Paso Robles is a city in central California known for its wineries and olive groves. Home to an adorable, charming downtown area, the city offers many activities to keep you busy, such as wine tours, cooking classes, brewery visits, and even an amusement park thrills for kids. Experience beautiful scenery, delicious food, and local wines, while feeling at home in this destination. If you happen to be looking for hotels in San Luis Obispo, where Paso Robles is, we hope you consider paying a visit. After you decide where to stay, scroll down to learn about the best things to do in Paso Robles, California.
Good to know:
- If you're wondering about the best way to get to the city and where to start exploring, Travel Paso, the city's official tourism website, has a guide for getting here and directions for Paso Robles that you can use to ensure a smooth experience.
- According to Weather Spark, the best time to visit the city if you're planning on being outdoors is from late June to mid-September.
1. Have a romantic day tour at Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden
Best for: Wine lovers, art enthusiasts, couples
Wine and art is brought together at this unique Paso Robles winery. Setting itself apart from other wineries in the area, Sculpterra has an impressive sculpture garden, featuring pieces from both permanent and visiting artists. Beginning a ranch for both pistachios and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Frankel family eventually ditched the pistachios to produce a larger variety of wine grapes. Eventually they opened a tasting room, and showcased fine art and sculptures. Many are even for sale, with some costing tens of thousands of dollars. The winery is also host to numerous events, including live music every Sunday, wine club events, and summer concerts. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden
Address: 5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
2. Take your kids to Ravine Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Families with kids
For those looking for family fun, grab the kids and head to Paso Robles Ravine Waterpark. Situated amongst vineyards, wineries, and golf courses, this is great area to spend the day. Slide your way down the giant slide Thunder Run, tube through the flume Anaconda and Viper, or lounge around in Kickback Creek. Do your kids love the water, but it is not your thing? Chill on the sundeck of the Tadpool while your kids splash in the water. Regular admission is 27.99 USD, and junior admission is 19.99 USD, with several types of group discount packages available. The season goes from the end of May to the beginning of September, and they are open from 10:30am to 6pm.
The Ravine Waterpark
Address: 2301 Airport Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: The Ravine Waterpark
3. Taste great brews at Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Beer lovers, couples, solo travelers
This brewery, which has become well known in the craft beer world, has humble beginnings in Paso Robles. Started by brothers-in-law David Walker and Adam Firestone, this brewery has since become nationally distributed with three locations in California. If you are a beer lover, this stop is a must. Pick from one of three tours: the Brewhouse Tour, the Barrel Room Tour, or the Evening Tour. The Brewhouse Tour takes guests on a tour of both the old and new brewhouses, the fermentation cellar, and bottling line. Guests will receive four beer samples, and a souvenir bag containing a snifter glass and a bottle opener. The Brewhouse Tour is 10 USD, and start times change weekly. Reservations are recommended.
Opt for the Barrel Room Tour and see parts of the brewery that are usually off-limits to the public. See everything you would see on the Brewhouse Tour, in addition to the canning and kegging hall, and the barrel room. The Barrel Room Tours are only offered Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. Tours are 30 USD and gets you 5 beer samples and a souvenir bag containing a 12oz vintage beer, a Glencairn glass, and a bottle opener. The Evening Tour, which shows the Brewhouse and Barrel Room, are only offered on select dates with limited spaces. The tour is 15 USD and gets you four beer samples and a souvenir bag containing a snifter glass, a bottle opener, and a koozie.
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, California, 93446
Website: Firestone Walker Brewing Company
4. Enjoy a therapeutic soak at Franklin Hot Springs
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We have a new and improved website! www.franklinhotsprings.com Let us know what you think!
Posted by Franklin Hot Springs on Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Best for: Wellness enthusiasts, couples, families, solo travelers
Hot Springs are a natural spring of hot water that is heated by geothermal activity. They are thought to have therapeutic advantages due to their high mineral content, ionization, gases and PH variations, and may help increase metabolism, soothe sore muscles, detoxify and improve blood circulation. Regardless of whether or not these claims are true, Franklin Hot Springs is a great place to spend the day relaxing, whether you like boating, fishing, or soaking in the hot spring. Entrance fees include all of those activities, with additional activities such as paintball or camping also being available for purchase. Tickets start at 7 USD for adults and 5 USD for children. They are open daily, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, and Friday through Sunday from 8am to 12am.
Franklin Hot Springs
Address: 3015 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: Franklin Hot Springs
5. Explore Downtown Paso Robles
Best for: Foodies, wine lovers, culture enthusiasts
For those wanting to sample the best food and wine Paso Robles has to offer, this is the tour for you. Take a tour of the historic downtown district of Paso Robles, where you will learn about the history and culture of the town and hear stories of famous outlaw Jesse James. Experience local chefs’ food and wine pairings, and stop at tasting rooms to sample additional Paso Robles Wine. Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Tours start at 11am and are 78 USD per person.
