Why You Need To Experience Paso Robles
3 HR
2.7k
300+
DRIVE FROM BAY AREA
ACRES
WINERIES
Holiday destinations far and wide are promoting their newly constructed cool combination of authentic agrarian, retro, and sophisticated character, but what about somewhere that’s always been described that way. What if you have rolling farmland framed by vineyards, a world-renowned brewery, and a local haunt called Tin City without even trying. Well, you’ve found Paso Robles. If you live in the Bay Area, it's time to point your compass south and check out over 200 wineries, an unhurried vibe, and a general store that Martha Stewart calls "the best of everything."
Slowing down after a three-hour drive from the Bay Area to Paso Robles requires little more than putting down your bags and settling beside a firepit in the Allegretto Vineyard Resort courtyard, that is if you can pull yourself away from admiring the museum-quality art and artifacts that grace the Tuscan style hotel. Morning sun rays dance across the Abbey, a relaxing refuge after a run, yoga, or walk upon the 7th Circuit Labyrinth. Allegretto is just one of several independent inns like Calipaso Winery, La Bellasera, and Hotel Cheval that add Mediterranean-inspired romance to your stay.
The Tuscan aesthetic continues when you enter the Adelaide District, a series of serpentine backroads that course beneath the oak canopy revealing wineries around practically every curve. Dozens of wineries invite you to come out from under the arboreal cover with terraces that perch high above the valley floor. The view from Tablas Creek furthers the experience, a vista point that not only gathers Rhône varietals on the vine but an orchard of olive trees.
Adjacent Halter Ranch evokes another element of the Paso Robles heritage. Dating back to the 1880s, Halter Ranch spans over 2,700 acres of which only 200 acres are used to produce grapes. Walnut and olive groves also occupy the estate which, like the winery itself, employs strict sustainable and environmentally friendly protocols. The gravity flow winemaking and limestone caves, a ranch Jeep tour, as well as a lunch menu that features halibut and steak frites, suggests Halter Ranch is not your everyday wine tasting experience.
Tablas Creek and Halter Ranch are just two of two hundred Paso Robles’ wineries and wine tasting is just one element of a few days' visit here. A tour, tasting or lunch at Firestone Walker Brewery is considered a must-do by the beer-loving crew.
Try out an ale flight, order some fish tacos & enjoy lunch on the fireside terrace
What began as a passion shared by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker has evolved into one of the most successful craft breweries on the planet. Visit the Firestone-Walker Brewery and you tastily discover there’s a lot brewing here beyond the duo’s famous 805 blonde beer. Try out an ale flight, order some fish tacos and enjoy lunch on the fireside terrace. And don't miss Tin City, the small walkable warehouse district stuffed with tasting rooms, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Food is coming too.
Paso’s food scene continues to blend the local spirit with a nod to the area's history. Step into downtown's Fish Gaucho to experience the California-Mexican culinary alchemy, especially delectable when accentuated with a sipping tequila from a broad selection. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar evokes the area's ranch culture, an alchemy of wood fire, small-batch whiskies, and daily specials that feature beef ribs, fried chicken and other farm-to-table staples. One critical suggestion: order pie!
Like Paso’s wineries, breweries and eateries, downtown boutiques are decidedly independent and definitely curated. Andbe expresses the discriminating eyes of owners, Andrea and Beatrice. Raised in Europe, this cosmopolitan pair have created selections more familiar in a Parisian or Viennese neighborhood than in Central California, a rare sartorial and home décor gem for women and men. Bijou and Firefly Paso also reflect their owners' vision with whimsical and vintage-inspired clothing, respectively.
Paso also hosts several eclectic fresh and antique home furnishings and gifts establishments, beginning with the General Store. The General Store is a shopper's dream, from the assortment of local pantry fillers like olive oil and coffee to an array of home goods and self-care products. It's simply fun to browse here. Surveying the several shops in the Antique Village, aka Reminisce, and the Relics Antique Mall also makes for a well-spent afternoon.
You can indeed spend all your Paso Robles’ playtime tasting outstanding wine, sampling ales, dining and shopping. But it’s hard to miss one key facet, greater Paso is gorgeous. Like its other amenities, the region offers a wide variety of exciting ways to observe the rolling hills, oak forests and vineyards here. Grab a couple of wheels or schedule a jaunt with Paso Robles Bike Tours, hop in a basket for a hot air balloon, or, should you like some adrenaline with your sightseeing, book a trip with Skydive Paso Robles. You can also zip through the air while closer to the ground on a zipline.
While not always associated with “lake country,” Nacimiento and San Antonio lakes host swimming, water-skiing and fishing in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Wildlife lovers often head to Santa Margarita Lake for its abundant bird species diversity. Trails course through the mountains as well, perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding with Central Coast Trailrides.
It’s easy to forget with so much to do that Paso Robles that the indigenous Salinan natives called this region “the Springs” because of the abundant thermal springs. The first tourists also came for the healing waters. Today, and especially after an active day on the trails, you can still get a soak in at the Paso Robles Inn and River Oaks Hot Spring Spa.
A low-key vibe in a gorgeous setting allows us to relax the moment we arrive. Paso Robles adds a dynamic wine region, cozy historic downtown and all sorts of natural recreation to this mellow mix. Whether you favor tasting rich reds raised from the limestone terroir, hiking along coastal alpine trails, or finding that one unique antique, you should come calling in Paso Robles.
Bay Area Travelers Trending South to Paso Robles