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One of the main requests we get for California travel is advice on things to do in Paso Robles besides wine tasting. Our travel clients head to this Central Coast destination first and foremost for some wine and relaxation, but Paso Robles has a lot happening besides wine. While other wine regions are vineyards as far as the eye can see, around Paso Robles you’ll pass ranches, farms, and orchards growing walnuts, olives, and avocados.Â
What Is Paso Robles Known For?
Yes, Paso Robles is best known for its world-class wine region, hence why Californians from Los Angeles to San Francisco travel there. But, like with the county of San Luis Obispo, there are a lot of things to do in Paso Robles beyond heading to a wine-tasting room. If you want to go to a winery, check out our list of must-visit Paso Robles wineries. But, if you have a broader food focus, you can dive into everything, from farmstand and pick farm visits to olive oil and cheese tastings. And, if you don’t drink wine, you can explore craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries.Â
Paso Robles Town
Be it for a few days or a long weekend, we suggest basing yourself in or near Paso Robles. Set in northern San Luis Obispo county and just west of the 101 Freeway, you can easily access everything from Paso Robles wine country to the coast and even Hearst Castle. The town is centered around a historic square, and it’s very walkable and has a mix of coffee shops, boutique hotels, local restaurants, and boutique shops (Paso Robles General Store gift shop is a must!).
You can then do day trips around the region for adventures like hiking, water sports, horseback riding, or a hot air balloon ride. Or you can explore various Paso Robles attractions like the Franklin Hot Springs, the Mission San Miguel, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, or the Sensorio Field of Light.
What Is Grown In San Luis Obispo?
Paso Robles is just one part of the agricultural powerhouse that is San Luis Obispo County. The top ten crops grown in the county are strawberries, wine grapes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, head lettuce, lemons, cut flowers, and nuts. But strawberries and wine grapes comprise more than 50% of agricultural crops. In Paso Robles, vineyards dominate, but, thanks to its diverse agricultural landscape, fertile soil, and passionate farmers, there is much to see beyond wine.
Things To Do In Paso Robles FAQs
Some activities include visiting the Paso Robles Farmers Market, exploring Tin City, picking your own produce at Kindred Oak Farm, visiting the farm stand at Manzanita Manor Organics, and touring Stepladder Creamery.
Paso Robles is best known for its world-class wine region. However, there is much to do beyond heading to a wine-tasting room, including visiting farm stands, tasting local produce, and exploring craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
The top ten crops grown in the county are strawberries, wine grapes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, head lettuce, lemons, cut flowers, and nuts. Strawberries and wine grapes comprise more than 50% of agricultural crops.
10 Things To Do In Paso Robles Beyond Wine
Let’s explore the various things to do in Paso Robles for food lovers. Mind you, there are also loads of places to try local craft beer (the largest being Firestone Walker Brewing Company) and a full Paso Robles Distillery Trail where you can try locally-made gins and whiskeys.Â
But here we’re looking at agritourism, including farm tours, farm stands, and tastings. We’ve indicated each location’s distance from Paso Robles, so you know how much you need to journey to head there. Here are a few food-focused activities we’d recommend you add to your itinerary:
Paso Robles Farmers Market
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local food culture is by visiting the Paso Robles Farmers Market. This vibrant market is a sensory delight, offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable treats. Local farmers proudly showcase their harvest, and you’ll have the chance to interact with growers, sample seasonal fruits, and discover unique products from Paso Robles’ passionate culinary artisans. The market is held weekly on Tuesday and Saturday morning on the north side of the downtown city park. Before going, we encourage you to read up on what is grown in California.Â
Paso Robles Farmers Market, 11th St. &, Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: In Town!
Tin CityÂ
Yes, Tin City is a perfect place to head if you’re short on time and want to try wine, as there are more than 25 producers there. But you can also check out non-wine food makers such as Tin City Cider Company, Etto, and Negranti Creamery.Â
Tin City Cider Company crafts refreshing and innovative ciders, showcasing the region’s apple orchards. Etto, a local pasta producer, brings the taste of Italy to Paso Robles with its artisanal pasta. Ask locals for must-eat foods, and they will mention Negranti Creamery. Their creative sheep’s milk ice creams have a significant following, and with shops in Tin City, Atascadero, and downtown Paso Robles, you have no excuse to skip this!
