15 Best Things To Do In Paso Robles, California - Updated 2024

things to do in paso robles california
Perri
Perri 
Updated
| 8 min read

Paso Robles is a city in central California known for its wineries and olive groves. Home to an adorable, charming downtown area, there are plenty of Paso Robles activities to keep you busy, from wine tours, cooking classes, breweries, and even an amusement park for kids. Experience beautiful scenery, delicious food, and local wines, while feeling at home in this small town. If you happen to be looking for hotels in San Luis Obispo, where Paso Robles is, we hope you consider paying a visit. After you know where to stay, read these exciting things to do in Paso Robles, California.

1. Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden

DSC27347, Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden, Paso Robles, California, USA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jim G used under CC BY 2.0

Wine and art is brought together at this unique Paso Robles winery. Setting itself apart from other wineries in the area, Sculpterra has an impressive sculpture garden, featuring pieces from both permanent and visiting artists. Beginning a ranch for both pistachios and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Frankel family eventually ditched the pistachios to produce a larger variety of wine grapes. Eventually they opened a tasting room, and showcased fine art and sculptures. Many are even for sale, with some costing tens of thousands of dollars. The winery is also host to numerous events, including live music every Sunday, wine club events, and summer concerts. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden

Address: 5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden

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2. Firestone Walker Brewing Company Tours

Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout
Source: Photo by Flickr user David used under CC BY 2.0

This brewery, which has become well known in the craft beer world, has humble beginnings in Paso Robles. Started by brothers-in-law David Walker and Adam Firestone, this brewery has since become nationally distributed with three locations in California. If you are a beer lover, this stop is a must. Pick from one of three tours: the Brewhouse Tour, the Barrel Room Tour, or the Evening Tour. The Brewhouse Tour takes guests on a tour of both the old and new brewhouses, the fermentation cellar, and bottling line. Guests will receive four beer samples, and a souvenir bag containing a snifter glass and a bottle opener. The Brewhouse Tour is 10 USD, and start times change weekly. Reservations are recommended.

Opt for the Barrel Room Tour and see parts of the brewery that are usually off-limits to the public. See everything you would see on the Brewhouse Tour, in addition to the canning and kegging hall, and the barrel room. The Barrel Room Tours are only offered Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. Tours are 30 USD and gets you 5 beer samples and a souvenir bag containing a 12oz vintage beer, a Glencairn glass, and a bottle opener. The Evening Tour, which shows the Brewhouse and Barrel Room, are only offered on select dates with limited spaces. The tour is 15 USD and gets you four beer samples and a souvenir bag containing a snifter glass, a bottle opener, and a koozie.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, California, 93446

Website: Firestone Walker Brewing Company

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3. The Ravine Waterpark

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For those looking for family fun, grab the kids and head to Paso Robles Ravine Waterpark. Situated amongst vineyards, wineries, and golf courses, this is great area to spend the day. Slide your way down the giant slide Thunder Run, tube through the flume Anaconda and Viper, or lounge around in Kickback Creek. Do your kids love the water, but it is not your thing? Chill on the sundeck of the Tadpool while your kids splash in the water. Regular admission is 27.99 USD, and junior admission is 19.99 USD, with several types of group discount packages available. The season goes from the end of May to the beginning of September, and they are open from 10:30am to 6pm.

The Ravine Waterpark

Address: 2301 Airport Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: The Ravine Waterpark

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4. Franklin Hot Springs

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Franklin Hot Springs on Monday, February 14, 2022

Hot Springs are a natural spring of hot water that is heated by geothermal activity. They are thought to have therapeutic advantages due to their high mineral content, ionization, gases and PH variations, and may help increase metabolism, soothe sore muscles, detoxify and improve blood circulation. Regardless of whether or not these claims are true, Franklin Hot Springs is a great place to spend the day relaxing, whether you like boating, fishing, or soaking in the hot spring. Entrance fees include all of those activities, with additional activities such as paintball or camping also being available for purchase. Tickets start at 7 USD for adults and 5 USD for children. They are open daily, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, and Friday through Sunday from 8am to 12am.

