The Perfect Paso Robles Weekend Itinerary
If you’re craving a relaxing weekend getaway spent wine tasting and enjoying great food as you soak up the sun, Paso Robles is the place for you. This destination in California’s central coast is the perfect spot for a quick trip, and one of my favorite places for a laid-back, wine-focused getaway.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the ultimate Paso Robles weekend itinerary. On top of the itinerary, I’ve included additional things to do in and around the area if you have extra time, as well as key information you need to know as you plan your trip.
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Is Paso Robles Worth Visiting?
Paso Robles is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re doing a California road trip – or are just in need of a chill weekend away from home. It’s particularly a must for wine lovers, as the Paso Robles wine region has some of the best wineries in California (because there’s more to the state’s wine culture beyond Napa and Sonoma!).
Even if you aren’t a wine fan, the town has a lot more to offer, including beautiful natural landscapes, great food, and unique activities. There are also a ton of incredible destinations near Paso Robles, including Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Montaña de Oro State Park, and more. This makes it the perfect destination to tack on to a longer California vacation!
The Ultimate Paso Robles Weekend Itinerary
Now, let’s dive into how to spend two days in Paso Robles.
Friday Evening: Dinner and a Light Show
On your first evening in Paso Robles, you’ll grab dinner before heading over to a unique outdoor light show.
Get Dinner at Paso Market Walk
First, stop by Paso Market Walk for a casual dinner. The open market features eateries, coffee shops, and bars, making it a perfect one-stop-shop. There are also spaces for both indoor and outdoor dining. Here are two of my favorite restaurants in the market worth stopping by for dinner:
- Momotaro Ramen: If you’re craving ramen, Momotaro Ramen (which is located in the center of the market) is the place to be. The vegetarian ramen (which can be made vegan) is insanely delicious – it comes with savory mochi that I absolutely loved! The restaurant also offers appetizers, including shrimp tempura, gyoza, and more.
- Finca: Finca is located in a historic farmhouse on the south end of Paso Market Walk. The casual restaurant offers Sonora and Baja-style Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, oysters, grilled octopus tostadas, and more. It also has options for those following vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Enjoy the Sensorio Light Show
One of the best things to do in Paso Robles at night is visit Light at Sensorio, which is about a 10-minute drive east of Downtown Paso Robles. Sensorio is an immersive walkthrough experience where you explore a variety of unique light installations. There is also live music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and food served on site.
Sensorio is entirely outdoors, so be sure to bring layers, as temperatures do drop in the evenings. Since the lights are best seen in darkness, event hours change throughout the year, depending on sunset time. There are walk-up tickets, but they are limited – especially during busy seasons. In order to guarantee you are able to visit, I highly recommend buying your ticket in advance online.
Wind Down with Cocktails in Town
Finish off the night with some cocktails at The Alchemists’ Garden. The charming bar and restaurant has an excellent selection of craft cocktails, as well as some great non-alcoholic creations.
Saturday: Wine Tasting
Your first full day of your weekend getaway to Paso Robles will be dedicated to wine tasting! Keep in mind that you may wish to bring your own lunch to enjoy while visiting one of the wineries, depending on your plan. We’ll discuss the different options below.
Grab Coffee Downtown
Before heading out to the wineries, get caffeinated in town. One of my favorite (and one of the most popular) coffee spots in town is Spearhead Coffee. They offer your classic espresso, coffee, and tea drinks, as well as more unique options. The Aztec mocha is delicious! If you need a bite to eat, they also have pastries.
Heads up: Spearhead gets busy, especially on holiday weekends! You might want to order in advance online for pickup if you’re in a rush.
Go Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
Of course, a visit to Paso isn’t complete without visiting some of the incredible wineries. You have two options to consider: visit the wineries on your own, or go on a tour. A tour is great for people who don’t want to drive and prefer a company to help them with the itinerary creation process, whereas doing your own thing is ideal for anyone who prefers to have a bit more control of their schedule. Just remember to have a responsible adult act as the designated driver!
Visiting On Your Own
If you decide to skip the tour and visit a few wineries on your own, I recommend checking out Adelaida Vineyards and Daou Vineyards, which are only about a 5-minute drive from each other. Adelaida allows walk-ins, but it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Daou is by reservation only. Be sure to secure your spot online ahead of time!
Adelaida has a beautiful property with a great covered outdoor patio that offers amazing views of the surrounding hills. It’s the first winery I ever visited in Paso Robles, and is one of my favorites!
Adelaida doesn’t serve food with the basic tasting, and doesn’t allow visitors to eat outside food during the tasting. However, you can bring your own food to enjoy on the front lower patio or on the back patio. These are great spots to hang out after your tasting to enjoy lunch! Alternatively, you can book a private food and wine tasting, which is enjoyed in the property’s library room.
