Paso Robles, California, is a perfect place for a family road trip! Located in the heart of wine country, Paso Robles is not just for wine lovers, but a great place for a family vacation.

With many exciting activities for kids and adults alike, from beautiful vineyards and light shows to hiking trails and water parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re interested in tasting delicious local wines, exploring nature, or having fun at a water park, Paso Robles has it all. You’ll find great places to eat, cozy spots to stay, and lots of fun things to do.

Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Paso Robles!

Itinerary for a Family Road Trip to Paso Robles

We know that every family is different and may want to experience different things when visiting Paso Robles, but if you’re planning on spending a few days in our beautiful city, here is a rundown of some of the ways you can spend your time.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Once you arrive in Paso Robles, check into your family-friendly accommodation and get settled. There are many incredible lodging options in Paso Robles like the Paso Robles Inn & Steakhouse, which is just across from the Downtown Park and offers a beautiful garden and cozy, newly renovated rooms.

If you’re looking for something a little more private, you can find beautiful rental properties on the some of the vineyards and through Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, Digs Vacation Rentals, or Templeton Vacation Rentals. If traveling in an RV is more your style, check out Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country.

After settling in and doing some quick unpacking, head out for dinner at a local restaurant. Whether you’re looking for Italian food at Etto Pasta Bar, barbecue at Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, or a quick burger at Pappy McGregor’s, there are a number of incredible restaurants that feature locally sourced ingredients from right here in California.

Day 2: Wine Tasting and Sensorio

Start your day with a visit to a family-friendly winery, or two. Eberle Winery is a great choice because it offers free tours of their wine caves and has picnic areas where kids can play. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy some snacks from their deli.

Wineries like Four Lanterns Winery, Locatelli Winery, and others offer lawn games and other family-friendly activities for you to do during your tasting,

After your tastings, enjoy a nice early dinner at the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, which has a kids’ menu and lots of space for the whole family to enjoy.

Once dinner is over, and the sun has started to set, make your way over to Sensorio, an amazing light installation by artist Bruce Munro. Spend the evening walking through the lights and taking lots of pictures of this incredible art installation that calls Paso Robles home.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Downtown Exploration

Start your morning with a hike at Lake Nacimiento, where you can enjoy easy trails and beautiful lake views. It’s a great spot for a family picnic and some fun outdoor time.

After your hike, head back to downtown Paso Robles for lunch. Try Red Scooter Deli, which offers sandwiches, salads, and smoothies that everyone will love.

Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Paso Robles. Visit the Downtown Park, where kids can play on the playground while you relax under the trees after stopping by one of the family-friendly Downtown Paso Robles tasting rooms, like Hoyt Family Vineyards or Sea Shell Cellars. Your kids might also want to check out the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, a hands-on museum that will help get some of the energy out of the younger ones.

In the evening, find a family-friendly event or activity like live music, art exhibits, and more which happen often in the Downtown Park. For dinner, Della’s Wood-Fired Pizza is a great spot for pizza lovers, offering a variety of delicious, wood-fired pizzas and other ingredient-driven rustic dishes. You can also order your pizzas for takeout if you want a night in with the family after a busy day of adventures.

Day 4: More Fun and Departure

If you have time before you leave, consider visiting another winery or attraction. Dark Star has pets and chickens to keep the kids entertained, and Castoro Cellars is a family-friendly winery with beautiful grounds, disc golf, and bocce ball courts for some extra fun.

Family Fun Beyond Wine Tasting

While Paso Robles is known for our vineyards, wineries, and tastings, there are also many options for children, those under 21, or those who do not enjoy wine. The example itinerary above mentions some of these great activities, but here is a little more information about those types of activities in the area.

Hiking and Nature Trails

For families who love the outdoors, Paso Robles offers several easy hiking trails. One popular spot is the Lake Nacimiento trails, where you can hike along the beautiful lake and enjoy a picnic by the water. Santa Margarita Lake is another great option, with trails that are perfect for kids and offer stunning views. These hikes are not too difficult and provide a wonderful way to experience nature together.

