Things to See and Do in Paso Robles

• SensorioBruce Munro's immersive light-and-art installation set against the hills, and it's a genuinely stunning attraction — they keep adding to it, so there's always something new even if you've been before. I especially love it on a crisp winter night, wrapped up in my scarf and jacket, wandering the light fields after dark or sitting by a fire pit enjoying the views. There's also live music and entertainment at dusk, so come early and make an evening of it.
  
• Margarita AdventuresZipline over the historic Santa Margarita Ranch — six lines and a "Zip & Sip" wine option. The biggest thrill in wine country. Pair it with a day trip into the small town of Santa Margarita itself — there are some good food options, and my favorite, the antique stores. Not into heights? They also run elaborate, locally built escape rooms.
  
• Hearst CastleThis legendary hilltop estate in nearby San Simeon has been a go-to for me my entire life. It's not just one general tour — the castle and grounds are immense, with several different tour options. Start with the Grand Rooms Tour on your first visit, then save the specialty tours for when you come back. If you're into architecture, or into remarkable women, the Julia Morgan Tour is a must. I've never made it to the Christmas tours myself, but I've heard they're wonderful.
• Sculpterra Sculpture GardenSculpterra is a winery with some genuinely impressive sculptures scattered throughout its gardens — wander the grounds with a glass of wine in hand. I love spending a Sunday afternoon here, dancing to the live music from the Joy Bonner Band.
  
• Estrella Warbirds MuseumLocated right at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport — over 40 restored military aircraft and 50 military vehicles, plus the adjacent Woodland Auto Display of classic race cars and hot rods. A great stop for aviation buffs and car lovers alike.
  
• Paso Robles Historical SocietyHome to the Paso Robles History Museum, inside the historic 1908 Carnegie Library in Downtown City Park — a National Register building funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Exhibits cover the area's history from its Salinan communities through its hot-springs era to outlaw Jesse James and pianist Ignacy Paderewski, with a genealogy and research library downstairs.
  

Oak-studded hills, the Salinas River, and nearby coastline.

• Montaña de Oro State ParkRugged bluffs, tide pools, and coastal trails near Los Osos — one of the Central Coast's most beautiful parks. It's a spectacular place to take a hike and soak in the beauty of the coast.
• Morro Bay Whale WatchingBoat tours from the harbor beneath iconic Morro Rock — whales, otters & sea life. I haven't personally gone whale watching in Morro Bay myself — my stomach and small boats don't mix — but I've heard great things from friends who have.
  
• Elephant Seal Vista PointIn San Simeon — watch hundreds of elephant seals lounge on the beach year-round, free to visit. I love watching them — they're enormous, sometimes just as enormous in smell, and pure entertainment to observe. My favorite time to go is winter, when the beach fills up with seal pups.
  
• Lake NacimientoI've been coming here since I was a teenager — a great place to waterski, jet ski, boat, fish, or camp, less than 30 minutes from downtown. If you don't like crowds, stay away on holiday weekends.
  
• PickleballCentennial Park has five dedicated courts run by the Paso Robles Pickleball Club, open daily with drop-in visitor play welcome for a small fee. Templeton Tennis Ranch also has courts if you're looking for another option. Sherwood Park is the newest addition — a $3.4 million pickleball complex that celebrated its ribbon-cutting in 2026.
  
• Atascadero Lake ParkA 2.2-mile paved loop trail circles the lake — an easy, family-friendly walk, and it's right next to the Central Coast Zoo if you want to make an afternoon of it.
• Carrizo Plain National MonumentAbout an hour east — one of California's last great grasslands, and one of the state's best spots for spring wildflower superblooms. Bloom timing is unpredictable and depends on winter rain, but when it hits, it's typically mid-March through April, with color lingering into June in a good year. Soda Lake and the short boardwalk trail are the easiest way to take it in; the San Andreas Fault also runs right through the monument. Services are extremely limited out there, so bring water, fuel, and food, and check road conditions before you go. I try to see the wildflowers every year.
  

Wine country's quieter cousin — a nice break from tasting rooms, and just as much a part of Paso.

• Kiler Ridge Olive Oil FarmThis spectacular westside farm, with its genuinely unique tasting experience and orchard tours, is owned by my neighbors, Gregg Bone and Audrey Burnam. If you want an in-depth, extremely technical explanation of the olive oil-making process, ask for Gregg. If you prefer the hospitality side, ask for Audrey.
  
• PasolivoAward-winning oils, tasted either at their scenic ranch off Highway 46 or their downtown store.
  
• Olea FarmAn old-world-style farm with a tasting room in rural Templeton.
• Olivas de OroA Tin City tasting room for oils, artisan vinegars, and sea salts.
• Mt. Olive Organic FarmAn organic farm on Adelaida Road with a small tasting room for olive oils, olives, and tapenades, plus a walnut pesto worth seeking out. There's also a bakery and organic produce stand on-site — a fun stop to break up a day of wine tasting.
• We OliveOn Park Street downtown — complimentary daily tastings of over 15 local extra virgin olive oils, plus balsamic vinegars, tapenades, and other gourmet foods. A convenient stop if you're already strolling downtown rather than driving out to a farm.
  
• Sunshine Olive OilA family-owned grower with a tasting room and home goods shop on Pine Street downtown — complimentary tastings of their award-winning organic extra virgin olive oils, plus French-inspired linens, olive wood, and gifts.
  
• Groves on 41A mother-daughter olive farm on Highway 41 East in Templeton, with about 4,000 Arbequina and Koroneiki trees. Tastings and tours are by appointment only, so call ahead. Their flavored oils are a highlight — the praline is a favorite drizzled over ice cream.