Paso Robles is One of California’s More Underrated Wine Regions. Here’s How to Spend a Weekend There
Hotels, wineries, restaurants, and things to do—this travel guide this beautiful part of Central California has you covered.
Geneseo Inn
I’ve lived in California for over a decade, but it took me a few years before I finally made it to Paso Robles and the surrounding area. Once I did, I was hooked. Not only is it an easy, drivable weekend destination from San Francisco and Los Angeles (hey there, meet-me-midway getaway) but it has excellent wineries, affordable boutique hotels, and more than a few exciting food and bar openings over the past few years.
Paso Robles is now one of my favorite places for a weekend getaway, especially if I want to hang out in wine country without the high prices of Napa, or can’t make up my mind between wine country and the coast—since Morro Bay and other coastal spots are just a short 30-minute drive away. Plus, the wine scene here is a bit more experimental (more on that in a bit) which adds to the fun.
Does this sound like your speed? Then use my travel guide to Paso Robles, California to plan your perfect trip or weekend getaway to this up-and-coming wine region.
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview.
➛ Things to do: Go horseback riding with Central Coast Trailrides, catch Sensorio’s “Field of Light” art installation after dark, or take a bike tour though the vineyards with VineCycle.
➛ Can't-miss wineries: Clos Solène for private tasting + French wines; Tablas Creek for Rhône blends; Turley for old-vine Zins and Petite Sirahs; Tin City for a walkable cluster of tasting rooms like Field Recordings and Hubba Wines.
➛ Restaurants + where to eat: Il Cortile for handmade pasta, The Backyard on Thirteenth for a casual beer-garden vibe, and Cattlemen's Bar for steaks, salads, and stiff drinks with a cowboy-chic vibe.
➛ Where to stay: I love Geneseo Inn for an intimate stay in the vineyards; Paso Robles Inn for a historic but updated hotel right off the Plaza; Hotel Cheval for a small, upscale, walk-everywhere boutique downtown; and Farmhouse Motel for an affordable yet chic renovated motel with a pool.
In this article
Where to Eat in Paso Robles
Salina Rooftop
Il Cortile
Over the past few years, I’ve watched as Paso Robles’ food scene grew from good to great. So much so, that it earned a spot on Eater’s list of the best food cities of 2025. From award-winning wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants to laidback brunch spots and old-west-inspired, pioneer-esque saloons, Paso has a bit of something for everything. Below are a few highlights not to miss:
Brunch, breakfast, and coffee
Paso Market Walk is a casual food hall with breakfast/lunch options, wine bar, and coffeeshop. I usually swing by for breakfast or lunch, especially since the coffee shop at the center of the building, JoeBella is one of the best spots for espresso-based beverages in town. Grab a drink and a pastry from Just Baked bakery, then settle in for breakfast on their shady outdoor lawn.
Brunch serves (you guessed it), breakfast and brunch. Their s’mores french toast is a seriously decadent dish, though savory-breakfasters might prefer the bacon breakfast pizza. Usually a line on weekends.
Spearhead is an excellent downtown option if you’re just in the mood for coffee.
Kitchenette is a low-key breakfast spot in nearby Templeton. The food is good but plan for a leisurely visit—the few times I’ve been here the service wasn’t super fast.
Vineyard Dining
There are a few wineries in the Paso area that have full restaurants serving full meals—not just dainty cheese and charcuterie boards. Though mostly open for lunch, here are a few great options to pair with a day out tasting:
JUSTIN winery has an on-site restaurant if you're looking for a meal out in the vineyards.
Niner winery also has a full lunch menu. I haven't been but it was recommended to me by a local winemaker.
Melo Mela Kitchen at Bianchi Winery is a newer lunch spot I've got my eye on. Chef Gregg Wangard serves seasonal California cuisine with a nod to the Bianchi family’s Italian roots. Haven't made it out yet, but it's high on my list.
