My Paso Robles itinerary for an epic weekend
Paso Robles is a hidden gem on the central coast of California that is gaining popularity as a world-renowned wine country destination. Paso Robles is brimming with vineyards and wineries, with more than 200 wineries!
But what draws me to Paso Robles is that it is also home to many other awesome attractions and things to do, like the extremely popular Sensorio Field of Lights, hot springs, and charming downtown, making it an incredible weekend getaway destination.
In addition to its hundreds of vineyards and wineries, Paso Robles is also famous for its olive groves, mineral hot springs, and agriculture. It is a laid-back city and a great place to relax and unwind.
I recently spent a 3-day long weekend in Paso Robles and was amazed at the vibrant scene of the charming town. Plan your relaxing weekend in Paso Robles by following my Paso Robles itinerary!
Paso Robles Itinerary: Quick Overview
Here is a quick peek at my Paso Robles 3-day itinerary, which is ideal for a weekend or long weekend Paso Robles getaway!
- Day 1: Explore Paso Robles downtown and visit Sensorio Field of Lights (I highly recommend the Field of Lights! I thought it was incredible and is one of the things you have to experience yourself!).
- Day 2: Do a Winery brunch, Sign up for some Wine tours, Visit Tin City, and finally catch a Concert at Vina Robles (if playing)
- Day 3: Have brunch at Hunter Ranch, explore some more wineries, relax, and rejuvenate at some hot springs.
Continue reading to get expert recommendations for each of these activities for your Paso Robles vacation itinerary and the best wine tours.
You can easily spend three days or more in Paso Robles, but if you have less time, my itinerary includes the most popular things to do on the first and second days.
This itinerary includes some of the best wineries and vineyards, but it is also perfect for anyone who is not planning to drink or is traveling with family.
After reading through my itinerary, if you are looking for more things to do in Paso Robles, check out my post about things to do in Paso Robles besides wineries and wine tasting.
Day 1: Paso Robles downtown, Sensorio Field of Lights
Day 1 of your Paso Robles weekend itinerary starts in downtown Paso Robles, where you will explore everything this charming and historic town has to offer.
The day ends with a visit to Sensorio Field of Lights, a unique art and light experience that is becoming a very popular attraction in California.
If you have just one day in Paso Robles, I recommend following this Day 1 itinerary to make the most of your visit.
Eat brunch at the Brunch or Thomas Hill Organics
Start your day by having a hearty and delicious brunch at one of the many amazing restaurants downtown in Paso Robles. Both the Brunch and Thomas Hill Organics are good brunch spots.
Brunch restaurant, as the name suggests, only serves brunch and is very popular in downtown Paso Robles. They have a great menu, which also includes vegetarian options. Mimosas are great, and they also have breakfast pizzas! Great food and friendly service.
Thomas Hills Organics is a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Paso Robles that serves organic produce and grass-fed meats. The menu changes depending on the availability of local ingredients. The restaurant also has a cool courtyard area where you can enjoy your meals outside.
Explore Paso Robles downtown
Paso Robles has a quaint and charming downtown with many restaurants, art galleries, and small businesses. The whole place had a very relaxed vibe, and it was great to have a leisurely stroll after brunch.
Make sure to check out the intersection of 12th Street and Park Street with the iconic clock tower, which is the most photographed spot in Paso Robles downtown.
Downtown City Park and Historic Carnegie Library Museum
In the middle of Paso Robles downtown is the Downtown City Park, which is a beautiful, serene park and reminds you of a Hallmark movie!
A gazebo, lots of mature trees, walking paths, a kids’ play area, and even a historic library in the middle of it!
The historic Carnegie Public Library, which is now a museum, has free admissions and is a great place to check out historic Paso Robles memorabilia and learn about the town’s history. I loved looking at old pictures of the town’s history.
Studios on the Park Art Gallery
Paso Robles’s downtown has some great art galleries, like Studios on the Park, where the work of many local artists is on display and for purchase.
At this nonprofit art center, you will find studios and galleries—and you might even see a local artist at work! There is also a children’s corner, as well as events and workshops.
My family spent quite some time here and I even got to chat with an artist about her work. I bought a canvas painting from her that showcased the rolling hills of Paso Robles.