Daou is perhaps one of the most popular wineries in Paso Robles, thanks in part to the breathtaking views. The property sits at an elevation of 2,200 feet, offering incredible 360 degree views of the picturesque wine region. That’s not all there is to love – the wine is also amazing. The Daou tasting (which is referred to as the Discover Daou Experience online) is one of the more expensive in the area, but the great wine and the overall experience is worth it.
Additionally, if you’d rather not bring your own lunch, Daou also serves food that you can enjoy alongside your tasting (at an additional cost). The menu includes dishes like a cheese and charcuterie board, a mezze platter, caviar, seafood, salads, and much more.
While many might want to stop after two wineries, if you want to visit a third, I suggest making your way to Justin Vineyards, which is about a 20-minute drive from Daou, or Thacher Vineyards, which is about a 15-minute drive from Daou. Note that reservations are required for Justin, and recommended for Thacher.
Paso Robles Wine Tours
Want to do a wine tour instead? Here are some of the best wine tours in Paso Robles:
Semi-Private, Modified “Hop-On Hop-Off” Wine Tasting Tour from Paso Robles
This 5-hour semi-private wine tour is the perfect experience for anyone looking to create their own itinerary, but have the convenience of transportation around the wine region. You get to choose four or five stops from their list of over 60 wineries in the area, which includes Niner Wine Estates, Eberle Winery, Via Vega Vineyard, Tooth and Nail Winery, Croad Vineyards, and much more. Once you select your wineries of choice, the tour provider will make your reservations and create your itinerary (note that tasting fees are not included in the price).
This experience includes a pick up and drop-off at your accommodation, so long as it is in the city limits of Paso Robles, Templeton, or Atascadero. You also have the option to add lunch, if desired. Vegetarian options are available.
All-Inclusive Paso Robles Wine Tour
This small-group (maximum of nine people) wine tour lasts 5 hours. A knowledgeable guide will take you to three of the best Paso Robles wineries, chosen by the tour company based on the weather and season. You’ll also get a gourmet lunch, with the option to choose between seven different entrees (including a vegetarian option).
Winery tastings are included in the price, so there’s no need to worry about additional fees on top of the tour price. Pick up and drop-off at your local accommodation is also included, making it a super convenient way to explore the Paso Robles wine region.
Paso Robles Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle)
As it says in the name, this is the ideal choice if you want to take your own car around the wine region without having to worry about driving. The 6-hour private tour starts at your accommodation, and then the designated driver will take you to your wineries of choice. If desired, they can also provide recommendations on specific wineries to visit.
Get Dinner Downtown
After a full day of wine tasting, you’ll want to relax and restore with some amazing food in Downtown Paso Robles. The town may be small, but the food scene offers plenty of different options. Here are a few spots I suggest checking out:
- In Bloom: In Bloom opened in 2022, and is located in a private separate space on the north end of Paso Market Walk. The modern restaurant specializes in creating dishes with top-quality ingredients from local farms. There is also an excellent cocktail menu, as well as an extensive wine list.
- Taste! Craft Eatery: This family-owned restaurant and bar is located in the heart of downtown. The restaurant has an extensive sliders menu, and also offers salads, soups, mac and cheese, brussels sprouts, and shareable sides. They also have a great cocktail, wine, and beer selection.
- Ziggy’s: This super casual spot is one of the best Paso Robles vegan restaurants. Even those who aren’t vegan will enjoy the menu, which features comfort food dishes, including burgers (I recommend the Phoenix), tacos, taquitos, and salads, as well as non-dairy shakes and shareable sides. Ziggy’s has a very small dining area, so you might wish to get the food to-go.
Sunday: Hot Springs, Downtown, and Final Tasting
On your second day in Paso Robles, you’ll start off with a relaxing soak in some hot springs before exploring the town of Paso Robles and enjoying one last wine experience.
Start the Day at Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs – located about a 10-minute drive southeast of downtown – is the perfect spot to rest and recover after spending the previous day exploring different wineries in the area. This laid-back, no frills hot spring has water concentrated with healing minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and more. The water also sits just above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A day pass is $10 for adults and $8 for children, and can be purchased in advance online.
Grab Brunch and Stroll Through Downtown Paso Robles
After relaxing at the hot springs, make your way back into town for brunch. Here are two spots to consider:
- Brunch: This aptly named restaurant serves a variety of breakfast and brunch options made with fresh, local ingredients. Dishes include a breakfast burrito, breakfast pizzas, chilaquiles, s’mores French toast, eggs benedict, and much more. Of course, they also have mimosas on the menu, including a mimosa flight.
- Red Scooter Deli: This casual eatery has a wide selection of both breakfast and lunch options, including (but certainly not limited to) breakfast sandwiches and wraps, scrambles, pastries, cold and hot lunch sandwiches, soups, and salads. They also have an extensive list of vegan-friendly options.
