I’ve put together a charming list of 7 of the most romantic Paso Robles activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are married, single or with friends. Romance can be enjoyed by everyone, even alone! I should start a new hashtag for Self Care Romance! Seriously, it should be a thing.
Paso Robles, California is a lovely little town in Central California. Whether you are from Northern or Southern California. It is part of the San Luis Obispo County. It is situated right in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco off the 101 Highway.
Paso Robles is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, but it’s quieter and less expensive than the popular locations such as Napa Valley, Sonoma or Santa Barbara. It is a great stop during a road trip along the California coastline. You can get to it by car, train and by plane.
2020 Update: Paso Robles, CA was named as #6 on New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2020!
Romantic Paso Robles Activities
Visit Wineries & Vineyards
I have a small confession to make. My body doesn’t metabolize alcohol properly so it makes me ill. My skin starts to flush and I basically fall asleep within a half hour. So I rarely drink wine, maybe 2-3 sips tops. But I do love to visit wineries because they have the most beautiful properties and estates. And just something about strolling through a quiet vineyard is just so romantic and charming.
What I’m basically saying is that I don’t know anything about wine. I can’t recommend a good wine, or know the difference between good or bad wine. So unfortunately, I can only tell you about the location and the atmosphere of the winery and the property. So I hope you find the below information helpful!
Self-Guided Tour of the Allegretto Vineyard on Bicycles
Allegretto Vineyard is a large and beautiful Mediterranean-inspired estate. With acres of vineyard views, it calls to mind the rustic surroundings of a Northern-Italian villa.
Aside from award-winning food and wine, Allegretto is also a grand resort. It has over 170 guestrooms and suites with balconies and patios overlooking lush, green grape vines as far as the eye can see.
The property offers bicycle rentals to ride around their property or around Paso Robles. Take a self-guided tour around the villa on their single rider bikes or their tandem bikes.
In addition, their Wine Tasting room is immense and graced with a gorgeous chandelier. During our visit, we quietly toured the grounds and marveled at the collection of art that decorated the hallways and the courtyard. The Allegretto is truly a grand estate for the true romantic and is ideal for a grand wedding. Definitely perfect for a weekend getaway in Paso Robles. You can book a room and stay your entire trip, or just come for a quick visit to taste wine and tour the grounds at your leisure.
Enjoy a Sunset at DAOU Vineyard
DAOU Vineyard was established in 2007. Their tasting room was designed and built in 2011, but instead of a “room”, it is actually a stunning outdoor patio area with a beautiful garden. The staff at the winery was kind enough to let us visit the property for free without having to purchase a wine tasting.
We had a lovely time visiting the property. It had amazing panoramic views of the vineyards below. And it was a beautiful clear day in sunny California even though the views looked like we were somewhere in France or Italy.
It was one of my favorite wineries to visit. It’s quiet and peaceful. And as soon as you exit your car on the property, you can smell the fermenting grapes. It was a delicious aroma.
If you time your visit perfectly, you can also witness a romantic and gorgeous sunset, along with a glass of chardonnay. This is voted by me, as the #1 Most Romantic Paso Robles Activity to enjoy, just minus the wine part for me.
Picnic at the Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden
Scuplterra Winery is located a bit out of the way from the main Paso Robles area, but it’s a quick 15-minute drive. The property is immense and they are known for curating stunning works of art for their famous Sculpture Garden. Enjoy art and wine at the same time as one of the top Paso Robles activities.
It is 100% free to park and stroll through their property. It includes their beautifully manicured gardens in the front and the back of the main tasting room and gift shop. Throughout the garden, amazing sculptures made from iron and steel, marble carvings and other fantastic art are displayed. It is pretty incredible to stroll through the gardens with a wine glass in hand and enjoy the day sipping wine and perusing art. Occasionally there is live music as well in the back terrace area. Visit their website for more details about their featured artists and musicians.
The vineyard in the back of the property is also graced with a magnificent oak tree that towers over the vines, guarding them with its shade and security. The area is not fenced off, so you are welcome to lounge about this spot to enjoy the shade of the tree while reading a book. Pack your own picnic and enjoy a quick lunch or snack under the canopy of the great oak. Or simply stroll through the rows of grape vines at your leisure. It is a charming and romantic winery to spend time with your loved one or simply by yourself.
Other Romantic Paso Robles Activities
Get Tickets for Sensorio Field of Light Exhibit
The Sensorio “Field of Light” exhibit by Bruce Munro is a limited time event which will end January 2021. So purchase your tickets in advance if you wish to check out this event. General Admission tickets are around $35 per person. And they also have VIP tickets that get special upper terrace seating which includes dinner. It is one of the most romantic Paso Robles activities you will ever experience.
