The long-awaited arrival of summer brings a lot of delights: basking in the sun, hanging out with friends & families and eating great food. This season offers an opportunity to indulge in favorite pastimes or even try something new. In Paso Robles, endless possibilities await. Whether it’s wine-tasting (for those of legal age) to exploring farms and lakes, this destination screams summer.
Here are ten bucket list activities to do this summer in Paso Robles:
1. Vacation in Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento offers a plethora of activities suitable for everyone, ranging from relaxing at the Lake Nacimiento Resort to exhilarating water adventures right on the lake. With an abundance of water sport options such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and wake surfing, the lake guarantees something for every thrill-seeker. If you don’t love the water, many visitors love casting their lines and fishing or going on a hike.
2. Venture to the Mid-State Fair
The annual Paso Robles Mid-State Fair is open from July 19-30 and is home to many attractions from roller coaster rides to horse shows. Besides the zooming roller coasters, the biggest little fair is known for its food, animals, music, and concerts. This year, the concert series entails blink-182, Pitbull, Luke Bryan and so much more. Don’t Stop the Party and come to the Mid-State Fair to appreciate All the Small Things.
3. Explore Open Farm Days
The annual Open Farm Days: Farmstead ED is back this summer from July 14-16th! Many of the local farms will be swinging open their gates to welcome ticket holders to tour, taste and learn about our local agriCULTURE. People can learn so much from livestock to beekeeping and olive oil production.
4. Go Outdoor Patio Wine Tasting/Dining
A classic ode to Paso Robles is to go wine tasting; let alone go wine tasting outside. There are so many options that you decide on, so you can’t go wrong. You can choose from a laid back atmosphere to a grandiose experience. Here is a list of suggestions for a fabulous wine tasting outside:
- DAOU
- Sculpterra
- Halter Ranch
- Niner Wine Estates
- Nenow Family Wines
- Barton Family Wines
- Lone Madrone
5. Listen to Live Music in Summer
Listening to live music in summer in Paso Robles is a captivating experience: talented musicians, scenic views, wine- what more can you want! Lucky for you, Paso Robles has a wide variety of options, so you can listen to music multiple times a week if you so desire.
- First Thursdays Summer Concert Series- J Dusi Wines
- From May to October, come to J Dusi Wines every first Thursday of the month from 4-7pm to listen to a featured band as well enjoy some food and wine.
- Wine Down Wednesdays at Calcareous Vineyard
- Every week this summer, come to Calcareous Vineyard for live music by the spirited Joy Bonner and Adam Levine from 5-7:30pm on Wednesday. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and charcuterie boxes for purchase.
- Vina Robles Amphitheatre
- Vina Robles Amphitheatre has Central Coast character that meets European design to create the perfect outdoor venue featuring a variety of music and entertainment. Their summer line-up features Stephen Marley, The Beach Boys, Tori Amos and so much more.
6. Enjoy the Art in Paso Robles
- Paint N Sips - The new viral trend of painting, while leisurely sipping wine has reached the Central Coast. Here are the places that offer paint n sips in Paso Robles:
- Studios on the Park - The non-profit is a studio art center located in the heart of historic downtown Paso Robles. It features quality exhibitions, demonstrations, and classes. They have a variety of kid art classes coming up.
- Craft at Paso Robles Library - The library offers an adult crafting class once a month and kids crafting classes four times a week.
- For July, the adult craft is making a clay wave pendant and August is macrame a fish.
7. Check out some Museums!
On a hot day, everybody just wants to be inside. Thankfully, Paso Robles has many interesting museums where you can learn so much while beating the heat.
- The Pioneer Museum’s mission is to preserve the special heritage of the area around Paso Robles. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum offers collections, displays and education to preserve the history of this California central coast city.
- Paso Robles History Museum highlights the area’s unique history with docents available to answer questions. There is even a research room filled with newspapers, photographs, and family histories. A great way to show appreciation to our town.
- Estrella Warbird Museum is one of the fastest growing 501 (c.3) organizations on the Central Coast. The museum has personal artifacts, military vehicles, missiles, and numerous military aircraft.
8. Stroll through Farmers Markets
- Downtown Square - Saturday Morning and Tuesday Evening
- The Downtown Farmers Market is a great opportunity to immerse yourself into Paso Roble’s rich local farming culture. On Tuesday’s, you can take your goodies to a wine tasting room nearby and on Saturday’s, carry on with coffee!
- Paso Market Walk - The Paso Market Walk is a modern reinvention of a traditional farmers market with gourmet food and farm-fresh cuisine. The Market focuses on sustainability and community, uniting farmers, ranchers, and chefs. There are many restaurants such as The Vreamery, JoeBella Coffee Roasters, Just Baked (where Taylor Lautner got his wedding cake), Paso Robles Wine Merchant and so much more!
9. Soak in the Hot Springs
After a long day of work, everyone wants to unwind. Instead of laying on your couch, dip in a natural hot spring, where you will feel relaxed and calm.
- Franklin Hot Springs has 101-degree natural mineral water with no chemical additive that is a flow through system with new water always filling the pool. They have a more casual setting.
- River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers an intimate setting featuring indoor and outdoor mineral hot springs tubs.
10. Make a Splash at Ravine Water Park
Ravine Water Park is the ultimate destination for family fun! It offers a wide range of activities that cater to everyone’s preferences. From leisurely floating along the lazy river to exhilarating adventures on the water slides, there’s something for all. Even for those who prefer to stay dry the park features an exciting 18-hole mini golf course for some friendly competition. For complete relaxation, unwind in a cabana by the pool or waterpark while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy people-watching to your heart’s content and create unforgettable memories at Ravine Water Park.