Once you’re done with brunch, spend a bit of time strolling through the downtown area. Paso Robles is small, but it’s definitely worth checking out the charming Downtown City Park and admiring the architecture around town. There’s also plenty of great galleries and shops to check out, including Park Street Gallery, Pasolivo Olive Oil, Paso Robles Antiques & Vintage, and more.
Visit One Final Winery (Or Go to a Tasting Room in Town)
As your weekend in Paso Robles comes to an end, enjoy one last wine experience. You have two options: either head back to the wine region to visit another winery, or stay in town and visit a tasting room.
If you want to visit a winery, I suggest making your way to Opolo Vineyards, which is located towards the south end of the wine region. Compared to Daou, Adelaida, and the other wineries mentioned above, Opolo doesn’t have quite as amazing views. That said, there’s a nice large outdoor patio with beautiful natural surroundings, as well as an indoor tasting room. Most importantly, the wine is great! Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are still highly recommended.
Alternatively, if you wish to stay in town, you can’t go wrong with the LXV Wine & Pairings Tasting Room. This tasting room – which focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux – offers a unique wine pairing where they pair each glass with a thoughtfully chosen spice and flavor blend.
Additional Things to do Near Paso Robles, CA
If you have more time to spare, here are a few additional ideas on what to do in Paso Robles and the surrounding area.
Stop for Drinks and Food at Tin City
Tin City is located just about 10-minutes south of Downtown Paso Robles. It serves as a hub for over 40 businesses, including distilleries and wine and beer tasting rooms, as well as a handful of places where you can grab a sweet treat or a bite to eat. There are also regular events held in the industrial space, including live music performances.
For food, some options to check out include Etto Pasta Bar, Negranti Creamery, and Proof and Gathering Baking Co. If you want to grab a drink, consider stopping by Barrelhouse Brewing, Tin City Cider, or one of the many wine tasting rooms.
Visit San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a 30-minute drive from Paso Robles. This charming town is super walkable, and is a great place to stroll and grab a bite to eat. Be sure to walk by Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the famous Bubblegum Alley. If you need some caffeine, make your way to the popular Scout Coffee.
Visit Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is just about a 45-minute drive from Paso Robles, and is an ideal place to visit if you have an extra day to spare. There are a variety of different tours you can take to explore the extravagant historic estate, which you can read about on the Hearst Castle website. These tours do book up, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Hike at Montana de Oro State Park
If you’re craving some time in nature, I highly suggest making your way to Montaña de Oro State Park, which is about a 50-minute drive from Paso Robles. The Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail is the perfect option for anyone looking for an easy hike with amazing views of the rocky coast. While the full trail is 4.1 miles long, you can easily hike as much or as little as you’d like, as there are beautiful views along the entire trail.
Explore Big Sur
This gorgeous coastal California destination is an excellent place to visit if you can add an extra day or two to your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do in Big Sur, including enjoying some of the amazing hikes, relaxing at the beautiful beaches, or just taking in the view from the vistas along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Visit Solvang
If you happen to be making your way down south after your Paso Robles trip, I highly recommend spending some time in Solvang – the Danish capital of the US! It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs after being in the car.
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
There’s no shortage of great places to stay in Paso Robles. If you’d like to be able to walk to the center of town, there are a ton of accommodations in and around the downtown area. As you’re looking, I highly recommend staying within Paso Robles to keep your time on the road at a minimum. This is especially important if you’re doing a wine tour with pick up and drop-off service, as many companies have limitations on how far they’ll go.
Here are a few recommendations to get you started!
House Rentals
- The Owl on Hilltop (2 Guests): This 1-bed, 1-bath private suite rental is where I last stayed when visiting Paso Robles, and is genuinely one of the best Airbnbs I have stayed in! The home is located in a quiet neighborhood, yet is still walking distance to Downtown Paso Robles. The kitchen was fully equipped, and the entire space was cozy and welcoming. There’s also a really lovely (and very peaceful) courtyard area, as well as seating on the front porch where you can watch deer! Check out the photos from my stay below.
- Treetop Lodge (4 Guests): This super well-rated 2-bed, 2-bath house is located just north of downtown – only a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive. The charming private home features a well-stocked kitchen, cozy bedrooms, and plenty of outdoor space (complete with a grill) where you can soak up the sun.
- Hilltop Hacienda (10 Guests): Larger groups can’t go wrong with this highly rated luxurious private home, which has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (as well as a half bath). The home features a large, fully equipped kitchen, as well as spacious bedrooms and bathrooms – the primary bedroom even has a sauna! The property is complete with an great outdoor patio, complete with a hot tub, fireplace, and picturesque views of the surrounding area.
If these don’t quite work for your needs, you can find even more vacation rentals in Paso Robles on Vrbo.