Tin City, 450 Marquita Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: 7 miles south (~10-minute drive)
Kindred Oak Farm U-Pick
Kindred Oak Farm is a delightful small-scale farm and boutique inn that is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Their farm is open to the public to walk and forage orr picnic. And their “Gather Garden” is a unique U-pick experience where visitors can gather organically grown, seasonal blooms. Call to confirm availability.Â
Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Pl, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: 6 miles (~10-minute drive)
Manzanita Manor Organics Farm Stand
Owned by Cynthia and Jutta since 1997, Manzanita Manor Organics is the place for those seeking organic goodness. This farm is dedicated to sustainable practices and focuses on dry-farmed organic walnuts. Head to their farmstand for fabulous edible gifts ranging from estate walnut products (like walnut butter and walnut oil) to their estate organic Port-style Wine.Â
Manzanita Manor Organics, 5009 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: 9 miles west (~15-minute drive)
Jack Creek Farms U-PickÂ
For a family adventure, Jack Creek Farms is the perfect destination. This family-owned farm welcomes visitors to pick their own pumpkins, apples, and berries during the respective seasons. The farm’s country store brims with homemade jams, artisanal goods, and local treats, making it a delightful stop for the whole family and a great place to get gifts.
Jack Creek Farms, 5000 CA-46, Templeton, CA 93465
Distance from Paso Robles town: 11 miles southwest off Highway 46 (~15-minute drive)
Windrose Farm Farmstand and Farm Tours
Windrose Farm epitomizes organic farming at its finest. Situated in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, this diverse farm cultivates a wide range of organic fruits and vegetables. Farm visits allow you to connect with the farmers, learn about organic agriculture, and pick your own produce. From heirloom tomatoes to juicy peaches, the seasonal offerings are a treat for any food lover.
Windrose Farm, 5750 El Pharo Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: 11 miles southeast (~20-minute drive)
Adelaida Botanicals Farm Stand
Adelaida Botanicals showcases the varied world of medicinal and culinary herbs. Wander through their gardens to discover various herbs, some with healing properties, others used for culinary purposes. The farm offers educational tours and workshops, providing insights into these herbs’ traditional and contemporary use.
Adelaida Botanicals, 5625 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Distance from Paso Robles town: 13 miles southwest off Highway 46 (~20-minute drive)
The Groves On 41 For Tastings And Tours
An agritourism tour in Paso Robles wouldn’t be complete without exploring the olive oil. So add a visit to The Groves On 41 Olive Oil Orchard to your things to do in Paso Robles. This family-owned olive oil estate offers guided tours where visitors can wander through the olive groves and learn about the art of olive cultivation. The highlight of the visit is the olive oil tastings, where you’ll savor the rich flavors and aromas of the estate’s extra virgin olive oils. Discover the nuances of different olive varieties and gain insights into the meticulous production process.
The Groves On 41, 4455 Highway 41 East, Templeton, CA 93465
Distance from Paso Robles town: 16 miles southeast (~20-minute drive)
Morro Creek Ranch Country Store
If you’re heading from Paso Robles to Morro Bay along Highway 14, be sure to stop at the Morro Creek Ranch farmstand. This expansive ranch is renowned for what some claim to be the best avocados in the state. Their tiny roadside shop sells local avocados and other fruit as well as product like avocado skin cream, which has many fans!Â
Morro Creek Ranch, 1800 Atascadero Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Distance from Paso Robles town: 27 miles southwest(~30-minute drive)
Stepladder Creamery
If you’re on a road trip down California Highway 1 or heading to Hearst Castle, make time to also stop by Stepladder Creamery. One of our favorite things to do in Paso Robles is to visit this creamery where some of our favorite California cheeses are produced. This charming farmstead produces artisanal cheeses of exceptional quality. Set against the scenic backdrop of Paso Robles’ countryside, Stepladder Creamery prides itself on sustainable practices and animal welfare.Â
Visitors can take guided tours of the creamery, where they’ll meet the friendly goats and learn about the cheese-making process. Sample an array of award-winning cheeses with local wines for an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Stepladder Creamery, 4450 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, Cambria, CA 93428
Distance from Paso Robles town: 40 miles west (~50-minute drive)
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