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Paso Robles surprised us in the best way possible. 🍷🍇
What started as a weekend getaway turned into one of those trips where everyone—from parents to kids—walks away saying, “When can we come back?”
With gorgeous vineyard views, incredible food, hands-on farm stays, and one truly magical nighttime experience, Paso Robles is an ideal Central Coast destination for families looking for something a little different.
Here’s how we spent a memorable family-friendly weekend in Paso Robles, plus tips to help you plan your own.
First Stop: Central Coast Classics on the Way In
On our drive south, we made a few classic (and delicious) stops:
Lunch in Pismo Beach
We stopped at Splash Café for their famous clam chowder—rich, comforting, and perfect after a long drive. Before leaving town, we grabbed Old West Cinnamon Rolls to save for breakfast the next morning (worth it).
Harmony, CA – A Sweet Little Detour
Harmony is tiny but charming. We grabbed ice cream at the Harmony Valley Creamery, checked out the town’s famous cows, peeked inside the chapel, and wandered through the pottery and glassworks shops. A quick stop, but a fun one—especially for kids.
Olea Farm in Templeton
A short stop to taste olive oils at Olea Farm was both educational and tasty. Even the kids enjoyed learning how olive oil is made (and sampling with bread).
Paso Robles Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Where We Stayed: A Resort-Style Stay the Whole Family Loved
We stayed at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, and it ended up being the perfect home base for our family weekend in wine country.
Set among rolling hills just minutes from downtown Paso Robles, Sun Outdoors blends the comfort of a resort with the laid-back feel of the Central Coast. It’s the kind of place where parents can actually relax while kids stay busy—and happy.
We loved having space to spread out, unwind after full days of exploring, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in the evenings. The property offers a variety of accommodations—from RV sites to stylish glamping units and vacation rentals—making it easy to find something that works whether you’re traveling with little kids, teens, or extended family.
What really stood out for us was how family-friendly everything felt. There are open spaces for kids to roam, resort-style amenities that make downtime fun, and a calm, safe environment that lets everyone slow down a bit. Mornings were easy and unrushed, and evenings were perfect for reconnecting after a day of adventures around Paso Robles.
Staying at Sun Outdoors made the trip feel effortless—close enough to wineries, restaurants, and attractions, but peaceful enough to feel like a true getaway. If you’re visiting Paso Robles with family and want a stay that’s comfortable, flexible, and fun for all ages, this is a fantastic option.
Dinner You’ll Still Be Thinking About
Fish Gaucho was an absolute hit.
Make reservations—it fills up fast.
Highly recommend:
- Chile Verde de Gaucho
- Oaxaca Flocka Nachos
Pro tip for families staying somewhere with a kitchen:
We reheated the leftover nachos the next morning and topped them with a sunny-side-up farm-fresh egg (we bought eggs on-site at the ranch). Instant gourmet chilaquiles.
One of Paso Robles’ Most Magical Experiences
As night fell, we headed to one of Paso Robles’ most unforgettable attractions.
Imagine rolling hills illuminated with thousands of glowing lights, gently changing colors as you walk through the landscape. It’s peaceful, creative, and feels completely surreal—like stepping into another world.
This immersive outdoor art experience is perfect for:
- Families with older kids and teens
- Date nights
- Girls’ trips
- Anyone looking for something unique after a day of wine tasting
Tips for visiting:
- Arrive before sunset to watch the lights come alive
- Make online reservations in advance
- Bring a jacket (it cools down at night)
- No outside food (water bottles are okay)
📍 Paso Robles, CA
📍 Sensorio, Paso Robles
📌 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA 93446
It was pure magic—and easily one of our favorite memories from the trip.
Exploring Paso Robles by Day
We balanced our evenings with relaxed daytime exploring:
- Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery
A fun tour of the 400-acre historic vineyard in a 1958 Jeep Willy—informative and engaging, even for non-wine experts. - Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden
Beautiful gardens, massive sculptures, and wide open spaces to wander. Great for kids who need room to move. - Pig Iron for Lunch
The fried chicken sandwich with sticky sauce and onion rings were next-level. One of the best casual meals we had. - Firestone Walker Brewery Tour
We swapped a wine tasting for this brewery tour, which ended up being a great call. The tour walks you through the brewhouses, fermentation cellar, and bottling lines, ending with tastings. New favorites: 805 Cerveza and Cali Squeeze Mango. - Brown Butter Cookies for dessert
Enough said. - Yanagi Sushi & Grill for dinner
Because sometimes you just need rice—and it hit the spot. - Niner Winery
We stopped for the view and a light snack. A beautiful, relaxed place to take in the scenery. - Eberle Winery Cave Tour
Touring the wine caves beneath the tasting room was cool (literally and figuratively) and a fun change of pace.
Brunch Before Heading Home
We wrapped up the weekend with brunch at Joe’s Place—a cozy, satisfying way to end the trip before heading home.
Paso Robles is often thought of as a wine destination, but it’s so much more than that. For families, it offers:
- Open space and fresh air
- Farm stays and animal experiences
- Great food that kids actually enjoy
- Interactive tours
- And unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else
It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of surprises.
‘Til we meet again, Paso Robles 🍷🍇❤️
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