Popular restaurants in Downtown Paso Robles
There are a lot of restaurants in the downtown area, ranging from local eateries to chain restaurants.
Apart from the Brunch and Thomas Hills Organics, some other popular ones are The Hatch Rotisserie, La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant, Alchemist’s Garden, Basil Thai Restaurant, and many more.
Unique Shops to Visit in Paso Robles Downtown
We Olive shop in downtown Paso Robles allows walk-ins where you can sample their many award-winning olive oils before purchasing.
Yes, olive oil tasting is a thing, and there are, in fact, many olive groves in Paso Robles where you can go olive oil tasting!
Along with olive oils, they also have a large selection of vinegar, pesto, mustard, and tapenades and carry gift products such as olive wood items, oil and condiment dispensers, etc.
The General Store in Paso Robles is a cute store to browse. It is such an old-town feel to see a store that is called ‘The General Store.’ They have a great selection of locally made goodies and crafts, and you can find great gifts and souvenirs to take back home!
Brown Butter Cookie Company is a nice stop if you are in the mood for some cookies!
Wine-tasting rooms in Paso Robles Downtown
Many of the famous vineyards and wineries in Paso Robles have tasting rooms and shops in downtown Paso Robles.
If you are staying in downtown Paso Robles, you can walk to many of these tasting rooms without having to drive, as the downtown is very walkable.
Some popular wine-tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles:
- JUSTIN Downtown
- Asuncion Ridge Vineyards
- Bushong Vintage Company
- Hoyt Family Vineyards
- CaliPaso Winery
- Pianetta Winery
- Copia Vineyards & Winery
- Cloak and Dagger Tasting Room
- LXV Wine Lounge
Evening at Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles
Sensorio Field of Lights is a very unique 15-acre walk-through art experience in Paso Robles by the international artist Bruce Munro.
This is a very popular attraction in Paso Robles and combines nature, light, and art to create a spectacular display of color-changing lights over the rolling hills of the Paso Robles landscape.
Field of Lights was my favorite attraction in Paso Robles. It is costly, at around $50-$75 per person, but I honestly think it is worth seeing once.
The Light Towers installation features 69 colorful lit towers made of more than 17,000 wine bottles. The Light Towers are a great tribute to Paso Robles as a wine country destination.
There are food trucks and live music at Sensorio to make it a complete evening experience. This is an excellent way to end your Day 1 in Paso Robles.
Day 2: Winery brunch, Wine tours, Tin City, Concert at Vina Robles
Start your Saturday by having a delicious breakfast brunch at a castle-like winery.
Then, explore Tin City, which is an upcoming brewers’ market in Paso Robles.
Go on a wine tour and explore some amazing wineries and wine tastings.
End your day by watching a concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre.
Brunch at Tooth and Nail Winery
Saturday morning, drive to Tooth and Nail Winery for a delicious brunch. This place has the most picturesque exterior.
The winery is designed like a castle, and it also has a huge moat! It’s like dining in a fairytale setting with incredible views.
If it’s not too hot, request an outside table with breathtaking views. They have brunch on Sundays with live music if you would like to visit this on Sunday instead. Reservations are highly recommended.
Niner Wine estates are nearby which is famous for the heart-shaped grove of trees in the vineyard, which you have probably seen on Instagram pics. Also nearby are Castoro Cellars, where you can enjoy a game of Disc Golf.
Best wine tours in Paso Robles
Taking a wine tour is the best way to explore the amazing wineries and vineyards in Paso Robles.
You can enjoy the wine tastings and leave the driving to someone else, that way you do not have to worry about drinking and driving.
Below are some of the best wine tours in Paso Robles to add to your Paso Robles wine-tasting itinerary:
Paso Robles Wine Tour in your own vehicle – This private transport service uses your own vehicle to take you to your list of wineries or the driver can provide recommendations.
Small group wine-tasting tour – Visit several wineries with a small group and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in a winery setting.
Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Paso Robles – Choose from half-day or full-day tours in this small group wine tour and customize your itinerary.
Paso Robles Deluxe Sidecar Wine Tour – What a fun way to experience some wineries in a sidecar!
“Hop-On Hop-Off” Wine Tasting Tour – Explore wineries at your own pace on this 5-hour Hop-on hop-off tour and pick 4-5 wineries from over 60 to explore!