More Lunch + Dinner
Pier 46 Seafood Co. is one of my favorite spots in the area for a casual bite in Templeton (just down the road) like fried clams.
The Backyard on Thirteenth for a casual, outdoor beer garden with po'boys and mac n' cheese.
Etto Pasta is an Italian spot and the best place for a bite if you're spending the day at Tin City, a walkable industrial area with a collection of shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and a brewery just outside downtown Paso.
Parchetto is a Californian bistro by the team behind local favorite Italian restaurant Il Cortile (had some excellent handmade pasta here!), serving farm-to-table dishes, imaginative cocktails, and locally-sourced wines.
Les Petites Canailles is a great option for an upscale, farm-to-table French dinner in town.
in bloom is known for its locally sourced, Californian cuisine. Atmosphere is sophisticated but laid-back, wine selection is excellent, and I love the vinyl records setting the mood.
Cattlemen’s Bar at Paso Robles Inn is a Western-inspired bar and lounge from Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer, leaning into the property's old ranching roots. I had dinner here recently and loved the cowboy vibes, complete with old westerns playing on a projector. I recommend ordering the Ranch Wedge or a steak.
After (or Pre) Dinner Drinks
Best enjoyed before sunset is the Salina Rooftop on top of The Piccolo Hotel. It’s Paso’s only rooftop bar and serves tasty cocktails, spritzes, and a full menu.
After dinner grab a drink at Eleven Twenty-Two, a new(ish) speakeasy in downtown Paso Robles—though be prepared for possible lines on a Friday/Saturday. Want something more low-key? Mosey on over to Pine Street Saloon, a classic karaoke dive bar.
Wineries + Tasting Rooms
Cass Winery (Geneseo Inn)
If you like wine, leave room for at least a couple of tastings during your time in Paso. It was known for its Zinfandels but these days you’ll find a pretty wide variety of varietals here.
Can’t miss wineries in Paso Robles
My personal favorite is Tablas Creek, which is at the end of a quiet, rural road and known for its Rhône-style blends. Reservations are recommended for tastings, though they do accept walk-ins. Worst case, they'll let you grab a bottle and sit outside at one of their picnic tables to enjoy.
The popular Tin City complex is a must if you want to try a variety of tastings without driving between a bunch of wineries. I really love Field Recordings and Hubba Wines—both of which bring a bit of a fresh and youthful contrast to some of the more established wineries in the area. I’ve also been meaning to try Giornata, which has been making the case for Italian varietals like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Sangiovese and has a tasting room here too.
There's also a strong French contingent in Paso Robles, most of whom bring French tradition and Californian experimentation together to make some pretty amazing wines. If you're going to visit one, make it Clos Solène. The family-owned winery does private tastings of their beautiful, French-inspired wines on their property outside of town. A new tasting room is also in the works.
Other notable wineries to visit
Turley Wine Cellars: A family-owned winery with excellent old vine Zins and petite sirahs. Love how approachable the tastings are here, and it's a beautiful setting.
JUSTIN: It's a bigger wine brand, but their large estate out in the vineyards offers a well-rounded and unique experience for visitors. It's also home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a hotel where you can spend the night. With so much going on, you could easily make it your only stop of the day.
Epoch Estate: Epoch has been making wine since 2004, with a tasting room based at the historic York Mountain Winery—the first bonded winery on the Central Coast, dating back to 1882. The setting and the wines are worth going out of your way for.
LXV Wine: Swing by the tasting room in downtown Paso for LXV Wine, an Indian-American-owned winery focused on making wines from small-lot, sustainable vineyards in the AVA.
Parrish Family Vineyards: Like the rest, expect good wine and beautiful views at Parrish. But I also love it because of their a la carte lunch options on Saturdays and Sundays.
Things to Do In + Near Paso Robles
Downtown Paso Robles and its main plaza is cute and worth wandering around, popping into smalls shops and boutiques, though it’s hard to fill more than an hour or two with this. However, one of my favorite reasons to spend a weekend in Paso Robles is that it actually makes a central and easy home base for exploring some other nearby areas. Here are some of the best things to do nearby, and within a 45-minute drive.