Downtown Paso Robles Food, Wine, and Walking Tour
6. Sharpen your culinary skills at Refugio Cooking School
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hands-On Knife Skills Class at Refugio with Dubost Wines
Posted by Refugio on Friday, August 25, 2017
Best for: Cooking enthusiasts, wine lovers, culinary explorers
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local food and wine culture, taking a cooking class at Refugio is a fun, interactive way to do that. Paso Robles is known for their wine, olives, and local produce, and Refugio uses that to its advantage. Learn cooking and entertaining skills from owner Brigit Binns and/or visiting chefs. Prepare a meal using local ingredients paired with local wines, and enjoy it outside surrounded by scenic views of olive trees and vineyards. Maybe even meet some new friends too. Check the website for the updated cooking class schedule.
Refugio Cooking School
Address: Barley Grain Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: Refugio Cooking School
7. Go on a wine-tasting adventure
Best for: Wine lovers, culture and history buffs
Choose from a half or full-day tour and visit 4 to 6 wineries. Hear about the culture and history of local Paso Robles wineries, while taking in spectacular views along the way. Taste wine at small, family-owned wineries in an intimate setting. Sip Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux, as well as special blends. Enjoy a deli-style picnic lunch on the full day tour (vegetarian option available). Tickets start at 69 USD with water and tasting fees included. Lunch is also included on the full day tour.
8. Participate in a Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Adventure Walking Tour
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, sightseeing groups, couples, solo travelers
Before experiencing the other Paso Robles attractions, it is very important to engage in this scavenger hunt in the Paso Robles, City Park because it is not only a game to be played, but it is also a fun way to explore the city. This is because the scavenger hunt will take you all around the city and you get to see the amazing sites in Paso Robles. Since the hunt lasts for two hours, tourists will have plenty of time to explore, sample the fine eateries, and get some drinks. The benefit of experiencing the scavenger hunt first is that you will be able to plan your stay in Paso Robles. You will get a glimpse of all the fine sights and it will help you decide the places you want to explore further.
Book Tours : Paso Robles Scavenger Hunt Adventure
9. Learn about the city's history at Paso Robles Pioneer Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Be sure to check out our gas station exhibit.
Posted by Paso Robles Pioneer Museum on Saturday, August 6, 2022
Best for: History and culture enthusiasts
The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is THE place to learn about the history of Paso Robles. Its exhibits showcase how the founders of the town lived. The museum has a replica of the original town jail, memorabilia from the old one-room schools, and it even exhibits the mining culture of old California and the cowboy culture of the Wild West. The area around Paso Robles, as well as the rest of California, has a colorful history. It began as a backwater province of the Viceroyalty of Mexico then became a part of the Alta California province of the First Mexican Empire and the Mexican Republic, finally it was incorporated into the United States. Thus, the museum commemorates the early years of Paso Robles by preserving the heritage of the first settlers. This museum, as a result, is for fans of history and cultural heritage.
Paso Robles Pioneer Museum
Address: 2010 Riverside Ave. Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: Paso Robles Pioneer Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun : 1pm - 4pm
Price: Free
10. Feed your little ones' curiosity at Paso Robles Children's Museum
Best for: Families with kids, school field trips
If you have kids and don’t know where to go in Paso Robles to keep them busy, don’t worry! The Paso Robles Children’s Museum, located in the old volunteer firehouse, is a place for families with children to visit because of its amazing exhibits, like the playgrounds, the Firehouse Pizza Kitchen, and even El Mercado, the market where children can learn some Spanish. The theater area also allows children to act out their own plays. As a result, children can enjoy and learn at the same time in this amazing museum. Also, they get immersed in the history behind Paso Robles in a fun way. Thus, the Children’s Museum is a go-to spot for the kids.
Paso Robles Children's Museum
Address: 623 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Website: Paso Robles Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Sun, Thu - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Wed, Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed Mon & Tue)
Price: 5-7 USD
11. Purchase a fine bottle of wine from DAOU Vineyards
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Wine lovers, families, couples
Joining the wineries on this list is the elegant DAOU Vineyards. Owned by winemaker Daniel Daou and his brother Georges Daou, the vineyard is a vision and hard work that came to life. It is the perfect place to bring your kids along for a picnic in the city, while the adults enjoy some wine sampling and pairings. After your experience at Daou Vineyards, take a piece of Paso Robles with you and bring home some of their finest bottles.
DAOU Vineyards
Address: 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: DAOU Vineyards
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
12. Feast on tasty Mexican dishes at Fish Gaucho
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Foodies, music and culture enthusiasts
This lively wine shop dishes out craft cocktails, tequila, and other modern Mexican dishes in a rustic yet elegant space. Fish Gaucho is set in Paso Robles and is famous for offering fresh traditional Mexican dishes with a healthy twist. The versatile selection of tequila, foot-tapping Latin-inspired music, and an authentic ambiance are some of the other attractions you’ll find in this space. The management is committed to using fresh succulent seafood, local produce, shellfish, finest tequilas, and organic meats in its offered dishes.
