Paso Robles for short, this laid back city features an endless abundance of wineries. It's famous for wonderful olive oil, stunningly pretty almond orchards and for hosting the annual California Mid-State Fair. If everything looks remarkably verdant, that's because of the unique climate. Long, hot, dry summers and short, cool, often wet winters make the entire area incredibly fertile, perfect for growing a multitude of crops.
A warm and welcoming retreat off the beaten path, Paso Robles delivers an authentic Californian experience.
Paso Robles sits at the southerly end of the fertile Salinas River Valley, near the Temblor mountain range, through which the deadly San Andreas fault passes. The glorious Santa Lucia Coastal Range of mountains lies to the west, ripe for adventure.
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The city is California’s oldest watering place, home to numerous natural sulphur springs
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Visitors to the city enjoy the excellent cycling, golfing, tennis and swimming
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More than 25 different varieties of grapes are grown in the region and there are more than 250 wineries
Miles and miles of unspoiled natural beauty meet the iconic Hearst Castle and renowned fresh cuisine from local organic specialty growers, ranch owners and fisherman.
Thrilling outdoor pursuits and some of the finest golf courses in the state can be found here. The city is just 24 miles inland, with easy access to california's spectacular coastline including dramatic Big Sur, gorgeous Monterey Bay and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Take a trip through the beautiful, gently rolling hills
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Enjoy Carriage Vineyards
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Explore downtown for cool artisan shops, posh boutiques, gourmet dining and exciting wine markets
The local food is simply epic, and freshly grown in the exceptionally fertile valleys. The people are mellow and welcoming, used to the good life. The wine is fabulous, from grapes home-grown in the superb local climate. The landscapes are vast and inspirational, the nightlife vibrant and fun.
Visit in August for the Paso Robles Olive Festival, an event celebrating everything to do with olive trees and their fruit.
River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers a huge variety of treats to soothe your mind, body and spirit. They have private therapy suites, marvellous views and a fabulous open air artesian thermal mineral spring. The tasteful, uncluttered environment is relaxation personified. The Paso Robles Inn is an historic 98 room hotel featuring the oldest natural artesian hot spring well in town. 36 of the rooms include a spa tub, the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of the mineral waters in luxurious privacy. Texaco was looking for oil in 1952. But when they drilled here they found more mineral springs. Now called Franklin Hot Springs, there's an Olympic pool-sized pond for swimming and fitness classes, and the water stays at a constant and comfy 100 degrees. If that isn't enough for you, there's a freshwater lake a stone's throw away, ideal for fishing largemouth bass.
Love great wine? Choose from a multitude of local wine-related destinations: Tobin James Cellars, Calcareous Vineyard, Eberrle Winery, Niner Wine Estates and the Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden. The Estrella Warbird Air Museum is another fascinating attraction, a proper gem of a museum with loads of vintage aircraft and cars plus amazing wartime memorabilia. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is another goodie for history freaks, a big place for such a wee town. The exhibits showcase local family history, ancient agricultural tools, an old sporting goods store and all manner of interesting stuff. Together it gives a real insight into the past of this super place.