Why Go to Paso Robles
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Paso Robles is California wine country with a cowboy heart. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this sunny valley of rolling, oak-dotted hills is home to more than 200 wineries, known especially for bold Rhone-style blends and zinfandel, along with a relaxed, rural friendliness you won't find in busier wine regions.
Spend your days tasting at family-owned wineries and grand estates, many with stunning views, and add stops at local breweries and distilleries. Downtown, the leafy City Park is surrounded by restaurants, tasting rooms and shops. After dark, walk through Sensorio's Field of Light, a glowing art installation across the hills. Soak in the natural mineral hot springs the area has been known for since the 1800s, and drive out to the coast for Hearst Castle, Morro Bay and Cambria.
Fly into San Luis Obispo, about 30 minutes away, or make Paso Robles a stop on a California road trip. I'll plan your winery visits, a driver so everyone can taste, and the right inn or resort.
BEST FOR
Wine lovers, foodies, couples and road-trippers
BEST MONTHS
April to June or September to October
EXPLORE
- Downtown: Restaurants, shops and City Park.
- West Side: Wineries along Highway 46 West and the Adelaida District.
- East Side: Wineries and resorts.
- Tin City: Urban wineries and breweries.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Paso Robles
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Bold red wines, rolling oak-studded hills and a relaxed Central Coast vibe.
Vineyards
Scenic
Hot Springs
Culinary
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Explore Tin City's urban wineries and breweries for a fun, walkable alternative to the countryside tasting rooms.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Hire a driver or join a tour.
Winery Tours
Explore hundreds of wineries along Highway 46 West and in the Adelaida District.
Visit after dark and book in advance.
Sensorio
An outdoor light art installation featuring the famous Field of Light.
Bring cash and a towel.
Franklin Hot Springs
Natural hot springs pools in the countryside.
Visit on a Saturday afternoon.
Tin City
A collection of urban wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Great for history buffs.
Pioneer Museum
A museum about the area's history.
A luxurious resort with art, gardens and vineyards.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
East Paso Robles
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel with a cozy wine bar.
Hotel Cheval
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar.
The Piccolo
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A historic hotel with hot spring tubs in some rooms.
Paso Robles Inn
Downtown
Hotel Tags
An intimate inn at a winery with vineyard views.
Just Inn
Adelaida District
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Paso Robles
High 69°F · Low 36°F · Rain 1.3 in
A quieter month, perfect for wine tasting and long lunches.
The best times to visit Paso Robles are April through June and September through October, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are beautiful. Summers are hot, and winters are cool and quiet.
Best Times to Visit Paso Robles
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Paso Robles's dining scene celebrates wine country cuisine.
- Farm-to-table: Many restaurants use local ingredients.
- Wine pairings: Enjoy meals paired with local wines.
- Must-try: Zinfandel, Rhône blends, tri-tip and local olive oil.
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Walking
Downtown Paso Robles is easy to explore on foot.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Rideshares are available but limited.
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Wine Tours
Tours and private drivers are the best way to visit wineries.
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Driving
A car is essential for exploring the wineries.
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Amtrak
Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops in Paso Robles.
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Flying In
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is about 30 minutes away.
Most travelers fly into San Luis Obispo or drive. Once you're here, a car or wine tour is the best way to visit wineries, while downtown is walkable.
Getting Around Paso Robles