“Sensorio, the intersection of art, technology, and nature, has been designed as a destination for entertainment, exploration, meditation, adventure, and delight. Sensorio will honor the natural topography of the landscape and offer a wide range of amusing, mystical, and kinetic experiences.”
There is live music, food trucks and wine all for purchase at the event. Arrive early and you can catch the amazing sunset as well. I also recommend using headphones during your trek through the lights. Play your own choice of “mood” music while you stroll among the lights and marvel at the colors and the intricate fiber optics. It’ll also help to drown out other background noise from the other guests. It is a lovely experience and feast for the eyes.
Take a Horseback Riding Winery Tour
One of the most unique Paso Robles activities to experience is to view the surrounding landscape on horseback. Central Coast Trails offers a variety of different trail tours around Paso Robles. Book a tour around sunset, and you will be amazed by the views and the colors! Enjoy the ride as a couple, or in a family group. Or simply just by yourself with a knowledgeable guide at the lead.
We didn’t get a chance to experience this particular tour first hand but I have heard nothing but great things about it. So if you ever do go horseback riding in Paso Robles, make sure to comment and let me know about it below.
Relax & De-Stress in Natural Hot Springs
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice hot soak with a glass of wine? Relax the muscles and melt the stress away at three natural Hot Springs locations around Paso Robles.
1) The River Oaks Hot Springs Spa is a full service spa. It has been a gathering place and a source of rejuvenation and relaxation for many years. Surprisingly, not many locals have heard of this place but it’s idyllically romantic to sooth your mind and body.
2) Paso Robles Inn has lodgings with natural hot spring water pumped directly into hot tubs in each of their suites. Book a room with them and you’ll be sure to enjoy a lovely romantic stay.
3) Franklin Hot Springs is a public natural hot spring with no frills. This location would be the least romantic to visit but it is ideal for visitors who enjoy the extreme outdoor nature vibe of a hot spring.
Have Lunch and Taste Olive Oils at an Olive Orchard
Yes, you can actually “taste” olive oils. I did not know that for the longest time, but then we came across a little tasting room a few years ago. And now I am hooked!
Olive oils can be flavored and it can be used in so many different ways, not just for cooking savory recipes only. It can even be used as a topping drizzled on ice cream!
Olive oil can be rich and robust in flavors. And then it can be light and delicate as well. It is really quite similar to Wine. There is a whole science behind the making of olive oils.
Visit the Kiler Ridge Olive Orchard, and sample their oils while learning about authentic, small batch extra virgin olive oils. Find out what it takes for their olives to go from tree to bottle ~ all while admiring spectacular views of their orchards and the surrounding vineyards.
Additional Paso Robles Tours
Here are some additional activities to do in the beautiful wine country of Paso Robles. If you are new to the area, I highly recommend taking a guided tour with a local that could provide the best experience in the quiet little town.
Where to Stay – Paso Robles Lodging
Make sure to visit my blog post about my unique experience staying at the most Adorable little Bed & Breakfast Farm Stay. Plus, other highly recommended Paso Robles accommodations in the area.
From luxury resorts to a simple farm stay, Paso Robles has lodgings suited for everyone’s preference and their wallet.
XOXO – Patti
Great post and wow, such beautiful photos! I am adding the Field of Lights exhibit to my bucket list and hope I can make it before it’s gone. It’s been a few years since I visited California from the east coast where I’m based. With the weather dipping below 30 degrees here I might just book a ticket now 🙂
Your photos are so gorgeous. I can definitely see the romance. And wow, the sensory light show is so beautiful. Wish I could fly quickly over and see it. How stunning.
How beautiful is the Field of Lights exhibit? I’ve never seen anything like this and your photos are amazing! I hope it’s not a one-off event, would love to see one day.
Unfortunately the event is ending in January. But I heard it was an introduction to something bigger that they will be building in that area that will be permanent!
I just got a notification that the Sensorio event is extending their dates to June 2020!!!
I’m not much of romantic person, but I do believe I would enjoy all of the mentioned activities
I’ve never heard of this place, but it sounds like a great spot for a romantic getaway! My husband and I are going to be exploring the USA more over the next few years so I’ll have to add this to my list!
Oh wow this is in California? It gives me France / Italy vibes! That’s so cool
The field of lights is calling our name!!! Spending a day just galavanting around in the sculpture garden. Soo many beautiful spaces that are itching for gramm photos!!
omg that shot of hanging out in the spa = heaven. My husband and I are desperately in need of a romantic getaway and this sounds perfect. Loved your photos and ideas. Great post and thanks for sharing!
Wow! This is stunning. I love the Field of Light and I hope to be able to visit there when I’ll visit California. Thank you for sharing!
The Field of Lights looks incredible! What a unique spot to visit!
I loved the beginning – self care romance!! You should definitely start that hashtag haha. I drove through Paso Robles without stopping, but I wish I had known about that sculpture garden! It looks stunning, and do your photos.