Epic 3 day weekend in Paso Robles itinerary (2023)

Paso Robles is a hidden gem on the central coast of California that is gaining popularity as a world-renowned wine country destination. Paso Robles is brimming with vineyards and wineries with more than 200 wineries!

But what sets Paso Robles apart is that it is also home to many other awesome attractions and things to do like the extremely popular Sensorio Field of Lights, hot springs, and charming downtown, making it an incredible weekend getaway destination.

In addition to its hundreds of vineyards and wineries, Paso Robles is also famous for its olive groves, mineral hot springs, and agriculture. It is a laid-back city and a great place to relax and unwind.

I recently spent a 3-day long weekend in Paso Robles and was amazed at the vibrant scene of the charming town. Plan your ultimate weekend in Paso Robles by following my Paso Robles itinerary!

3 day Paso Robles weekend itinerary

You can easily spend 3 days or more in Paso Robles but if you have less time, my itinerary has the most popular things to do on the 1st and 2nd days.

This itinerary includes some of the best wineries and vineyards, but it is also perfect for anyone who is not planning to drink or is traveling with family.

After reading through my itinerary, if you are looking for more things to do in Paso Robles check out my post about 27 things to do in Paso Robles besides wineries and wine tasting.

Day 1: Paso Robles downtown, Sensorio Field of Lights

Your Day 1 in your weekend in Paso Robles itinerary starts in Paso Robles downtown where you will explore everything this charming and historic town has to offer.

The day ends by visiting Sensorio Field of lights, which is a unique art and light experience that is becoming a very popular attraction in California.

If you have just one day in Paso Robles, I would recommend following this Day 1 itinerary to get the most out of your visit to Paso Robles.

Eat brunch at the Brunch or Thomas Hill Organics

Start your day by having a hearty and delicious brunch at one of the many amazing restaurants in Paso Robles downtown. Both the Brunch and Thomas Hill Organics are good brunch spots.

Brunch restaurant, as the name suggests, only serves brunch and is very popular in downtown Paso Robles. They have a great menu which also includes vegetarian options. Mimosas are great and they also have breakfast pizzas! Great food and friendly service.

Thomas Hills Organics is a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Paso Robles that serves organic produce and grass-fed meats. They have a changing menu depending on the availability of local ingredients. They also have a cool courtyard area to enjoy your meals outside.

Explore Paso Robles downtown

Paso Robles has a quaint and charming downtown with lots of restaurants, art galleries, and small businesses. The whole place has a relaxed vibe and is great to have a leisurely stroll after brunch.

Make sure to check out the intersection of 12th Street and Park Street with the iconic clock tower, which is the most photographed spot in Paso Robles downtown.

Downtown City Park and Historic Carnegie library museum

In the middle of Paso Robles downtown is the Downtown City park which is a beautiful serene park and reminds you of a Hallmark movie!

A gazebo, lots of mature trees, walking paths, a kids’ play area, and even a historic library in the middle of it!

The historic Carnegie Public library which is now a museum has free admissions and is a great place to check out historic Paso Robles memorabilia and learn about the town’s history.

Studios on the Park art gallery

Paso Robles downtown has some great art galleries like Studios on the Park where the work of many local artists is on display and for purchase.

At this nonprofit art center, you will find studios and galleries ad you might even sport a local artist at work! There is a children’s corner as well as events and workshops.

Popular restaurants in Downtown Paso Robles

There are a lot of restaurants in the downtown area ranging from local eateries to chain restaurants.

Apart from the Brunch and Thomas Hills Organics, some other popular ones are The Hatch Rotisserie, La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant, Alchemist’s Garden, Basil Thai Restaurant, and many more.

Unique Shops to visit in Paso Robles Downtown

We Olive shop in downtown Paso Robles allows walk-ins where you can sample their many award-winning olive oils before purchasing.

Yes, olive oil tasting is a thing and there are in fact many olive groves in Paso Robles where you can go olive oil tasting!

Along with olive oils, they also have a large selection of vinegar, pesto, mustard, and tapenades and carry gift products such as olive wood items, oil and condiment dispensers, etc.

The General Store Paso Robles is a cute store to browse. It is such an old town feel to see a store that is called ‘The General Store’. They have a great selection of locally made goodies and crafts and you can find great gifts and souvenirs to take back home!

Brown Butter Cookie Company is a nice stop if you are in the mood for some cookies!

Wine-tasting rooms in Paso Robles Downtown

A lot of the famous vineyards and wineries in Paso Robles have their tasting rooms and shops in downtown Paso Robles.

