Itineraries for Your Trip to Paso Robles
3 Days in Paso Robles for Foodies
This sun-soaked city on California’s Central Coast is a must-visit for anyone who loves food or wine—or, if you’re like me, both! Your culinary adventures will be rendered all the more memorable by the city’s gorgeous natural scenery and small-town charm. Downtown, you’ll find a bustling scene of wine lounges offering world-class selections and restaurants doing creative takes on a variety of cuisines using local produce. And just outside the city itself, you’ll find one of the country’s most notable up-and-coming wine regions, where you can enjoy a leisurely vineyard experience that will both calm your mind and reawaken your senses. Here’s what to do with three days in Paso Robles.
Winters are short but rainy; summers are arid and hot.
If you only have time for one thing, make it some local barbecue.
Jump right into the local wine scene on day one with a private tour to some local wineries. Learn about the area’s wine-making heritage, get a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made, and enjoy an outdoor picnic with a stunning backdrop.
On your return to town, take a walking tour to learn about Paso Robles and its connection to Wild West characters, real and imagined, like Jesse James and John Wayne.
In the evening, check out Studios on the Park, a non-profit art gallery showcasing local artists, before sampling the local California cuisine; we recommend the Hatch or Thomas Hill Organics.
Begin day two with a bike ride to enjoy the country air and build your appetite. Rent an e-bike if you want to get your breathtaking views with less effort.
The local farmer's market is held four times per week; stop by to pick up some freshly baked bread or pastry and sample some delicious local fruit. Later, explore the other local beverage industry by taking a walking tour to local breweries.
In the evening, head to Tin City—a collective of breweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants—and grab a drink before enjoying a Michelin-starred meal at Six Test Kitchen.
On your last day, hit any notable sights you might have missed before heading out of town. A scavenger hunt can help guide you to hidden spots you might have missed.
Afterwards, enjoy one last wine tasting: Paso Robles is known for its pinot noir, and one vineyard offers a sampling of its collection from 2012 through to 2018, so you can take a deep dive into the varietal.
End your trip with a stop at a local barbeque restaurant; Central Coast barbecue is a style all its own. We recommend Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ and Taste! Craft Eatery.