Dining Options

When it comes to eating out, Paso Robles has many family-friendly restaurants. Stop by AMSTRDM for coffee and breakfast in the morning, then head over to the backyard for one of your afternoon meals.  The Backyard on Thirteenth is a family and dog-friendly outdoor wine and beer garden with on site restaurant. There’s something for everyone in Paso Robles, so dining out with kids is always a pleasant experience.

Exploring Downtown Paso Robles

Downtown Paso Robles is full of fun things to do with the family.  The Downtown City Park is a great spot, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and lots of open space for running around. In the evenings, you can experience the year-round lights hanging from the oak trees – a charming scene right out of a Hallmark movie.

Spend some time wandering around the park, and check out all the boutique stores in the area like the General Store Paso Robles. If you’re searching for a local gift for a friend, downtown is the best place to look.

 

Sensorio

Sensorio is a must-see attraction in Paso Robles. It’s a field filled with thousands of colorful, glowing lights that create a magical landscape. Kids will be mesmerized by the lights and the beautiful designs.

It’s best to visit Sensorio in the evening when the lights are most vibrant. This will allow you to fully experience the lights in all their glory.

Additional Activities and Entertainment

Museums and Historical Sites

Paso Robles has several museums and historical sites that are perfect for families. The Paso Robles Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits that educate and entertain kids.

Another great spot is the Estrella Warbird Museum, where you can see historic aircraft and military vehicles. These museums offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family.

Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Paso Robles hosts various family-friendly events and festivals. The California Mid-State Fair is a big hit, with rides, games, and live entertainment that kids will enjoy every July. There are also other seasonal events like Harvest Wine Month, which includes activities kids would enjoy, such as grape stomping and hayrides.

In September, bring the whole family to the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival – a 100% kid-friendly festival. The dedicated kids’ area has face painting, games, tye-dye, and more to complement the full festival line-up of amazing artists.

Check the PRWCA event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

Adventure Parks and Recreational Areas

For more adventure, visit Barney Schwartz Park, a large recreational area with sports fields, playgrounds, and a lake for fishing. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and have fun. Another great place is Sherwood Park, which, besides having a dog park, has walking trails and open areas where families can enjoy a day out.

By exploring these activities and attractions, your family can enjoy a wide range of fun experiences in Paso Robles, making it a perfect road trip destination.

Driving Directions to Paso Robles

From the North (San Francisco Bay Area)

If you’re coming from the north, like the San Francisco Bay Area, take Highway 101 South. This route will take you through beautiful scenery and charming towns. About halfway, you can stop in Salinas for a break and some snacks. Continue on Highway 101 South until you reach Paso Robles.

The drive is about 3 hours long, so make sure to pack some games and snacks for the kids!

From the South (Los Angeles)

Traveling from the south, such as Los Angeles, you’ll want to take Highway 101 North. The drive is about 3.5 hours, and there are plenty of great stops along the way. Consider stopping in Santa Barbara to stretch your legs and enjoy the beach. Continue on Highway 101 North until you arrive in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles is also not far from the iconic Highway 1 Road Trip. It takes less than 45 minutes to drive from the coast over to Paso!

From the East (Central Valley)

If you’re coming from the Central Valley, take Highway 46 West. This route will take you through lovely rolling hills and vineyards. It’s about a 2-hour drive from places like Bakersfield.

A good place to stop and take a break is Wasco, where you can grab some food and relax before continuing your journey. Follow Highway 46 West until you reach Paso Robles.

For more information on getting to Paso Robles, CA click here.

Enjoy a Family Road Trip to Paso Robles, California

A family road trip to Paso Robles is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. With its beautiful scenery, exciting activities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Paso Robles has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring nature, enjoying a water park, or simply relaxing together, you’ll find plenty of ways to have fun.

From wine tasting and hiking to dining out and visiting Sensorio, there are countless adventures to be had. By following our itinerary and tips, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy all that Paso Robles has to offer.

So, pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip to Paso Robles wine country!