If you are staying in downtown Paso Robles, you can walk to many of these tasting rooms without having to drive, as the downtown is very walkable.

Some popular wine-tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles:

• JUSTIN Downtown
• Asuncion Ridge Vineyards  
• Bushong Vintage Company
• Hoyt Family Vineyards
• CaliPaso Winery
• Pianetta Winery
• Copia Vineyards & Winery
• Cloak and Dagger Tasting Room
• LXV Wine Lounge

Evening at Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles

Sensorio Field of Lights is a very unique 15-acre walk-through art experience in Paso Robles by the international artist Bruce Munro.

This is a very popular attraction in Paso Robles and combines nature, light, and art to create a spectacular display of color-changing lights over the rolling hills of the Paso Robles landscape.

The Light Tow­ers installation features 69 colorful lit towers made of more than 17,000 wine bottles. The Light towers are a great tribute to Paso Rob­les as a wine coun­try destination.

There are food trucks at Sensorio and live music to make it a complete evening experience. This is an excellent way to end your Day 1 in Paso Robles.

Day 2: Winery brunch, Wine tours, Tin City, Concert at Vina Robles

Start your Saturday in your weekend in Paso Robles itinerary by having a delicious breakfast brunch at a castle-like winery.

Then explore Tin City which is an upcoming brewers’ market in Paso Robles.

Go on a wine tour and explore some amazing wineries and wine tastings.

End your day by watching a concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre.

Brunch at Tooth and Nail winery

Saturday morning drive to Tooth and Nail winery for a delicious brunch. This place has the most picturesque exterior.

The winery is designed as a castle and it also has a huge moat! It’s like dining in a fairytale setting with incredible views.

If it’s not too hot request an outside table with breathtaking views. They have brunch on Sundays with live music if you would like to visit this on Sunday instead. Reservations are highly recommended.

Niner Wine estates are nearby which is famous for the heart-shaped grove of trees in the vineyard, which you have probably seen on Instagram pics. Also nearby are Castoro Cellars where you can enjoy a game of Disc Golf.

Best wine tours in Paso Robles

Taking a wine tour is the best way to explore the amazing wineries and vineyards in Paso Robles. You can enjoy the wine tastings and leave the driving to someone else, that way you do not have to worry about drinking and driving.

Explore Tin City

Exploring Tin City in Paso Robles is an exceptional experience for discovering a dynamic industrial makers market and sampling beverages from numerous local producers.

In addition to wine, here you can sample craft beverages such as beer, spirits, and cider.

The parking lot is huge and free, and there is street parking as well.

Barrelhouse brewing company has a great selection of craft beers on tap. It also has a food truck serving delicious burgers. It has a great family-friendly outdoor space with a relaxed vibe.

Tin City Cider is another place to check out if you like craft ciders. They have a lot of varieties to taste.

McPhee’s canteen is an exceptional restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine, and their delectable woodfire pizzas are a must-try! Additionally, their outdoor patio garden with a soothing waterfall feature provides an excellent atmosphere to savor your meal.

ETTO Pastificio, an Italian shop situated next door to McPhee’s canteen, offers a fantastic selection of Italian food-to-go and comes highly recommended by the locals. It certainly lived up to our expectations! They have an excellent assortment of freshly-made pasta, both cooked and dry, along with sauces, olive oil collections, and delectable desserts like Tiramisu to take home.

Make sure to visit Negranti’s Creamery and indulge in their scrumptious ice cream made from pasture-raised sheep’s milk – it’s a must-try! Additionally, it’s an ideal choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as they offer both cow’s milk and vegan ice cream. The creamery features a lovely patio area where you can relax and savor your ice cream.

Check Tin City’s official website for the list of current producers and their store hours before visiting. Many shops in Tin City close by 5 PM, although few are open till later like 8 PM.

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

End your day 2 in Paso Robles itinerary by watching a concert or show. The Vina Robles Amphitheatre is a beautiful theatre in the picturesque landscape of Paso Robles, featuring great music and entertainment. This is the most popular concert theatre in San Luis Obispo County.

The concert season at Vina Robles runs from April to November so there is a pretty high chance that there might be a concert going on if you are visiting Paso Robles during these months.

The venue offers standard seating, box premium seating, and lawn seating with general admission, thus accommodating guests of all budgets. There are various kiosk stations where you can purchase food and beverages. Outside food is not allowed.

Day 3: Brunch at Hunter Ranch, Explore more wineries, Hot Springs

Start your Day 3 Sunday in your weekend in Paso Robles itinerary by having brunch at Hunter Ranch.