Explore Tin City
Exploring Tin City in Paso Robles is an exceptional experience for discovering a dynamic industrial makers market and sampling beverages from numerous local producers.
In addition to wine, you can sample craft beverages such as beer, spirits, and cider here.
The parking lot is huge and free, and there is street parking as well.
Barrelhouse Brewing Company has a great selection of craft beers on tap. It also has a food truck serving delicious burgers. It has a great, family-friendly outdoor space with a relaxed vibe.
Tin City Cider is another place to check out if you like craft ciders. They have a lot of varieties to taste.
McPhee’s canteen is an exceptional restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine, and we loved their delectable woodfire pizzas, a must-try! Additionally, their outdoor patio garden with a soothing waterfall feature provides an excellent atmosphere in which to savor your meal.
ETTO Pastificio, an Italian shop situated next door to McPhee’s canteen, offers a fantastic selection of Italian food-to-go and comes highly recommended by the locals. It certainly lived up to our expectations! They have an excellent assortment of freshly-made pasta, both cooked and dry, along with sauces, olive oil collections, and delectable desserts like Tiramisu to take home. We bought several varieties of pasta to make at home.
Make sure to visit Negranti’s Creamery and indulge in their scrumptious ice cream made from pasture-raised sheep’s milk – it’s a must-try! Additionally, it’s an ideal choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as it offers both cow’s milk and vegan ice cream. The creamery features a lovely patio area where you can relax and savor your ice cream.
Check Tin City’s official website for the list of current producers and their store hours before visiting. Many shops in Tin City close by 5 PM, although few are open till later like 8 PM.
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
End your day 2 in Paso Robles by watching a concert or show. The Vina Robles Amphitheatre is a beautiful theatre in the picturesque landscape of Paso Robles, featuring great music and entertainment. This is the most popular concert theatre in San Luis Obispo County.
The concert season at Vina Robles runs from April to November so there is a pretty high chance that there might be a concert going on if you are visiting Paso Robles during these months. Check their concert schedule at the Vina Robles website.
The venue offers standard seating, box premium seating, and lawn seating with general admission, thus accommodating guests of all budgets. There are various kiosk stations where you can purchase food and beverages. Outside food is not allowed.
Day 3: Brunch at Hunter Ranch, Explore more wineries, Hot Springs
Start your Day 3 Sunday in Paso Robles by having brunch at Hunter Ranch.
Later visit Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden for some live music, lunch, and art.
You can also add golfing, visiting an aviation museum, and waterpark fun on this day, or take another wine tour!
End your Day 3 by enjoying a rejuvenating soak in mineral-rich hot springs.
Brunch at Hunter Ranch
Start your Day 3 Sunday by having breakfast or brunch at The Grill at Hunter Ranch with amazing views of the golf course, vineyards, and rolling hills of Paso Robles.
Nothing better than this to start your Sunday! This is also a great lunch place for later with delicious sandwiches and burgers.
You can later play a round of golf at Hunter Ranch, visit warplanes and classic cars at Estrella Warbirds Museum, or have a splash at Ravine Waterpark.
Golf at Hunter Ranch
Spend your afternoon playing some world-class golf! Hunter Ranch Golf Course is a very well-groomed, challenging course on the rolling hills of Paso Robles.
This is one of the best golf courses on the Central coast of California. They also have a 3-hole practice course for warm-ups.
Splash at Ravine Waterpark
If golf is not your thing, Ravine Water Park is a great family-friendly attraction near Paso Robles downtown.
There are plenty of water activities here, including water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more, ensuring that people of all ages will have a great time!
They provide cabana rentals and have an on-site restaurant for your convenience. In addition, the admission fee covers access to the mini golf course as well.
Visit Estrella Warbirds Museum for aviation and vintage cars
The Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles is a museum dedicated to preserving and restoring military aircraft and vehicles from the past. If you have a couple of hours in the afternoon, try to stop by here.
The museum has an extensive collection of military memorabilia, including artifacts from World Wars 1 and 2. The indoor vintage car museum is also an amazing attraction.
If you are a fan of military history, aviation, or vintage cars, visiting this museum is certainly worth your while.
Sculpterra winery and sculpture garden
Stop by the Sculpterra winery and sculpture garden for lunch and some great art.