Franklin Hot Springs

Address: 3015 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: Franklin Hot Springs

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5. Downtown Paso Robles Food, Wine, and Walking Tour

Downtown Paso Robles 4
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Prasad used under CC BY-SA 2.0

For those wanting to sample the best food and wine Paso Robles has to offer, this is the tour for you. Take a tour of the historic downtown district of Paso Robles, where you will learn about the history and culture of the town and hear stories of famous outlaw Jesse James. Experience local chefs’ food and wine pairings, and stop at tasting rooms to sample additional Paso Robles Wine. Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Tours start at 11am and are 78 USD per person.

Downtown Paso Robles Food, Wine, and Walking Tour

Website: Downtown Paso Robles Food, Wine, and Walking Tour

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6. Refugio Cooking School

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Hands-On Knife Skills Class at Refugio with Dubost Wines

Posted by Refugio on Friday, August 25, 2017

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local food and wine culture, taking a cooking class at Refugio is a fun, interactive way to do that. Paso Robles is known for their wine, olives, and local produce, and Refugio uses that to its advantage. Learn cooking and entertaining skills from owner Brigit Binns and/or visiting chefs. Prepare a meal using local ingredients paired with local wines, and enjoy it outside surrounded by scenic views of olive trees and vineyards. Maybe even meet some new friends too. Check the website for the updated cooking class schedule.

Refugio Cooking School

Address: Barley Grain Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: Refugio Cooking School

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7. Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden

Beer flight at BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
Source: Photo by Flickr user Sarah Stierch used under CC BY 2.0

Enjoy some amazing beer at Barrelhouse Brewery’s beer garden. Take in the scenery while jamming to some live music, munching on food truck specialties, and drinking some delicious beer. Pouring hours are Monday through Thursday from 2pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm. Enjoy a tour on Friday through Sunday at 3pm, which are free with the purchase of a beer.

Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden

Address: 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: Barrelhouse Brewery and Beer Garden

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8. Paso Robles Wine Adventure (from USD 99.0)

Choose from a half or full day tour and visit 4 to 6 wineries. Hear about the culture and history of local Paso Robles wineries, while taking in spectacular views along the way. Taste wine at small, family owned wineries in an intimate setting. Sip Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux, as well as special blends. Enjoy a deli-style picnic lunch on the full day tour (vegetarian option available). Tickets start at 69 USD with water and tasting fees included. Lunch is also included on the full day tour.

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Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Paso Robles, CA

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

149 reviews

9. Paso Robles Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Adventure Walking Tour (from USD 20.0)

Before experiencing the other Paso Robles attractions, it is very important to engage in this scavenger hunt in the Paso Robles, City Park because it is not only a game to be played, but it is also a fun way to explore the city. This is because the scavenger hunt will take you all around the city and you get to see the amazing sites in Paso Robles. Since the hunt lasts for two hours, tourists will have plenty of time to explore, sample the fine eateries, and get some drinks. The benefit of experiencing the scavenger hunt first is that you will be able to plan your stay in Paso Robles. You will get a glimpse of all the fine sights and it will help you decide the places you want to explore further.

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Paso Robles Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Adventure Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

10 reviews

10. Paso Robles Pioneer Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Be sure to check out our gas station exhibit.

Posted by Paso Robles Pioneer Museum on Saturday, August 6, 2022

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is THE place to learn about the history of Paso Robles. Its exhibits showcase how the founders of the town lived. The museum has a replica of the original town jail, memorabilia from the old one-room schools, and it even exhibits the mining culture of old California and the cowboy culture of the Wild West. The area around Paso Robles, as well as the rest of California, has a colorful history. It began as a backwater province of the Viceroyalty of Mexico then became a part of the Alta California province of the First Mexican Empire and the Mexican Republic, finally it was incorporated into the United States. Thus, the museum commemorates the early years of Paso Robles by preserving the heritage of the first settlers. This museum, as a result, is for fans of history and cultural heritage.