Nearby…
Horseback riding with Central Coast Trailrides,a company that organizes guided tours of the nearby nature by horseback.
Biking the backroads. Bring your own bike or rent one, and spend a day biking around Paso Robles. However, summers get hot 🥵 here. If it’s between June - August, you’re better off swapping your bike for a pair of hiking shoes and driving to coastal Montaña de Oro State Park, where temps can be as much as 30 degrees cooler.
… go bike the vineyards. We did an ebike bike tour in a vineyard with VineCycle, owned by a husband-wife duo who will take you out into the vines for a guided ride.
Tour the nearby farms. It’s not just wine that grows here, Paso is a major agricultural region. Swing by lavender farms like Hambly, or farm stands with organic produce, like Templeton Valley Farms (closed Sundays) or Mount Olive (open Sat + Sun). There’s even a farm trail map if you want to spend an entire day bouncing around.
Visit ”Field of Light" at Sensorio (photo above), an outdoor art installation that lights up the landscape at night, and an excellent, all-ages friendly activity to end a day with before or after dinner. There are also food options on site.
Within a 45-minute drive…
Some nearby highlights from downtown Paso Robles include:
Kayak in Morro Bay (45 minutes). You can rent kayaks and go out on your own or book a half-day wildlife kayak tour. The latter is a lovely choice, and will allow you to learn more about the local wildlife. They also have picnic options to make a full day out of it.
Explore San Luis Obispo (30 minutes). The small town of SLO is a 30-minute drive from Paso and equally charming. It’s a bit more of the same, though they have an excellent art museum and a far superior Farmers’ Market compared to Paso on Thursday evenings.
Visit + go shopping in Atascadero (15 minutes). This charming small town has a bunch of cute vintage shops, boutiques, and places to eat. It’s worth visiting and walking around for a couple of hours.
Paso Robles Hotels: Where to Stay
Paso Robles’ hotel scene has seen a real boom over the past couple of years, with larger hotels like The Ava Hotel (part of Hilton’s Curio Collection) moving in, and established properties like the historic Paso Robles Inn getting modern upgrades. Unlike some pricier wine regions, you’ll find a range of hotels from budget to luxe. While it’s easy to stay in downtown Paso for walkability and quick access to restaurants and bars, you'll also find some truly relaxing, "getaway" hotels outside of town on vineyards and ranches. Here are my favorite hotels and places to stay in Paso Robles:
Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles Inn first opened its doors as a hotel in 1891, making it almost as old as the town itself. However, it completed a major renovation in 2024 that gave the historic property a modern facelift while preserving its historic charm.
I stayed here recently in the main part of the hotel (there are also rooms in the historic 1889 House as well as at their sister property next door, The Piccolo) and loved how clean, modern, and comfortable the rooms were—complete with colorful robes and a small coffee bar.
But the large, peaceful garden was my favorite spot—especially in the mornings by one of the fire pits. The hotel also has a fun western-style restaurant called Cattlemen’s Bar (complete with old westerns playing on a projector), and a rooftop bar on top of The Piccolo called Salina Rooftop.
Stables Inn
For another more affordable stay a bit closer to town is Stables Inn. Guests love their firepits and nightly s’mores, plus there is complimentary coffee and pastries in the morning. Rooms are spacious and airy, with a bit of a rustic-cowboy vibe that’s very fitting for the area.
Hotel Cheval
Hotel Cheval is Stables Inn's more upscale sister property, tucked away just off the main plaza in downtown Paso Robles. Rooms are luxurious, featuring plush comforters and oversized European showers. Many have private patios and fireplaces, which are well worth the upgrade. The stone facade gives the entire property a lost-in-Tuscany feel that only adds to the allure.
