Road Trip to Real California

Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through fields of wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting with winemakers. It's where after an afternoon e-biking through vineyards you can kick back in a historic, walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.

Week: 04.30.2025
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Light This Way

Experience the Extraordinary Sensorio Lighted Art Exhibition in Paso Robles

Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles
Live music at the Sensorio Mercado Restaurant in Bar in Paso Robles
The Tower of Light colorful exhibit at Sensorio in Paso Robles
Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.
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Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

Go on a guided horseback ride at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles

People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles
Two people on a horse at a sundial at Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles
Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.
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Eat, Drink, E-bike!

Paso Robles Family and Dog Friendly Food and Wine Adventures

Two women on e-bikes at Cass Vineyard and Winery near Paso Robles
A woman manages the woodfire pizza oven on the patio Cass Vineyard and Winery near Paso Robles
The lively outdoor patio filled with people at Cass Vineyard and Winery near Paso Robles
Third Wheel Sidecar Tours in Paso Robles
No offense to charcuterie but sometimes you want a full meal while tasting world-class wine. And Paso Robles knows this better than perhaps any other wine region in California. Case in point: Cass Vineyard and Winery, where you can eat, drink, and e-bike!
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Downtown Delights

Visit Historic Downtown Paso Robles for Food, Drinks, and Shopping

Two women sit on the grass with trees behind them at Downtown City Park in Paso Robles
Carnegie Library is a building in Paso Robles Downtown City Park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
A woman looks at art deco posters inside The General Store located in downtown Paso Robles
Behold Paso Robles’ historic-meets-modern downtown. At the center of it all: Downtown City Park, surrounded by chic and down-to-earth food + drink establishments, beautiful mural art, and stores unique to Paso's creative roots.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

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  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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