Paso Robles Day Trips: 5 Can’t-Miss Adventures

Paso Robles, often called “Paso” by those in the know, is becoming this really well-known spot, not just for its fantastic wines but as this super-convenient basecamp for experiencing all sorts of California awesomeness. Very close, you’ll find a bunch of amazing day trip possibilities, from scenic coastlines to historically loaded landmarks. We are gonna run through, like, five of the coolest day trips you can do if you are staying in Paso. We will try to cover what makes each location special and also include some ideas about making the most of the visit. Oh and definitely take a look at local events, there is something almost every weekend!

1. Hearst Castle: A Step Back in Time

Right up the scenic Highway 1 is Hearst Castle. Seriously, it’s one spot you totally need to check out. Almost like, the grand estate, imagined by William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, has an extremely amazing mix of architecture and a bit of Old Hollywood Glam. So when you swing by, plan to join one of the tours. That way you’re gonna, you know, see the insane Neptune Pool, the lavishly over-the-top Grand Rooms, and these gardens that kinda look like they came straight from a fairy tale. Do you notice the ceilings? Really awesome!

Anyway, just so you know, the drive itself is really beautiful, hugging the coast the whole way, so you can take in these stunning ocean views. If you wanna go, I suggest booking the tour tickets ahead of time. It helps miss long queues, especially when you get there during peak season. Oh and, don’t forget your camera; there’s a photo opportunity at almost every angle there. Almost makes me wanna dress up and take pictures, but I guess that would look weird!

2. San Luis Obispo (SLO): The Heart of the Central Coast

A quick, maybe 30-minute, drive south from Paso Robles, you will get to San Luis Obispo, which we often just call SLO. This place has this cool mix of laid-back college vibes and classy culture. The place everybody goes is, almost, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. This is, basically, a beautiful spot. Here you will be walking around old Spanish architecture and reading, almost like, about the city’s origins. SLO has, in some respects, some spots to visit.

Another very important thing is that the downtown area is seriously awesome for wandering. So it is, in that case, you should visit Bubblegum Alley for a weird photo-op, check out the boutiques on Higuera Street, and have a drink somewhere with live tunes. Also, kind of, every Thursday night, the city puts on a farmers market which turns into a huge block party with food, music, and local stuff to purchase. Keep a eye for thehistoric buildings downtown, the old movie theater is pretty spectacular! This way, very nice, yeah!

3. Cambria: Coastal Charm and Art Galleries

Just a little further on down from Hearst Castle, along the iconic Highway 1, Cambria kinda offers this really awesome mix of artistic vibes with that serene coastal beauty. Anyway, the town, a bit, has a great reputation because of the amount of art galleries, and quirky shops lining Main Street, what makes strolling around very pleasurable.

The place almost everyone hits when they are there is Moonstone Beach, and you could walk that boardwalk with it’s pretty ocean scenes and that way find a moonstone to keep. Honestly, you can listen to the waves, spot sea otters or even birds. Anyway if you are a very big fan of the outdoors then there is a hike on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. I was walking there when a whale breached right in front of me. At the end of the day, it’s a wonderful, kinda, place just for relaxing!

4. Morro Bay: Iconic Rock and Coastal Delights

If you feel like seeing a seriously unforgettable bit of California’s shoreline, then a trip out to Morro Bay needs to be on your list. Anyway, the town has Morro Rock, is almost this ancient volcanic plug sticking out of the bay. Is that the most picturesque of photo backdrops?

While in Morro Bay, maybe try to swing by the Embarcadero where you might just find loads of seafood spots, cool shops and a whole load of chances for watching marine life. You’ll probably see sea lions chilling on the docks. To get a close up view of the area it is, kind of, popular to book yourself on a harbor cruise or rent yourself a kayak, that sounds about right. By the way if you’re really into seeing wildlife, swing by the Morro Bay State Park, you see birds, is that kinda a big deal! Grab an unforgettable burger at Frankie and Lolas Front Street Burger!

5. Paso Wine Country: Beyond the Vineyards

Now, Paso Robles is pretty popular for wineries and you know what, so, just stepping out the door you’re right there in wine country! Anyway Paso’s wineries, I suppose, go more that 200 and make all kinds of wine. It’s so easy to spend all day doing wine tastings. In any event, besides the wine itself Paso also has loads of things that make visiting enjoyable like beautiful vineyards.

To actually make it something really special, well you can book yourself a wine tour that’ll drive you around the wineries. Almost everyone books these, so they can kick back and not be behind the wheel all the time. Seriously check out some of the farms in the area with olive oil and local almonds, so you can find amazing treats. Basically wine country, you know what I mean. Also, there’s a winery that makes killer balsamic vinegar if you wanna bring gifts! Remember that while you’re, kinda, going to these wine places always plan, right. Have that driver on hand or think about these tours I told you about!