Savor Summer in Paso Robles
Take a Summer Road Trip to Paso Robles
Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences—from the epic and magical lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, to refreshing Lake Nacimiento, plentiful patio dining, and unique places to stay.
Lake Life: Summer of The Dragon
Whether you like to dip your toes in the water or want to go full cannonball for a big splash, Lake Nacimiento—just minutes from downtown Paso Robles—is a refreshing change from the usual scenery. Dubbed “The Dragon” because of its winding waterways and shape, the lake is surrounded by a wilderness of mountains, river canyons, and forest.
There’s plenty to do here, from paddle-boarding to water-skiing or just finding the perfect private cove to relax in (hint: head for “The Narrows”).
Take a short hike at the lake, then take a cool-down dip or put your mettle to the test on the designated wakeboard slalom course in Dip Creek Cove.
Rent a boat and drop anchor in quiet spots. Find rentals at Lake Nacimiento Marina. The lake also has a general store, restaurant, and lodging.
Vinecycling
Take your wine tasting experience to an electrifying new level with a Vinecycle tour. You’ll e-bike through some of Paso’s most esteemed vineyard estates, like Castoro Cellars, Ancient Peaks-Margarita Adventures, JUSTIN, and Robert Hall Winery.
The cool thing about these tours is that you get up to vantage points not normally accessible while discovering vineyards and what makes this region so prized for its amazing wines; sip samples amid the vines, then relax with a premier wine tasting from the places you’ve just explored. Nice way to roll.
Sensorio Sensation
Head for the hills of Paso Robles to experience one of the world’s most illuminating shows. The lighted art exhibition known as Sensorio is pure magic, an immersive experience through whimsical works of solar-powered art and sculpture installations.
Arrive before sunset and enjoy live music plus food from the Mercado Restaurant and Bar (a food truck is also on-site). As the night deepens, begin your journey on well-marked paths through fields of lighted exhibits, beginning at the largest one, The Field of Light.
Then follow the path through several other art exhibits alight with ingenuity and creativity, including the newest exhibit, FOSO, created by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro. FOSO (Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra) is set to a musical score synchronized to the colorful lights. Take your time strolling and stopping at Airstream bars, benches, and other resting areas. Enter enchanted, leave enlightened.
Concerts in the Park
Downtown City Park in Paso Robles is charming by nature: expansive, welcoming, and home to the impressively designed Carnegie Library (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). It’s kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and music-friendly! Downtown City Park hosts the popular Paso Robles Concerts in the Park series: no-fee public concerts on Thursday nights throughout the summer.
Spread a blanket or set up lawn chairs and pack a picnic (J. Lohr wine and Firestone beer can be purchased on-site, along with non-alcohol beverages). Then kick back and relax or dance to the sounds of country, blues rock, and a mix of genres from local bands.
Where to Eat & Stay
Agricultural roots run deep in Paso Robles. Couple that with creatives of all types deciding to make Paso home, and it’s no surprise that Paso Robles has emerged as a foodie’s dream. At downtown’s Fish Gaucho there’s a food menu and a tequila menu—both of which are stellar. Flavorfully adventurous Mexican cuisine pairs with a backbar of meticulously curated tequilas.
For those who love a historic location to dine in, FINCA is another Mexican restaurant from the owners of Napa-based La Taquiza (a recurring Michelin Guide honoree since 2009). Set in the historic farmhouse of Paso’s Old Hometown Nursery, FINCA blends traditional and regional ingredients for a California Central Coast flavorful experience.
Say hello, or rather, ciao, to a revamped motel’s most refreshing restaurants; Ciao Papi is open to all and located in one of the coolest places to stay: River Lodge is a modernized motel revamped from motor lodge roots. Each of the 28 guest rooms here is an art deco meets ultra-lux comfort, with a front porch and an adult pool with bar. Dine amid an airy and dreamy ambience—Ciao Papi’s menu features gourmet pizzas, chicken lettuce wraps, and salads for the season.
Aptly named, The Backyard in downtown Paso Robles feels like how it sounds… a family- and dog-friendly wine and beer garden with food, drinks, games, and traditional German biergarten tables. Seating areas are shaded by umbrellas, with both misters and fire pits on-site to meet the weather of the moment. It’s also within easy walking distance of nearby accommodations and the historic Downtown City Park.
If your headspace for food is all about original and organic, Thomas Hills Organics Bistro & Wine Bar is going to appeal to both your imagination and your palate. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers, breads produced by local artisan bakers, and signature dishes are honest to goodness celebrations of the region’s agricultural bounty.
STAY: From the art deco and chic River Lodge (a motor lodge turned modernized motel) to the ease and comfort of Oxford Suites, and the Trip Adviser Traveler’s Choice 2024 award-winning Adelaide Inn, there are all kinds of lodging options in Paso Robles: family-friendly, dog-friendly, pool-friendly… some in secluded spots, others located where you can easily walk to downtown.
