Fireworks on the 4th of July

A road trip to Paso Robles wine country will inspire plenty of oohs and ahhs beyond the spectacular fireworks show at our annual 4th of July Celebration. There’s world-class wine tasting, award-winning Paso-style BBQ, a water park and massive recreational lakes – and so much more. Welcome to your ultimate destination for the Fourth.

The Perfect Road Trip

California Road Trip Truck

 

Paso Robles is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and bordered by coastal Highway 1 and the 101. And while the drive here can be awe-inspiring, Paso Robles itself is home to hundreds of miles of secluded back roads that wind and weave through vineyards, over golden hills and offer unobstructed ocean views. And did we mention, there’s little to no traffic? 

 

Make a Splash at Ravine Water Park

Ravine Waterpark

If you are coming to Paso Robles with the family, Ravine Water Park is an amazing way to spend an afternoon. This waterpark has a variety of rides from a wave pool to the thrilling Vertigo ride, a water slide with a 35-foot vertical drop. Besides water rides, Ravine Water Park offers an 18-hole mini golf course that will keep people happy—and dry. Best part: Parents can catch a break by renting a cabana, floating on the adult-only lazy river and sip refreshing cocktails by the pool. 

Lake Life in Wine Country

Kayaking at Lake Nacimento

Live your best lake life in two of Paso Robles’ most action-packed lakes. Lake Nacimiento, also known as the Dragon based on its geographical shape, offers a wide array of activities from fishing, boating and hiking. Water sports include boating, water skiing, kayaking and so much more. People can “rough” it in the wilderness or go glamping at Lake Nacimiento Resort. For a more laidback lake experience, Lake San Antonio, a glassy man-made reservoir offers kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing and some of Paso Robles’ best camping spots camping. There are four main campgrounds in San Antonio: Harris Creek Campground, Lynch Campground, Redondo Vista Campground and North Shore Campground.
 

Experience Sensorio’s New Exhibits

newer exhibit at Sensorio with illuminated fishing poles

Sensorio is the intersection of art, technology, and nature and features four nighttime immersive art exhibits by acclaimed installation artist Bruce Munro: Field of Light, Light Towers and the two new exhibits: Gone Fishing and Fireflies. The walkable exhibits provide an inspiring and family-friendly experience. Field of Light features 100,000 stemmed spheres lit by fiber optics, which gently illuminate the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing color. Light Towers is a maze of 69 towers composed of more than 17,000 wine bottles glowing with optic fibers modulating to a musical score. Gone Fishing offers a playful interpretation of an introspective pastime. Comprised of 30 circular arrays of 25 multi-colored fishing rods, Gone Fishing at Sensorio represents Munro’s fascination with the contemplative act of standing by a stream. Fireflies is inspired by two of Munro’s favorite books, “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling and “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse.


 

Adventures in Wine Tasting

Zipline Tour

 

Whether you’re a sommelier or a vino newbie there is something for everyone among Paso Robles’ 300 wineries. Since every winery is amazing in its own way, a fun way to choose where to sip is what kind of environment you want to lounge in or what activity excites you. There are urban wineries like Indigene, and Cypher, located in Paso Robles historic train station depot. For unobstructed vineyard views, try Calcareous and Daou. For those looking for more adventure, take an e-bike tour of the vineyard at JUSTIN Winery, or zipline over Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards at Ancient Peaks’ famous Zip n’ Sip tour. 

Cowboy Country BBQ

Dinner from Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ

Nothing screams America like BBQ on the Fourth. Thankfully, Paso Robles-style BBQ is an all-year affair and widely available. Cowboy boots and hats welcome. Ride the only mechanical bull on the Central Coast at Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ and partake in their award-winning tri-tip, smoked turkey and traditional barbeque sides. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles, offers traditional barbeque and a delicious twist on nachos, tacos and mac n cheese. Local tip: try the Paella made fresh every Sunday.
 

Wine Country with Beach (Boys) Access

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Paso Robles is a community of cowboys and surfers (many of whom are both), so it’s no wonder the Beach Boys will be headlining at Vina Robles Amphitheatre July 5. The seminal California band will hit the stage at 7:30pm, so grab some Vina Robles wine and get ready to have some fun, fun, fun!

Fireworks on the Fourth

fireworks against a night sky

Paso Robles’ annual the 4th of July Celebration at Barney Swartz Park begins at 2pm. The event will kick off with lawn games and a family fun zone, along with two bands: Stephen Styles Band and the Young Dubliners. The evening will culminate with a grand finale of fireworks set to begin at 9pm. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong Paso Roblan, this annual event, hosted by the City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso, makes everyone feel like a local.

 

Summer in Paso

Events