Later visit Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden for some live music, lunch, and art.

You can also add golfing, visiting an aviation museum, and waterpark fun on this day, or take another wine tour!

End your Day 3 by enjoying a rejuvenating soak in mineral-rich hot springs.

Brunch at Hunter Ranch

Start your Day 3 Sunday by having breakfast or brunch at The Grill at Hunter Ranch with amazing views of the golf course, vineyards, and rolling hills of Paso Robles.

Nothing better than this to start your Sunday! This is also a great lunch place for later with delicious sandwiches and burgers.

You can later play a round of golf at Hunter Ranch, visit warplanes and classic cars at Estrella Warbirds museum or have a splash at Ravine Waterpark.

Golf at Hunter Ranch

Spend your afternoon playing some world-class golf! Hunter Ranch Golf Course is a very well-groomed challenging course on the rolling hills of Paso Robles.

This is one of the best golf courses on the Central coast of California. They also have a 3-hole practice course for warm-ups.

Splash at Ravine Waterpark

If golf is not your thing, Ravine Water park is a great family-friendly attraction near Paso Robles downtown.

There are plenty of water activities here, including water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more, ensuring that people of all ages will have a great time!

They provide cabana rentals and have an on-site restaurant for your convenience. In addition, the admission fee covers access to the mini golf course as well.

Visit Estrella Warbirds Museum for aviation and vintage cars

The Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles is a museum dedicated to preserving and restoring military aircraft and vehicles from the past. If you have a couple of hours in the afternoon, try to stop by here.

The museum has an extensive collection of military memorabilia, including artifacts from World War 1 and World War 2. The indoor vintage car museum is an amazing attraction to explore as well.

If you are a fan of military history, aviation, or vintage cars, a visit to this museum is certainly worth your while.

Sculpterra winery and sculpture garden

Stop by the Sculpterra winery and sculpture garden for lunch and some great art.

During weekends, you can relax in the outdoor setting while enjoying live music and local food trucks as you admire the art sculptures. Additionally, there are outdoor games such as ping pong and bocce ball, along with a walking trail through the vineyards.

You can explore the gardens and appreciate the art without any admission fee, but wine tasting requires a fee. Besides, they offer a gift shop where you can purchase miniature versions of sculptures and other local art.

Please visit their website to check the current hours of operation.

Relax by taking a soak in Hot Springs

In Paso Robles, there are a few locations that offer a rejuvenating experience of soaking in mineral hot springs.

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers artesian mineral spas in a secluded setting at affordable rates for a one-hour private hot springs spa session. Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral soak while admiring the scenic hills and vineyards.

They also offer add-on packages such as wine tasting, chocolates, spa treatments, and more to make your experience even more enjoyable. They are open till 9 PM, and reservations are recommended.

Franklin Hot Springs, run by the Franklin family, offers a natural mineral hot springs pool experience open to the public. The admission fee is quite affordable at just $10 per person, and visitors are free to stay as long as they wish. Additionally, visitors can also fish all day at the location. Reservations are not needed here, open till 9 PM daily.

If you are planning to stay in Paso Robles Inn you can request rooms with a mineral hot tub on a private balcony.

Where to stay in Paso Robles

For your weekend trip to Paso Robles, you can either stay in a hotel in or near Paso Robles downtown and be within walking distance of restaurants, or you can stay in one of the many beautiful vacation homes which are in abundance on the rolling hills of Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Downtown

Staying in or near downtown Paso Robles is best as it provides easy access to various dining options, bars, art galleries, and events.

The historic Paso Robles Inn is one of the best accommodation options in Paso Robles because of its prime location. Situated across from the Downtown City Park, it offers easy access to all the local restaurants, bars, and events, all within walking distance. Book rooms with mineral tubs on private balconies!

The Piccolo is also conveniently located within a block of the lively downtown scene of Paso Robles.

Adelaide Inn and Best Western Plus Black Oak are conveniently situated near the freeway, providing easy access to wineries on both the east and west sides of town. Additionally, they are just a short 5-minute drive from Paso Robles’ downtown.

La Bellasera Hotel and Suites is located slightly farther from Paso Robles downtown but is close to Tin City. It takes only 7 minutes to drive to downtown Paso Robles from there.

Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles is a beautiful resort in a vineyard setting with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and wine-tasting room.

Dunning Vineyards Guest Villa is a villa on a working vineyard with excellent views and VIP wine tasting.

➡ Check rates and availability for your stay in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles vacation rental homes

Paso Robles also has a wide selection of vacation rentals throughout the rolling hills that boast stunning views of vineyards.