Hotels
For those that would prefer to stay in a hotel, here are two top-rated options worth considering:
- Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles: This Mediterranean-style resort is one of the best luxury hotels in Paso Robles. The property features a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center, and also has a restaurant on-site. There are also a variety of different room types to choose from.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites, an IHG Hotel: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Holiday Inn is an excellent, well-rated choice. It’s conveniently located just a 5-minute drive north of downtown, and offers both rooms and suites.
You can find even more hotel options in Paso Robles on Booking.com.
Key Things to Know Before Visiting Paso Robles
Finally, let’s cover a few logistics and details worth knowing as you plan your trip to Paso Robles.
Where is Paso Robles, CA?
Paso Robles is located in the central coast region of California, about a half hour drive north of San Luis Obispo. It’s approximately 30 miles east of the Pacific Coast Highway, making it the perfect destination for those doing a road trip up the coast of California.
Driving Distance from Major Hubs:
San Diego: 345 miles, approximately 5 ½ to 6 hour drive time
Los Angeles: 205 miles, approximately 3 ½ to 4 ½ hour drive drive
Santa Barbara: 126 miles, approximately 2 to 2 ½ hour drive time
Fresno: 107 miles, approximately 2 to 2 ½ hour drive time
San Jose: 158 miles, approximately 2 ½ to 3 ½ hour drive time
San Francisco: 205 miles, approximately 3 to 4 hour drive time
How to Get to Paso Robles
By Car: Travelers coming by car from Southern California can get to Paso Robles via the I-5. Turn onto Highway 46 at Lost Hills, and you’ll be on your way to Paso. Alternatively, you can get to Paso via the Pacific Coast Highway. This will be a longer drive, but it’s much more scenic (and passes through many popular destinations, including Santa Barbara, Solvang, Los Olivos, and San Luis Obispo)! Travelers coming in from Northern California will be able to get to Paso via the 101.
By Train: Alternatively, you can take the train to Paso Robles. The Amtrak Coast Starlight (which goes from Seattle to Los Angeles) stops at the Paso Robles train station, which is conveniently located downtown.
By Plane: If you’re planning on flying in, the closest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (about a 2 hour drive) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (about a 2 and a half hour drive). There is also the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which has a handful of flights each day arriving from other major airports in the western US, including Denver, San Francisco, and Phoenix. This airport is about a 40-minute drive from Paso Robles.
When is the Best Time to Visit Paso Robles?
The spring, summer, and fall are all great seasons to visit – and also tend to be the busiest times. During the spring, you can expect pleasant temperatures in the 70s (and sometimes low 80s). The hills also become beautifully green in the early spring (especially after a rainy season).
Summers in Paso Robles do get hot, with temperatures reaching into the high 80s and low 90s – be sure to drink plenty of water, especially when wine tasting! Weather-wise, the fall is an especially great time to visit. Temperatures cool down a bit, and harvest starts to happen around late September or early October – so you’ll see the wineries in full production mode!
In October, there are also events put on by wineries and located businesses to celebrate Harvest Wine Month. This includes specialty dinners and wine tastings, guided hikes through vineyards, live musical performances, and more.
You can still have a great time in Paso Robles in the winter, but you do need to keep weather in mind. While daytime temperatures don’t typically get super low (they tend to average around the low to mid-60s), this is the rainy season. It can still be a nice (and generally not super busy) time to visit, but isn’t ideal for anyone looking for a sun-filled getaway.
Do You Need a Car in Paso Robles?
While the Downtown Paso Robles area is walkable, you will need to take a car to get to the wineries in the area, as well as other attractions outside of the city limits. For ease, I highly recommend renting a car or driving your own vehicle as you explore Paso Robles.
That said, if that isn’t an option, Ubers and Lyfts are available in Paso Robles. However, you may run into issues with long wait times for drivers, especially when you’re visiting wineries. You should also keep in mind that cell service gets spotty as you get into the wine region in Paso Robles.
If you plan on visiting wineries and don’t have access to a car, I highly recommend you do a winery tour, rather than relying on rideshare services.
Here are some winery tour options:
Paso Robles Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle)
Semi-Private, Modified “Hop-On Hop-Off” Wine Tasting Tour from Paso Robles
All-Inclusive Paso Robles Wine Tour
Do You Need Reservations for Wine Tasting?
While some wineries in Paso Robles do allow walk-ins, many require (or at least highly recommend) making a reservation in advance online. In order to ensure you get to visit all the spots on your list, it’s best to make reservations.
How Much Does a Wine Tasting Cost in Paso Robles?
The cost of a basic wine tasting will vary from winery to winery, but they typically range from around $15 to $50. Most tastings fall around the $20 to $30 range. The cost will be much higher for more immersive experiences, such as a tour of the vineyard, private group tasting, or food and wine pairings.
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