Geneseo Inn
This hotel is another one of my favorites. Although you’re about a 15-minute drive from town you are right in the middle of the very reason you probably planned a trip here: the vineyards. Geneseo is an 8-room bed and breakfast and part of Cass Vineyards. Each room has a music theme and every stay comes with a very generous and delicious breakfast delivered to your door—I loved starting my morning with this spread on our private deck (every room has one) overlooking the vineyards.
Farmhouse Motel
I’ve yet to stay here but have really wanted to check-in to this charming, 1946 motel whose 26 cottage-style rooms were recently updated when it was acquired by the Nomada hotel group. I’ve stayed in some of their other properties (like Skyview in Los Alamos) and absolutely love the style and functionality that this group brings to the hotels/motels they’ve updated. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options and has a pool. The only downside is that it’s a couple of minutes drive from the main plaza but still a very central location.
Paso Robles 3-Day Travel Itinerary
Prefer your recs in an easy to follow, day-by-day itinerary? Here’s a sample itinerary for a long weekend in Paso Robles.
Hike along Montana de Oro State Park
Day 1: Drive to Paso Robles
Leave early enough to arrive in Paso Robles in the early afternoon (and avoid the traffic in Gilroy…). Once in town, check into your hotel and stretch your legs with a stroll around the main plaza—maybe popping into a tasting room or two along the way. Not in the mood for wine yet? Venture up to Salina Rooftop Bar for a pre-dinner apero and one of the few places where you can see Paso Robles from above.
Grab dinner at Italian restaurant, Il Cortile in downtown Paso. While most other places close around 9pm, this one is open until 10pm, making it a good choice for a post-8pm dinner.
Day 2: Spend the day wine tasting
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or Paso Market Walk, then head out for a day of wine tasting among the vineyards.
I’d start by driving to Tablas Creek since it’s a bit further out, then make your way back towards town. Stop for lunch at Niner then head to Clos Solène (reservations required) for a private tasting or Turley Wines (walk-ins welcome).
After, head back to your hotel in the afternoon to rest up and get ready for dinner. After a long day of tasting, plan to stick around town and walk to farm-to-table French restaurant, Les Petites Canailles, if you’re in the mood for something more upscale date-night vibe, or The Backyard on Thirteenth for a laidback but lively casual option.
Not ready to call it a night after dinner? Go to Eleven Twenty Two, a speakeasy just off the main plaza or Pine Street Saloon, a classic karaoke dive bar. Just note that you have an early morning tomorrow :)
Day 3: Horseback ride and Sensorio art exhibit
Get up early and stop for breakfast at The Nest in Atascadero or Kitchenette in Templeton, both nearby towns off the 101. Then head out for an active morning: go for a horseback ride, take an ebike ride with VineCycle, or (if it’s cool enough), bike the backroads on your own set of wheels.
After your activity, head over to Tin City, where you can choose your own adventure: go wine tasting, visit a brewery, shop a few small shops, or grab lunch at pasta shop, Etto. Then, go back to your hotel to relax.
Plan for an early dinner in town before driving to Sensorio. Opt for a casual dinner at The Backyard on Thirteenth or something a little more elevated at Cattleman’s Bar.
After dinner, drive to Sensorio Paso Robles. This outdoor art exhibit is a beautiful light show in the hills near Paso Robles, and one of the best things to do in the area. It runs from 6:30-10:30 pm (advanced tickets recommended). Timing is flexible, but try to get here a little before sunset to give yourself enough time to wander.
Day 4: One last brunch for the road
It’s your last day, so take it easy and sleep in before a leisurely check-out. And—especially if you’re heading back to colder weather in San Francisco—you might want to linger in the sunshine for just a bit longer.
We suggest joining the line for brunch at Brunch or Parchetto if you want to stay in town. Or, make the small detour to Parrish Family Farms for a lovely, but not overly fancy, lunch alongside one last glass of wine overlooking the vineyards, or a more casual stop for sandwiches on an organic farm at Mt. Olive.
