- San Marcos Creek Vineyard, Photo: San Marcos Creek Vineyard
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Aleksan Ghojoyan - Fotolia.com
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JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles
Justin Baldwin established Justin Vineyards and Winery in 1981 with a vision of making exclusive Bordeaux-style blends. Combining traditional Old World methods of hand harvesting and small-barrel aging in French oak with New World wine making technology, Justin Vineyards produces a range of award-winning wines and varietals.
Daily wine tastings of the estate’s wines, including vintages and limited releases, can be enjoyed in the contemporary Tasting Room, which boasts beautiful views over the vineyards, followed by lunch in the recently renovated restaurant that offers a seasonal menu of locally sourced cuisine paired with a wine list with selections from around the world for lunch, brunch, and dinner.
11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-238-6932
Calcareous Vineyard
Established in 2000 as an expression of the founders’ passion for wine, Calcareous Vineyards is the realization of the dream of father and daughter Lloyd Messer and Dana Brown.
Located on one of the highest limestone plateaus on Paso Robles’ Westside, Calcareous Vineyards produces a collection of world–class blends and varietal wines, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot. The estate features a beautiful hilltop wine tasting room with glass walls named Lloyd's Lookout in honor of Lloyd Messer, where visitors can sample some of the estate’s fine wines against a backdrop of magnificent panoramic views.
Knowledgeable staff members lead guided tours of the vineyard, and they walk you through the estate and winemaking process. Tours end with special wine tasting and cheese pairing in the barrel room.
3430 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles, California, Phone: 805-239-0289