During weekends, you can relax outdoors while enjoying live music and local food trucks as you admire the art sculptures. Additionally, there are outdoor games such as ping pong and bocce ball, along with a walking trail through the vineyards.
You can explore the gardens and appreciate the art without any admission fee, but wine tasting requires a fee. Besides, they offer a gift shop to purchase miniature versions of sculptures and other local art.
Please visit their website to check the current hours of operation.
Relax by taking a soak in Hot Springs
In Paso Robles, there are a few locations that offer a rejuvenating experience of soaking in mineral hot springs.
River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers artesian mineral spas in a secluded setting at affordable rates for a one-hour private hot springs spa session. Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral soak while admiring the scenic hills and vineyards.
They also offer add-on packages such as wine tasting, chocolates, spa treatments, and more to make your experience even more enjoyable. They are open till 9 PM, and reservations are recommended.
Franklin Hot Springs, run by the Franklin family, offers a natural mineral hot springs pool experience that is open to the public. The admission fee is quite affordable at just $10 per person, and visitors are free to stay as long as they wish. Additionally, visitors can also fish all day at the location. Reservations are not needed here, open till 9 PM daily.
If you are planning to stay in Paso Robles Inn you can request rooms with a mineral hot tub on a private balcony.
Alternate Day 3: Day trip to Morro Bay
We had an extra morning on our trip to Paso Robles, so we decided to check out Morro Bay, a coastal city along the Central California Coast.
Morro Bay, located 45 minutes away by car from Paso Robles, is ideal for spending a day exploring.
The iconic Morro Rock, which is the centerpiece of Morro Bay, is hard to miss here and is the focal point of this charming seaside city.
The Morro Rock beach is famous for surfing events and provides lessons for those who are new to the sport. Additionally, the Embarcadero offers a great view of the Morro Bay Marina and is filled with excellent restaurants to dine at and relax.
Below are some other day trip options near Paso Robles:
- Hearst Castle
- San Luis Obispo
- Pismo Beach
- Avila Beach
- Explore Caycous town
- Drive on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1
Where to stay in Paso Robles
For your weekend trip to Paso Robles, you can either stay in a hotel in or near Paso Robles downtown and be within walking distance of restaurants, or you can stay in one of the many beautiful vacation homes which are in abundance on the rolling hills of Paso Robles.
Paso Robles Downtown
Staying in or near downtown Paso Robles is best as it provides easy access to various dining options, bars, art galleries, and events.
The historic Paso Robles Inn is one of the best accommodation options in Paso Robles because of its prime location. Situated across from the Downtown City Park, it offers easy access to all the local restaurants, bars, and events, all within walking distance. Book rooms with mineral tubs on private balconies!
The Piccolo is also conveniently located within a block of the lively downtown scene of Paso Robles.
Adelaide Inn and Best Western Plus Black Oak are conveniently situated near the freeway, providing easy access to wineries on both the east and west sides of town. Additionally, they are just a short 5-minute drive from Paso Robles’ downtown.
La Bellasera Hotel and Suites is located slightly farther from Paso Robles downtown but is close to Tin City. It takes only 7 minutes to drive to downtown Paso Robles from there.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles is a beautiful resort in a vineyard setting with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and wine-tasting room.
Dunning Vineyards Guest Villa is a villa on a working vineyard with excellent views and VIP wine tasting.
➡️ Check rates and availability for your stay in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles vacation rental homes
Paso Robles also has a wide selection of vacation rentals throughout the rolling hills that boast stunning views of vineyards.
We stayed at a vacation rental in Paso Robles, which was a spacious ranch-style house situated atop a hill. It boasted a swimming pool and offered stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards.
We visited during fall when the hills were adorned with shades of tan and brown, which looked especially breathtaking during sunset. However, during spring, the hills are covered in lush greenery which creates an entirely different and vibrant view.
➡️Check rates and availability for vacation rentals in Paso Robles
Travel Tips for Paso Robles
My tips below will help you plan the perfect trip to Paso Robles!
How to get to Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a city in Central California, conveniently situated roughly three hours by car from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway from San Francisco or LA.