Fish Gaucho
Address: 1244 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: Fish Gaucho
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
13. Try out and shop olive oil products at Pasolivo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Culinary explorers, wellness seekers
Pasolivo welcomes visitors to their downtown locations and ranch to try out some of their fabulously made California olive oil. You can tour their mill and sample their superior specialty foods and their oil product specialty. Also, experience their luxurious beauty and bath products or might as well participate in one of their several special events. You will find this place an absolutely magical one and are sure to get bowled over with their dedication to the production of world-class California olive oil and other items, plus indulge yourself with their delicious food recipes.
Pasolivo
Address: 8530 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: Pasolivo
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
14. Take a sip of drink at Pine Street Saloon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Couples, partygoers, music lovers, solo travelers
A vintage saloon from the cowboy days, Pine Street Saloon is undoubtedly one of the local gems in Paso Robles. It also happens to be the most ancient building downtown. An excellent dive bar, it also has a dance floor and pool tables, plus karaoke and open mic sessions to keep its visitors entertained. The barmaids are efficient and friendly. However, the best feature of this place is that they sell good quality drinks at reasonable prices. Sip your favorite drink as you listen to the live band playing some great foot-tapping music.
Pine Street Saloon
Address: 1234 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: Pine Street Saloon
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 1:30am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 1:30am
15. Watch latest movies featured at Park Cinemas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Cinephiles, families, couples, indoor activity
If you are a movie buff and are looking for some pure entertainment in the company of your loved ones, you can head to Park Cinemas near the downtown city park. It is an excellent movie theater that plays the latest Hollywood releases for reasonable prices. There is also a good snack bar, in case you are feeling hungry and want to munch something tasty. It is a fantastic place to spend some time, especially when the heat is unbearable outside.
Park Cinemas
Address: 1100 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: Park Cinemas
Opening hours: 2pm - 10pm (daily)
16. Find good reads at Paso Robles City Library
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Bookworms, solo travelers
If you are a bookworm, a visit to Paso Robles City Library should definitely be on your bucket list when you are in town. A jewel in the community, this library is the perfect site to discover new ideas and grow knowledge so that people can find a vision for themselves in the future. Moreover, the city library offers access to fabulous library resources including reference materials and books, apart from music, arts, and technology for different age groups. Regardless of the global health crisis, it has reopened its Grab-and-Go assistance for quick browsing, check out, and limited computer services.
Paso Robles City Library
Address: 1000 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: Paso Robles City Library
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
17. Admire the architecture of Hearst Castle
Best for: Art, history, and culture enthusiasts
Hearst Castle was built to be the home of the newspaper magnate and politician William Randolph Hearst, also well-known as the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane, the main character of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. The castle has as many as 115 luxurious rooms, over 40 bathrooms, 38 bedrooms, plus a beauty salon and a theater. Additionally, the mansion houses a vast collection of artworks and antiques which are displayed in prominent locations. The tour is led by friendly tour guides who share the history and heritage of this home. Visiting this house will show how life was like in the days before the Great Depression. This castle is heaven for history lovers and art lovers alike.
Book Tours : Hearst Castle and Central Coast Tour
18. Listen to live music at Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Beer lovers, music lovers, foodies, couples, solo travelers
Enjoy some amazing beer at Barrelhouse Brewery’s beer garden. Take in the scenery while jamming to some live music, munching on food truck specialties, and drinking some delicious beer. Pouring hours are Monday through Thursday from 2pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm. Enjoy a tour on Friday through Sunday at 3pm, which are free with the purchase of a beer.
Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden
Address: 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden
19. Pamper yourself at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you heard the good news?!? OUTDOOR SPA #19 IS OPEN AGAIN! Check out this view.
Posted by River Oaks Hot Springs Spa on Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Best for: Wellness seekers, couples, solo travelers
If you’re looking for a way to keep the relaxed vibe in Paso Robles, revel in the tubs of River Oaks Hot Springs Spa. It is the perfect place for your romantic getaway if you’re in the city with your loved one. Ease the tension with reflexology or try their herbal wrap massage. In case you’re feeling particularly fancy, you should take a look at some of their special packages: The Good Life Getaway, Chocolate Lover’s Package, and Wine Country Wellness. Cap off your day with a nice soak at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa.
River Oaks Hot Springs Spa
Address: 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Website: River Oaks Hot Springs Spa
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Something for everyone!
This Californian city is located in the heart of wine country. Use this list as a guide to experiencing obligatory wine tours, as well as other activities to appreciate the local culture such as cooking lessons, beer tours, and even a waterpark trip for the kids! This means there is something for everyone in Paso Robles!
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