Paso Robles Explore Local With RVshare

If you think of wineries and olive groves when Paso Robles comes to mind, you’re not alone. The Californian city is well-known for being home to fine wine and olives, but trust us, there’s also a lot more to Paso Robles than meets the eye!

For example, it’s also home to plenty of historical attractions, including the Estrella Warbird Museum, which displays military planes, weapons and memorabilia, as well as the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, which features historical relics from decades gone by. Add in a thriving dining scene, proximity to numerous state and national parks, and a vibrant arts community, and you’ve got yourself a must-visit location!

Even those who have lived in the city for a decade would agree they haven’t experienced all that Paso Robles has to offer, while for those new to the region – well, they’ve got a lot to look forward to as well.

Ready to discover the best of Paso Robles, California? Let’s get started!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

Paso Robles has plenty of state parks and national parks both within and surrounding the area, all of which provide a tranquil escape for those looking to surround themselves by nature.

Morro Bay State Park

You’ll find the popularMorro Bay State Park just over a 40-minute drive from Paso Robles. This natural bay habitat is known for its most prominent natural landmark: Morro Rock. Along with activities such as sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching, you’ll also find an 18-hole public golf course here, as well as an insightful park museum. Its exhibits cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography.

Montaña de Oro State Park

While it might be well-known for its 1,347-foot Valencia Peak, Montaña de Oro State Park is also a fascinating place to visit due to its wide range of topography, including everything from rugged cliffs and secluded sandy beaches, to coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills. Check out Spooner's Cove beach, or if you’re visiting in spring, enjoy the golden wildflowers that cover the landscape. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, and more.

Hearst San Simeon State Park

Hearst San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System and it’s just a 45-minute drive from Paso Robles. Here, you’ll find unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore, not to mention unique opportunities to view northern elephant seals, particularly during the months of late January, April and October. The park also includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, San Simeon Natural Preserve, and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, so you’ll never run out of things to do here!

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is named after (you guessed it!) Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well-respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. It’s around 2 hour’s drive from the city, but is well-worth the drive, especially for the panoramic ocean views you can enjoy from higher elevations. Enjoy several miles of hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, exhibits and programs, and more.

Limekiln State Park

When it comes to the unique topography of Limekiln State Park, locals refer to it as “From the Redwoods to the Sea.” You see, the state park covers over 700 acres of the legendary Big Sur coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Go on a waterfall-viewing hike, enjoy a spot of fishing, spend some nights camping in a tent, and more.

Still need to get your nature fix? If you’re craving seeing even more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Paso Robles, then there are also plenty of hiking and walking trails for you and your family to enjoy.

Salinas River Walk

The Salinas River Walk is a locals’ favorite here in Paso Robles. It’s a 6.3 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail, which is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. It’s accessible year-round and for the most part, follows a scenic river. Hikers have reported high levels of trash along the trail, on occasion, but when well-maintained, it’s a great walk or run.

Centennial Trail

If you fancy an easy and peaceful hike through one of the city’s parks, then the Centennial Trail is for you. It’s well-shaded, great for all skill levels, and just over 3 kilometers in length. You can also bring your pooch along on this trail, but just ensure they stay on their leash! The trail begins from the end of Lana Street.

Lake Nacimiento Shoreline Trail

Another recommended trail within the Paso Robles region is the Lake Nacimiento Shoreline Trail, which is rated as moderate and is 7.7 kilometers in length. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. As the name suggests, the trail eventually brings you to the Lake Nacimiento Shoreline, providing you with gorgeous and scenic views.

Paso Robles is home to a bustling and trendy dining scene, so there’s sure to be a restaurant, café, or diner to satisfy your cravings. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long hike, or simply feel like treating yourself to a delicacy, then you’re in luck. Here are our top restaurant recommendations!

Catch Seafood Bar & Grill

If it’s a taste of the sea you crave, thenCatch Seafood Bar & Grill is sure to hit the mark. Owner and chef Chico Mora has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years, so you can expect nothing but high quality and mouth-watering meals. Think Blue Point Oysters, Pan-Fried Calamari, Greenlip Mussels, and so much more.

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

Specializing in wood-fired comfort food and classic cocktails, theHatch Rotisserie & Bar is a go-to for both residents and visitors alike. It’s located just off the town square in beautiful downtown Paso Robles wine country and features menu favorites such as pork shoulder, crispy potatoes, chocolate cream pie, and more.

Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant

TheFirestone Walker Taproom Restaurant features a spacious dining hall, wrap-around bar, side patio, and outdoor courtyard. Along with unique craft beer, you’ll also find delicious menu items such as pizza, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, soup, salad, and desserts. Plus, there’s an Emporium and Visitor Centero on-site, offering an even greater time for those seeking the true Firestone experience.

Fish Gaucho

When a restaurant has its very own tequila menu, you know you’re in for a good time! Fish Gaucho specializes in all things Mexican and is a go-to for traditional South American fare within Paso Robles. We hear their range of street tacos are incredible, while the lunch specials are just the meal to treat yourself to on a budget. Don’t miss the Gaucho Nachos, which seems to be every local’s favorite. Delicious!