Paso Robles by car
Paso Robles is easily accessible by car from both Northern and Southern California, with a driving time of around three hours.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the numerous towns and beaches along the central coast, as well as getting to the various destinations within Paso Robles and its surrounding areas.
Paso Robles by flight
If you are traveling to Paso Robles from out of state, the nearest airport is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which is approximately a 40-minute drive away.
However, it’s important to note that the airport has limited service to certain destinations, so it’s advisable to check the airport’s website beforehand.
To make the most of your trip, consider combining a visit to Paso Robles with a journey to either Northern or Southern California.
You could fly into San Jose for Northern California or Los Angeles for Southern California and then drive to Paso Robles, making various fascinating stops along the way from either direction.
Airports near Paso Robles and driving distance:
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport – 40 minutes
- Santa Barbara Airport – 2 hours
- San Jose International Airport – 3 hours
- Los Angeles International Airport – 3.5 hours
- San Francisco International Airport – 3 hours
If you are flying into one of the neighboring airports, you will need a rental car to reach Paso Robles.
Paso Robles by train
Paso Robles is also accessible by train, with the Amtrak Paso Robles station conveniently located in downtown.
The Coast Starlight route, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, has a stop in Paso Robles, making it a convenient option for those traveling from cities along this route.
The Pacific Surfliner route links San Diego to the nearby town of San Luis Obispo, which is just a 40-minute drive from Paso Robles.
Getting around Paso Robles
It is ideal to have a car (your own or a rental car) to visit the many attractions and vineyards in and near Paso Robles. I recommend Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.
If you plan to stay in the downtown area and just walk to the local shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms, you might still be able to manage without a car.
If you are planning to do wine tasting while in Paso Robles, there are many great wine tours that you can book without having to worry about having a designated driver.
➡ Check out this Private Paso Robles Wine tour in your own vehicle in which you can use your own vehicle and your list of wineries or get recommendations from your driver/guide.
Best time to visit Paso Robles
Paso Robles enjoys comfortable year-round weather and can be a winter destination, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the summer, visitors can explore the nearby coastal towns and enjoy the beaches.
However, the best seasons to visit Paso Robles are spring and fall.
During springtime, Paso Robles’ rolling hills are covered in lush greenery and bursting with life. It’s a stunning experience to drive along the backcountry roads and take in the breathtaking scenery around you.
During the fall season, grapes are harvested in Paso Robles, and there are plenty of events and festivals celebrating the harvest season.
If you visit Paso Robles in October, you can attend many special events hosted by the numerous wineries in the region.
How many days do you need in Paso Robles?
Paso Robles is a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway for California residents as it is conveniently located just a 3-hour drive away from both Northern and Southern California cities.
You should plan to stay for 2 to 3 nights to explore all that the town has to offer.
Consider combining your visit to Paso Robles with nearby beaches and coastal towns in Central California, like Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, for a memorable road trip.
Central California has so much to offer that it can demand a trip of its own and not just a quick stop in a Southern and Northern California itinerary.
Where to eat in Paso Robles
Paso Robles boasts a vibrant food and wine scene with top-notch restaurants. Many of these establishments offer a farm-to-table experience by utilizing the abundant fresh ingredients available in the surrounding agricultural area.
The primary area for restaurants in Paso Robles is downtown. Some restaurants to try here are:
What to wear in Paso Robles
Dress in Layers! In Paso Robles, daytime temperatures can be hot during summer, while early mornings and nights are chilly. Even in August, the daytime temperatures were in triple digits when we visited, but nights were cool.
Dresses, sun hats, t-shirts, and shorts during the day are great options.
And you need sunscreen! Lots of it!!
For nighttime, I would make sure to carry a sweater or jacket around.
Final takeaways: Weekend in Paso Robles
So this is how you spend an amazing 3 days in Paso Robles. Paso Robles is a must-visit on the Central Coast of California, and the Field of Lights experience is bringing more people to this charming small town.
If you are local to California, it is a great weekend getaway. If you are visiting from outside of California, combine it with other nearby towns and have a week-long Central California road trip!
There are so many wineries and vineyards to explore here as well as the amazing historic downtown. Field of Lights is a popular attraction in Paso Robles that draws a lot of crowds.
I am sure you will have an awesome weekend in Paso Robles by following my Paso Robles itinerary!
⭐ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
