Planning your getaway—whether for a quick weekend or an extended stay—is part of what makes traveling fun. First and foremost, any reveler escaping to Paso Robles must experience Central Coast wineries. Paso boasts over 250 unique wineries; and since you may not be able to squeeze in a visit to every single one, there are three distinct local styles that Paso wine experts encourage visitors to explore.
The Paso Cult Wines
While Paso on the whole is way more approachable in attitude than, say, Napa (read: you’ll likely meet the winemaker when visiting), these three vintners have definitely reached an aspirational level in terms of quality and renown: Saxum, Denner, L’Aventure.
Paso Innovators
The wineries that represent the proverbial tip of the spear in terms of elegant, game-changing wine—and likely the next generation of Paso cult wines—include Thacher, kukkula, Alta Colina, Ledge, Daou, Clos Selene and Epoch. Worth a visit based on the wines alone, these wineries all boastå gorgeous properties as well.
Tin City
Tin City in Paso Robles is an enclave in a cul-de-sac of modern industrial tin buildings that is now home to about 20 small-production wineries. Tin City is like a cheat sheet to the New New California wine scene, and it’s a microcosm of Paso in terms of the region’s style and cowboy/surfer attitude. Here you’ll find the very talented young guns (Levo, Desparada, Aaron Wines, Turtle Rock) mixed with established innovators/OG rule-breakers (Field Recordings, Giornata, ONX).
Regardless of which style suits you, Paso wineries share one universal characteristic: aesthetics. Wineries in Paso take pride in their design and the beauty of their Central Coast surroundings. Breathe in the fresh costal air as it mixes with the scent of oak and grass, and you’ll feel a million miles from home—in the best sense.
If you’re like many San Franciscans, you probably missed your vacation this summer. Weary from the steady stream of closures? Stir-crazy from staying inside for months on end? Don't ignore that urge to escape any longer. Paso Robles, California’s wine country – with beautiful beaches just 30 minutes away – is just a short road trip away. With its network of bucolic back roads and bountiful, endless room for roaming, Paso Robles is the real California escape you’ve been craving while stuck inside this summer.
Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is a destination that will put you in mind of the great American road trip. It’s the ideal getaway for those looking for rolling hills, proximity to beaches, majestic wineries and plenty of space to explore. With world-class food and small-town charm, Paso Robles is a unique community of surfers and cowboys—where warm welcomes are a way of life and the cares of the world melt away.
With vast open spaces and miles of rolling vineyards, it’s not hard to be physically distant in Paso Robles. The exquisite restaurants, charming boutiques and lodging options in the historic, quaint downtown have all taken the necessary precautions to help keep customers safe and secure as they enjoy this perfect road trip destination. Read on to learn about all that Paso Robles has to offer.
If the City’s Got You Feelin’ Stir Crazy, the Cure Is a Short Road Trip Away
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"Experience an uncommon getaway—where guests become fast friends and vacationers become locals."
World-class wine and prized local farming have long been a siren call to culinary kings and queens from around the globe. These world-renowned chefs pride themselves in creating masterful cuisine to be enjoyed alfresco in lovely Paso Robles, all while adhering to safety protocols and guidelines put in place by local health officials. Here is the crème de la crème the savvy diner simply must experience while in Paso.
Six Test Kitchen
This delightful eatery offers a chef’s menu exclusively, with only two seatings of six per night (twelve guests total). Chef Ricky Odbert worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants before returning home to open his dream spot in Paso. Departures magazine just named him the best chef between San Francisco and LA. Six Test Kitchen is a must for those who crave modern cuisine.
Les Petite Cannailles
Michelin-starred Chef Julien Asseo’s newest venture, Les Petite Cannailles, is sure to please even the most discerning palates. As the son of local winemakers Stephan and Beatrice Asseo of L’Aventure Winery, Chef Asseo returns home to Paso Robles after serving a stint as Executive Chef at Guy Savoy in Las Vegas—and brings his culinary prowess with him.
The Hatch
Offering gourmet comfort food and crazy good cocktails, The Hatch is a great place to rub elbows with local winemakers (six feet apart of course!).
La Cosecha
You'll feel like you're dining half a world away as you enjoy this upscale take on El Salvadorian/Spanish fare.