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant within the city. It’s a local’s favorite hang out and a top choice destination for visitors, as it offers some of the best in wood fire smoked and scratch made cuisine, all from award-winning Chef, Jeff Wiesinger. Menu items such as the Tri-Tip, Pulled Pork, Pork Loin, and Beef Brisket will have your tastebuds tingling!

After feasting and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what next?” Well, when it comes to Paso Robles’ attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

Looking to entertain some little ones? Or perhaps you’ve got some teenagers in-tow who are starting to get a little bored? Either way, these attractions will entertain both children, teens, and adults alike!

The Ravine Water Park

When the summer heat hits, what could be better than a visit to theRavine Water Park? It houses several fun, themed attractions, including Thunder Run, Quadzilla, the Calypso Bay Wave Pool, Kickback Kreek, and more. In fact, there’s something for everyone here, whether you need a wading pool for the little ones or something more adrenaline-inducing for teens and up.

Paso Robles Children’s Museum

ThePaso Robles Children’s Museum, located in the Volunteer Firehouse, has a mission to engage children in a joyful learn-through-play environment and inspire educational curiosity while honoring the heritage of our volunteer firefighters. There are several exhibits to admire, as well as fun events from time-to-time. 

At night

What should you do in Paso Robles once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio

If you’ve never heard aboutBruce Munro’s Field of Light at Sensorio, you’re in for a treat. Field of Light at Sensorio consists of an array of over 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics, gently illuminating the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing color. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and is sure to captivate visitors of all ages!

Franklin Hot Springs

Did you know there are hot springs right near Paso Robles?Franklin Hot Springs have energetic factors such as the powerful ionization, mineralization, gases and PH variations. The mineral content of the waters is said to increase metabolism, accelerate healing, soothe muscles, improve blood circulation and detoxify the body’s lymphatic system. It’s well-worth the trip!

Cheap things to do in Paso Robles

What can you do in or around Paso Robles that won’t cost anything more than a few dollars? The answer: plenty! Here are just two of our favorite attractions within the area that can be enjoyed on the cheap.

Estrella Warbird Museum

Did you know theEstrella Warbirds Museum is one of the fastest growing non-profit museums in Central California? It’s home to a sizeable collection of military artifacts, aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia and also serves as the location of the much-loved Woodland Automobile Display. It’s a must-visit attraction for all history buffs and costs no more than $12 per person for admission.

Tobin James Cellars

Tobin James Cellars is a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike, but to truly understand why, you just have to visit. You see, this winery offers some of the best wine – not just in California, but in the entire country! It’s located 8 miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46 and sits among 71 acres of vineyards and oak dotted hills. Of course, it’s just one of so many wineries within the region, so why not visit as many as you can? 

Free things to do in Paso Robles

Looking to get the most out of your time spent within the city of Paso Robles? Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Paso Robles that won’t cost you a cent.

Pioneer Museum

Fancy traveling back in time? Thankfully, you don’t need to go far, as thePioneer Museum right here in Paso Robles will take you to centuries gone by. There are cowboy displays, historic one-room schoolhouses, old wagons, and more. It’s both educational and fascinating, making it the perfect free attraction for visitors of all ages.

Downtown City Park

As its name suggests,Downtown City Park is located smack-bang in the Downtown district. It hosts a series of concerts, as well as other popular events throughout the year. It’s also the perfect place to picnic or to enjoy a leisurely stroll through to admire the surrounding scenery. The park has a playground, restrooms, several picnic tables, and horseshoe pits.

Spas in Paso Robles

Alright, by now you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Paso Robles has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

Vessel Day Spa

AtVessel Day Spa, their purpose is to offer you a spa experience that enhances your well-being and beauty, and they certainly don’t disappoint! This 1500-plus square foot spa offers services such as nail care, facials, waxing, and special spa packages, which combine multiple popular treatments. Trust us, you’ll walk out feeling like a whole new person!

The Spa Central Coast

The Spa Central Coast is your place for health and wellness in Paso Robles. They provide everything you need to detox your body, spend a day lavishing yourself in the most luxurious treatments, or simply spend time reconnecting with a loved one. Think services such as facials, peels, hand and foot treatments, massages, body wraps, and more.

Best gyms and yoga studios

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Paso Robles is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.

Paso Robles Sports Club

The Paso Robles Sports Club provides state-of-the-art facilities to help you achieve your fitness goals. Their philosophy is to use efficient training to focus on the needs of each unique person, therefore helping them to find passion in lifelong fitness. Along with personal training, they also offer classes in karate, yoga, barre, cycle, aqua, and so much more.

Dharma Yoga Loft

AtDharma Yoga Loft, they love supporting the Paso Robles community through daily classes, adventures packages, private instruction, sound bath, healing retreats, yoga at mobile locations, workshops, and more. Enjoy outdoor yoga classes, sessions within both heated and unheated rooms, and everything else you could want from a local yoga studio.

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Paso Robles without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara is a gorgeous coastal city, also located within California. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Paso Robles and is known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, which are a reflection of the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. Here, you can enjoy attractions such as Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo, Old Mission, and more.

Sequoia National Park

The state is also home to one of the most famous national parks in the world, theSequoia National Park. It’s around a 2.5-hour drive from Paso Robles and is referred to as “the land of the giants”, due to the gigantic sequoia trees it is home to. Whilst here, you can enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. 

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Paso Robles that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Paso Robles? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.