We stayed at a vacation rental in Paso Robles which was a spacious ranch-style house situated atop a hill. It boasted a swimming pool and offered stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards.

We visited during fall when the hills were adorned with shades of tan and brown, which looked especially breathtaking during sunset. However, during spring, the hills are covered in lush greenery which creates an entirely different and vibrant view.

➡ Check rates and availability for vacation rentals in Paso Robles

Day trips from Paso Robles

Do you have some extra days in your trip and are looking to add more to your weekend in Paso Robles itinerary? The Central Coast of California has several fantastic places to discover.

From coastal towns brimming with charm and history, to beautiful beaches that provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and a thriving food and wine scene, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. Additionally, you can even find castles to explore!

Visit Hearst Castle

Located less than an hour’s drive from Paso Robles, Hearst Castle is a historical museum and California State Park. Its history dates back to 1865 when it was built by newspaper magnate George Hearst.

The impressive castle comprises a main building, three guesthouses, and around 165 rooms. In addition, the property includes 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools.

Visitors can explore the castle’s grand rooms and grounds through a variety of tours offered by the museum.

Day trip to Morro Rock beach

Morro Bay, located around 45 minutes away by car from Paso Robles, is an ideal location to spend a day exploring. A must-visit is the iconic Morro Rock, which is the centerpiece of Morro Bay.

The Morro Rock beach is famous for surfing events and provides lessons for those who are new to the sport. Additionally, the Embarcadero offers a great view of the Morro Bay Marina and is filled with excellent restaurants to dine at and relax.

Visit the coastal town of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, a charming coastal town, is just a 30-minute drive from Paso Robles. It boasts a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and a lively farmer’s market.

Don’t forget to visit Bubblegum Alley located on Higuera Street in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. This extraordinary alley is adorned with layers of chewed-up bubble gum, some of which have been there for years!

Seeing is believing, and despite its somewhat repulsive nature, Bubblegum Alley has become an iconic landmark of downtown San Luis Obispo.

Madonna Inn is a very unique resort with themed rooms and a restaurant with some amazing and popular desserts!

Visit Pismo Beach

Located along the stunning Central Coast of California and only 45 minutes from Paso Robles, Pismo Beach is a picturesque coastal destination that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Famous for its expansive coastline, soft sandy beaches, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, Pismo Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

This charming beach town offers a range of activities for all ages, from swimming and surfing to hiking and wine tasting.

The Pismo Beach Pier and the boardwalk are great to take a leisurely walk and enjoy stunning ocean vistas. Additionally, Monarch Butterfly Grove and Dinosaur Cave Park are fascinating attractions worth exploring.

Pismo Beach is a well-known surfing destination, while the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes Preserve is a popular spot for four-wheel ATV adventures. Numerous rental companies in the region offer ATV rentals for visitors to enjoy.

Visit Avila Beach

Avila Beach, located just 45 minutes from Paso Robles, is a wonderful coastal town and a perfect family-friendly beach destination. It has a laid-back vibe that is perfect for unwinding.

During our visit, we spent an afternoon soaking in the scenic ocean views and taking a stroll on the pier.

Avila Beach’s Front Street provides an excellent opportunity to take a leisurely walk, savor some local cuisine, and shop, all while admiring breathtaking ocean views.

The popular Bob Jones City to Sea Trail is perfect for cycling and jogging enthusiasts. And if you’re in the mood for a relaxing soak in natural mineral water from the earth’s surface, Avila Hot Springs is the place to go.

Explore Cayucos town

Located a short distance north of Morro Bay, is the charming coastal town of Cayucos. The Cayucos State Beach is a perfect destination for surfing, swimming, and exploring tide pools.

Its lengthy pier is a great place to stroll while taking in the stunning views, and fishing is also allowed from the pier.

Cayucos is a quaint and relaxed town that has managed to preserve its old California-style charm. A leisurely walk down Ocean Avenue, the main street that runs through town, is a must-do activity.

Cayucos has several antique shops, art galleries, and dining options to explore. A particular must-visit is the Remember When antique mall, a three-story store with various vendors selling an array of antiques. You never know what fascinating item you might stumble upon!

Drive on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1

If you have additional time to spare in Central California, consider taking a drive either north or south along Highway 1 to discover the numerous coastal towns and beaches, while being awe-struck by the spectacular ocean vistas.

West Highway 46 provides a convenient connection from Paso Robles to Pacific Coast Highway 1, which winds alongside the beautiful Pacific Coast of California.

To the south of Highway 1, lie the enchanting coastal towns of Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach.