Pappy McGregor’s
This legit gastropub in the middle of Paso features a great menu and draft Guinness. Pappy’s is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach or hiking around the vineyards.
Plan Your Stay: The Wine
Where to Eat
Plan Your Stay: The Wine
Dining in the Park
Paso’s iconic Downtown City Park is officially open for wining, dining and safely catching up with friends and family. Thursday through Sunday, you can grab takeout and reserve one of the many private farmhouse style tables in the park’s shaded dining section for free. To ensure the safety of guests and staff, only parties of ten or fewer are permitted, and tables may not be combined. You will be met by a concierge who will guide you to your own sanitized table. With comfy seating, overhead bistro lights and farmhouse-style tables, the physically distanced space provides the perfect ambiance for a special date night or get-together with friends.
Retail Therapy
Paso boasts an eclectic mix of local artisan shops, clothing boutiques, gourmet food, wine markets and more for every taste and style. The shops in Paso Robles are open and ready for visitors, with in-store browsing and/or curbside pickups and delivery service. It’s never been a better time to shop local, support independent business owners and maybe even get ahead on holiday shopping.
Explore Downtown Paso Robles
Other Must-Dos
Sensorio: A Field of Light
The latest light landscape installation by UK artist Bruce Munro is a must-see on your trip to Paso. Munro has covered scores of rolling acres with thousands of solar-powered lights, creating an experience unlike any other. Walk the paths that twist and turn among the colored landscape and take in the unforgettable Field of Light.
Distillery Trail
There are 14 craft distilleries waiting to be discovered throughout Paso. Many of them are the side hustles of winemakers, and many utilize Paso grapes. A few must-tries include RE:FIND, Wine Shine, Cal-Wise.
Takes a Lot of Beer to Make Wine
The highly regarded Firestone Walker Brewing Company is based here. Thanks to that footprint, many other breweries have followed suit, including Silva and Toro Creek. For those looking for suds, Paso is the place.
Olive Oil Tasting
Olives are plentiful in Paso, and with that comes olive oil production. Enjoy a unique afternoon discovering the different flavors in olive oil with a tasting session at Kiler Ridge Olive Oil.
Studios on the Park
The show must go on, even from a distance. While large gatherings are still on hold, Paso Robles’ cultural institutions continue delivering innovative and fun ways to enrich our lives, including group art classes at Studios on the Park and virtual visits.
Where to Stay
The beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery paired with the vibrant arts, culture, and culinary destinations make Paso Robles a place you will want to return year after year. Here are some fantastic places to rest and relax and recount your memorable days in Paso.
The Stables Inn
This brand-new inn is inspired by—you guessed it—horses! A celebration of the great outdoors, the Stables Inn is an 18-room hotel located just three short blocks from Paso Robles’ historic downtown park. Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations with touches of Western chic, the Stables Inn is the perfect place to call home as you explore and enjoy all that Paso Robles has to offer.
The Piccolo
Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Piccolo is a luxurious Paso Robles boutique hotel retreat. Steeped in the rich history and culture of Paso Robles, The Piccolo is a place where the good life—and fine wine—has always been savored and shared with a welcoming spirit. You can explore the region’s acclaimed vineyards and restaurants, stroll under the towering oaks lining the town square or simply relax and savor the views over a glass of wine at the rooftop bar. Uncover the perfect Wine Country experience at The Piccolo.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Framed by the rolling landscapes and picturesque vineyards of Paso Robles, Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres is a getaway unlike any other. It is a world unto itself, encouraging self-reflection, the pursuit of meaning and joyful discovery. From the Tuscan-style architecture and museum-caliber artwork to the locally farmed and foraged delights at Cello Ristorante & Bar, this 20-acre hideaway is a celebration of life lived joyfully, harmoniously and with intention.
Hotel Cheval
Voted best boutique hotel in America by TripAdvisor, Hotel Cheval is Paso Robles' finest boutique luxury hotel. With just 16 guest rooms, this intimate gem is tucked just off Paso Robles' historic town square and offers well-traveled guests a truly unique and memorable stay. With exceptional personalized service and thoughtfully designed and refined accommodations, Hotel Cheval is the perfect place to call home during your visit to Paso Robles.
What are you waiting for? The vacation you need is just a road trip away. Make plans to escape the city and visit beautiful Paso Robles today.
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