If you’re in need of a wine country weekend (and who isn’t!?), the Paso Robles area just might be calling your name! Known for its wineries and olive groves, Paso Robles is the perfect scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s just a few hours north of the Santa Ynez Area, and there’s plenty to do and try along the way! We’ve attempted to round up all of the must-see spots in today’s Paso Robles travel guide. So, take a drive with us and read on for our favorite places to stay, restaurants to enjoy, and activities to try in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles
The town of Paso Robles is small and quaint, but the wine and food selection is anything but. While the surrounding vineyards are the main attraction, be sure to head downtown while you’re in the area to enjoy the local hotspots and tasting rooms!
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
The Piccolo / Link
We love staying at The Piccolo in downtown Paso Robles – We stayed in Room 33 last time we were in town! Pro tip: Ask for a room with a balcony.
The Stables Inn / Link
Don’t let the motel vibes fool you! This newly renovated property is situated in the perfect location in Paso Robles and the rooms are small but sweet. We love the outdoor seating area around the fire pit in the middle of the motel – It’s perfect for sipping on a bottle of wine after a day of tastings!
Hotel Cheval / Link
Hotel Cheval is Stables Inn’s luxury older sibling in downtown Paso Robles. They only have 16 guest rooms, and offer a truly personalized experience every time you stay!
The Cottage at Law Estate / Link
We love the idea of staying on-property at a vineyard, and The Cottage at Law Estate is at the top of our list! They have two main suites available, making it perfect for a special couples getaway.
Where to Eat in Paso Robles
Paso Market Walk / Link
This food hall-style development is owned by the previous owners of Justin Winery, and it’s full of must-try food and drink spots. Our favorite spots to stop to eat are Just Baked SLO for the best cookies and Leo Leo Gelato for ice cream (always!).
Finca / Link
Finca is also located at Paso Market Walk, and is our favorite spot for a casual dinner after wine tasting. They don’t take ressies – it’s first come first serve! Their fresh take on authentic Mexican food is so so good. We always order the carne asada quesadilla, tacos durados, and of course chips & guac!
La Cosecha / Link
Located on Paso Robles’ main downtown square, La Cosecha is one of our favorite places to stop! Try the serrano croquettes, paella and empanadas.
Les Petites Canailles / Link
If French food is more up your alley, try Les Petites Canailles! Their farm-to-table approach with local central California ingredients is *chefs kiss*.
Negranti Creamery / Link
This ice cream spot has two locations – One in Tin City (more on that below) and one in downtown Paso! They serve yummy goat and sheep’s milk ice cream that is a must-try in the hotter summer months.
Spearhead Coffee / Link
This cute coffee shop is right across the street from the Piccolo Hotel, making it the perfect place for a cup of morning coffee if you’re staying downtown.
Thomas Hill Organics / Link
Widely known as one of the best restaurants in Paso, Thomas Hill Organics is great for lunch or dinner while in town. A farm-to-table approach and seasonal menus mean you’re in for a new treat every time you visit!
Kitchenette / Link
Located in nearby Templeton, Kitchenette is the perfect place to stop for breakfast before a day of tastings!
Hatch / Link
Southern comfort food lovers, rejoice! Hatch has got you covered, from fried chicken to cornbread and everything in between. Pro tip – Make a reservation if you want to head here for dinner. It’s one of the most popular places in town!
Where to Shop in Paso Robles
General Store / Link
This cute store with fun home goods is always one of our favorite places to pop in while in town!
Paso Market Walk / Link
This place is so nice we had to include it twice! In addition to the great restaurants at Paso Market Walk, they also have a few of our favorite places to shop, including Gather Garden Co. and Mercantile by Haley & Co. Definitely plan to spend some time here on your next visit!
Texture / Link
Texture carries the prettiest home goods along with ultra-cute kids clothing. Yes, please!
The Best Wineries In Paso Robles
You could spend a month in Paso Robles and still not hit all of the wineries, but we’re rounding up a handful of our favorites that we never miss below!
Clos Selène / Link
This French boutique winery is known for it’s beautiful Rhône blends, and it’s a favorite of ours for so many reasons! It has such a romantic feel, so add it to your list if you’re on a couples’ getaway. Started by a husband and wife that have a true passion for wine, and hearing their story is one of the best parts of the tasting!
Tin City / Link
We could spend all day at Tin City, and you can too! There are lots of small tasting rooms, breweries, cideries, and distilleries to try, so it’s great bang for your buck if you’re trying to stick to one area. Benom is one of our favorites!
Law Estate Wines / Link
Law Estate Wines is always one of our favorite wineries to hit while in Paso Robles. The estate is a beautiful architectural moment in the valley and the wine is great, too! Their tastings are appointment-only, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to stop by.
Daou Vineyards / Link
If you’ve heard of Paso Robles, you’ve definitely heard of Daou. Come here for the view, and stay for the delicious wine varietals!
Halter Ranch / Link
Halter Ranch has a really beautiful tasting room with oversized windows and lots of open space. We love their 100% estate-grown wines from the heart of the Adelaida district.
Villa Creek Cellars / Link
For great wines and great vibes, head to Villa Creek and MAHA Estate Wine.
Sixmilebridge / Link
This boutique winery focuses exclusively on Bordeaux-style blends and Cabernet Sauvignon from their Paso Robles estate vineyard.
Niner Wine Estates / Link
This family-owned estate has a beautiful courtyard, amazing views, and a unique selection of wine that’s definitely worth a tasting while in Paso!
Rangeland Wines / Link
Rangeland is a tranquil retreat in the middle of Paso Robles wine country. They also grill burgers there on the weekends, which will always get a yes from us!
Shale Oak Winery / Link
Shale Oak is known for its incredible architecture (that stained glass window is everything!) and impressive sustainable practices.
Justin Vineyards / Link
If you can make it, we always recommend going to Justin Vineyards while in Paso Robles. They also have a great restaurant on property that’s the perfect place for a quick lunch between tastings!
Brecon Estate / Link
For great wines and the best vibes, head to Brecon Estate! We love to head here for a golden hour tasting underneath the oak trees.
Hammersky / Link
Hammersky is just too pretty to leave off our list! Their Bordeaux-centric wines and ultra-modern tasting room are definitely worth a spot on your trip.
Whalebone / Link
This family-owned winery on a hill is a must-stop if you love bold red wines. They serve great charcuterie, sell chipotle bacon jam that you just have to take home with you, and have the cutest bulldog “on staff”!
Thacher Winery / Link
Thacher Winery is home to a historic barn and cozy tasting room, and we love their unique red wine blends you can’t find anywhere else.
Rotta Winery / Link
The second oldest winery in the Paso Robles area, Rotta Winery is a small gem off one of the main vineyard roads. They still have the original building from 1908 on the property, as well as an updated tasting room and oversized tree swing.
We hope this Paso Robles travel guide is as helpful as it was fun to put together! For more California wine country travel content, don’t miss our Santa Barbara area travel guide. Where should we head next? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for following along.
Susan Honnell says
Thank you for this guide – DEFINITELY a keeper. I’m a local just a quick DriVe away at the beach – now heading over the hill to check Out all your recommendations. From one paradise to another ~
Mindy Gayer Design Co. says
Aw yay, love hearing that! Hope you enjoy! 🙂