Paso Robles Pioneer Museum

Address: 2010 Riverside Ave. Paso Robles, CA 93446

Website: Paso Robles Pioneer Museum

Opening hours: Thu - Sun : 1pm - 4pm

Price: Free

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11. Suisun Valley Olive Mill Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings (from USD 35.0)

A trip to Paso Robles will be incomplete without sampling the finest olive oil in Paso Robles. Tourists don’t just get to taste the finest local olive oil, but they get to witness the process of how olive oil gets made. Watching the process shows you a slice of the history behind olive oil production since it can be traced back to the Old Testament. Olive oil has been used for food, as anointing oil, fuel, and religious purposes for a long time. Going on a tour of the finest olive mills in Paso Robles will show you that olive oil is much more than just something you use to make pasta sauce. This tour of the Pasolivo olive mill is best for history buffs, lovers of organic meals, and all other olive oil lovers, so don’t forget to add it to your list of what to do in Paso Robles!

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Suisun Valley Olive Mill Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

12. Hearst Castle (from USD 159.0)

Hearst Castle
Source: Photo by Flickr user Anna Irene used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hearst Castle was built to be the home of the newspaper magnate and politician William Randolph Hearst, also well-known as the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane, the main character of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. The tour is led by friendly tour guides who share the history and heritage of this home. Visiting this house will show how life was like in the days before the Great Depression. This castle is heaven for history lovers and art lovers alike.

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Hearst Castle and Central Coast Tour

Duration: 5.5 to 7.5 hour

8 reviews

13. Paso Robles Children's Museum

Little Copen Firemen at the Paso Robles Children's Museum
Source: Photo by Flickr user Loren Javier used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you have kids and don’t know where to go in Paso Robles to keep them busy, don’t worry! The Paso Robles Children’s Museum, located in the old volunteer firehouse, is a place for families with children to visit because of its amazing exhibits, like the playgrounds, the Firehouse Pizza Kitchen, and even El Mercado, the market where children can learn some Spanish. The theater area also allows children to act out their own plays. As a result, children can enjoy and learn at the same time in this amazing museum. Also, they get immersed in the history behind Paso Robles in a fun way. Thus, the Children’s Museum is a go-to spot for the kids.

Paso Robles Children's Museum

Address: 623 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA

Website: Paso Robles Children’s Museum

Opening hours: Sun, Thu - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Wed, Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed Mon & Tue)

Price: 5-7 USD

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14. DAOU Vineyards

Daou Vineyards
Source: Photo by Flickr user Harold Litwiler used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Joining the wineries on this list is the elegant DAOU Vineyards. Owned by winemaker Daniel Daou and his brother Georges Daou, the vineyard is a vision and hard work that came to life. It is the perfect place to bring your kids along for a picnic in the city, while the adults enjoy some wine sampling and pairings. After your experience at Daou Vineyards, take a piece of Paso Robles with you and bring home some of their finest bottles.

DAOU Vineyards

Address: 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States

Website: DAOU Vineyards

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

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15. River Oaks Hot Springs Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have you heard the good news?!? OUTDOOR SPA #19 IS OPEN AGAIN! Check out this view.

Posted by River Oaks Hot Springs Spa on Tuesday, September 6, 2016

If you’re looking for a way to keep the relaxed vibe in Paso Robles, revel in the tubs of River Oaks Hot Springs Spa. It is the perfect place for your romantic getaway if you’re in the city with your loved one. Ease the tension with reflexology or try their herbal wrap massage. In case you’re feeling particularly fancy, you should take a look at some of their special packages: The Good Life Getaway, Chocolate Lover’s Package, and Wine Country Wellness. Cap off your day with a nice soak at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa.

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa

Address: 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States

Website: River Oaks Hot Springs Spa

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

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Something for everyone!

This California town is located in the heart of wine country. This list includes obligatory wine tours, as well as other activities to appreciate local wine such as cooking lessons. Beer tours for the beer lovers and a waterpark for the kids means there is something for everyone in this small town.

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8 Best Things To Do In Paso Robles, California
Source: Trip101.com

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Paso Robles, California


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Perri Lerner is a freelance writer based in Portland, Or. In her free time she loves to run, do yoga, travel, and eat amazing vegan food.

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