To the north, you’ll discover the town of Cayucos, San Simeon, and Hearst Castle, and farther up the road lies the magnificent Big Sur State Park.

Travel Tips for Paso Robles

Below travel tips will help you plan the perfect trip to Paso Robles!

How to get to Paso Robles

Paso Robles is a city in Central California, conveniently situated roughly three hours by car from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway from San Francisco or LA.

Paso Robles by car

Paso Robles is easily accessible by car from both Northern and Southern California, with a driving time of around three hours.

Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the numerous towns and beaches along the central coast, as well as getting to the various destinations within Paso Robles and its surrounding areas.

Paso Robles by flight

If you are traveling to Paso Robles from out of state, the nearest airport is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which is approximately a 40-minute drive away.

However, it’s important to note that the airport has limited service to certain destinations, so it’s advisable to check the airport’s website beforehand.

To make the most of your trip, consider combining a visit to Paso Robles with a journey to either Northern or Southern California.

You could fly into San Jose for Northern California or Los Angeles for Southern California and then drive to Paso Robles, making various fascinating stops along the way from either direction.

Airports near Paso Robles and driving distance:

• San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport – 40 minutes
• Santa Barbara Airport – 2 hours
• San Jose International Airport – 3 hours
• Los Angeles International Airport – 3.5 hours
• San Francisco International Airport – 3 hours

If you are flying into one of the neighboring airports, you will need a rental car to reach Paso Robles.

✅ I highly recommend Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.

Paso Robles by train

Paso Robles is also accessible by train, with the Amtrak Paso Robles station conveniently located in downtown.

The Coast Starlight route, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, has a stop in Paso Robles, making it a convenient option for those traveling from cities along this route.

The Pacific Surfliner route links San Diego to the nearby town of San Luis Obispo, which is just a 40-minute drive from Paso Robles.

Getting around Paso Robles

It is ideal to have a car (your own or a rental car) to visit the many attractions and vineyards in and near Paso Robles. I highly recommend Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.

If you are planning to stay in the downtown area and just walk to the local shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms, then you might be able to still manage without a car.

There are many great wine tours that you can book if you are planning to do wine-tasting while in Paso Robles so that you don’t have to worry about having a designated driver.

➡ Check out this Private Paso Robles Wine tour in your own vehicle in which you can use your own vehicle and your list of wineries or get recommendations from your driver/guide.

Best time to visit Paso Robles

Paso Robles enjoys comfortable year-round weather and can be a winter destination, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the summer, visitors can explore the nearby coastal towns and enjoy the beaches.

However, the best seasons to visit Paso Robles are spring and fall.

During springtime, Paso Robles’ rolling hills are covered in lush greenery and bursting with life. It’s a stunning experience to drive along the backcountry roads and take in the breathtaking scenery around you.

During the fall season, grapes are harvested in Paso Robles and there are plenty of events and festivals celebrating the harvest season.

If you visit Paso Robles in October, you can attend many special events hosted by the numerous wineries in the region.

How many days do you need in Paso Robles?

Paso Robles is a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway for California residents as it is conveniently located just a 3-hour drive away from both Northern and Southern California cities.

You should plan to stay for 2 to 3 nights to explore all that the town has to offer.

Consider combining your visit to Paso Robles with nearby beaches and coastal towns in Central California for a memorable road trip.

Central California has so much to offer that it can demand a trip of its own and not just a quick stop in a Southern and Northern California itinerary.

Where to eat in Paso Robles

Paso Robles boasts a vibrant food and wine scene with top-notch restaurants. Many of these establishments offer a farm-to-table experience by utilizing the abundant fresh ingredients available in the surrounding agricultural area.

The primary area for restaurants in Paso Robles is downtown. Some restaurants to try here are:

What to wear in Paso Robles

Dress in Layers! In Paso Robles day time temperatures can be hot during summer, while early mornings and nights are chilly.

Dresses, sun hats, t-shirts, and shorts during the day are great options.

And you need sunscreen! Lots of it!!

For night time make sure to carry a sweater or jacket around.

Final takeaways: 3 day Paso Robles weekend getaway

Paso Robles is an awesome place to visit on the Central coast of California.

If you are local to California, it is a great weekend getaway. If you are visiting from outside of California, combine it with other nearby towns and have a week-long Central California road trip!

There are so many wineries and vineyards to explore here as well as the amazing historic downtown. Field of Lights is a popular attraction in Paso Robles that draws a lot of crowds.

I am sure you will have an awesome weekend in Paso Robles by following my Paso Robles itinerary!

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