Paso Robles Film Commission
- About Paso Robles
- Filming Locations in Paso
- Film Crew Accommodations
- Film Production Catering
With golden hills, postcard-pretty vineyards, architecture and ocean waves within minutes, it's no surprise that Paso Robles is a favorite of film crews. The Central Coast community sets the scene for commercial shoots and still photos, plus movies and television shows such as NBC's “This is Us." Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder came to town to film 2018 release “Destination Wedding." Steve Martin starred in “My Blue Heaven," a 1990 crime comedy shot in Paso Robles, Atascadero and surrounding towns. And for movie buffs, Paso Encore screenings bring popular San Luis Obispo International Film Festival events to downtown Paso Robles each spring.
Convenience is central to the Paso filming experience. The scenic California destination sits 20 miles from iconic Highway 1, and it's just 230 miles by car from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Private planes fly into Paso Robles Municipal Airport (PRB), while commercial flights land about 30 minutes away at San Luis Obispo Regional Airport (SBP). Crews will find a range of production assistance here, including location selection guidance, permit processing, film and tv catering companies, and more than 20 hotel options for film crews.
Read more about popular Paso Robles film locations and services, or apply for a film permit today.
Filming Locations in Paso Robles
Paso Robles filming locations sit under sun-kissed skies, thanks to a Mediterranean climate that means pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Directors also appreciate the striking beauty and diverse scenery of the Paso region. This stretch of the Central Coast features some of California’s best: Pacific sunsets. Rural lanes that travel vineyard-lined hills. Victorian homes. Historic missions. A small-town square with a stately brick hall. Buzzy restaurants and charming resorts. Here are a few of Paso’s most picture-perfect backdrops.
Downtown Paso Robles — Downtown Paso Robles branches out around Downtown City Park, a tree-lined square with an old-school gazebo. The Paso Robles History Museum occupies a former Carnegie library building here, and grand oak trees dot the plaza. A collection of wine tasting rooms, boutiques and restaurants line the streets surrounding the park.
Sensorio — Few places are more magical after dark than artist Bruce Munro’s Sensorio. It's one of California’s largest immersive art exhibitions, with paths winding through some 100,000 glowing bulbs and solar-powered installations that twinkle in subtle, spellbinding color. A terrace offers elevated views of the lights, while Airstream bars set a playful backdrop for romantic film scenes.
Lake Nacimiento — Tucked about 20 miles northwest of downtown Paso Robles, Lake Nacimiento is a sprawling outdoor playground that's a draw for fishing, camping, watersports and wildlife watching. Scenic biking and hiking trails showcase diverse shoreline habitats. Covering more than 5,000 surface acres, the lake also has pretty coves and tributaries that suit various visual presentations.
Wine Country — Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses an array of landscapes, from the rugged and mountainous to bucolic rural countryside stretching as far as one can see. Nine wine trails link the region's vineyards, and each trail has its own distinct vibe – along with quaint guesthouses, stylish resorts and event spaces with epic views.
Vineyard Drive — Several major wine brands make their home along Paso’s Vineyard Drive, including Thacher Winery, Brecon Estate, Clos Soléne, Paix Sur Terre and others. Pasolivo Olive Oil produces elite blends here, too. Well-established oak trees line this low-key rural route, where rustic farm buildings and rolling hills are a common sight.
Wildflowers — Visitors and shutterbugs plan their schedules around Paso's spectacular spring wildflower blooms. Winter rains generate green hills and blankets of richly colored flowers ranging from bold purple lupines and fiery Indian paintbrush to delicate pink evening primrose and vibrant California poppies. Depending on the year, wildflowers might be visible along Highway 1, near Route 46, or in more far-flung corners of the Paso Robles region.
Scout more locations — From charming, small-town scenery to sprawling vineyards and European-inspired resorts, Paso Robles promises sites that bring diverse film visions to life. City film commission experts can recommend additional location ideas, including California missions, natural hot springs, equestrian trails, golf courses, modern shipping container tasting rooms and other surprises suited to various themes.
Film Crew Accommodations
Finding quality film and TV crew housing is easy in Paso Robles, where comfortable, budget-friendly hotels promise plenty of amenities. Several properties offer extended-stay options at competitive rates, along with access to fitness rooms, laundry facilities, complimentary breakfasts and speedy internet. On-site restaurants are common, and most film crew accommodations are conveniently set just a short drive – or even a short walk – from top movie locations. Here are a few of Paso’s best hotels for film crews.
Oxford Suites — Oxford Suites Paso Robles is one of the city's newer hotels, and a favorite of extended-stay guests. The property has 101 spacious suites and serves complimentary hot breakfast daily. There's free high-speed Wi-Fi, ample parking and three charging stations for electric vehicles. The fitness center has Peloton equipment, and there are on-site pool, spa and sauna facilities. Film crews also appreciate the coin-operated laundry machines and in-room microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers.
Holiday Inn Express — Paso's Holiday Inn Express & Suites has film production lodging that's conveniently close to Highway 101. The 91-room property serves free breakfast and a complimentary evening cocktail hour, and there’s an indoor pool and well-equipped fitness center. Same-day dry cleaning and daily housekeeping services are available. The hotel is both smoke-free and pet-friendly.
Paso Robles Inn — Century-old oaks and flower-lined paths distinguish the grounds of the Paso Robles Inn, a 96-room downtown gem. Overlooking Downtown City Park and just steps from shops, restaurants and the city’s central filming locations, it's known for cozy rooms with features like balconies, fireplaces and spa tubs. The property's 1891 ballroom has original oak floors and beamed ceilings, while the Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn is a local favorite for steaks and seafood.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort — Allegretto Vineyard Resort doubles as a stylish shooting location and a film production lodging favorite. The luxury estate has sculpture gardens, a sonic labyrinth, a multipurpose chapel and a central courtyard inspired by plazas in Italy. The property's rooms and suites open to private terraces, while amenities include laundry machines and free self-parking. Generous discounts and complimentary welcome beverages apply to select bookings with 20+ rooms per night.
Hampton Inn by Hilton — Set near the intersection of Highway 101 and Route 46, the Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles welcomes crews with free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, fitness center access and digital keys for Hilton Honors members. The 81 guest rooms offer various configurations, and groups can easily book room blocks online. The property also extends extra savings to reservations of more than 10 rooms.
More Places to Stay — While working in Paso Robles, production teams can choose from a range of other large and small hotels, low-key lodges, vacation rentals and even RV resorts.
Film Production Catering
Paso Robles professionals make movie set catering simple, providing all-inclusive services for crews of all sizes. Businesses build their film set catering menus to suit many tastes, with a special emphasis on locally grown produce and proteins. From private chefs to larger teams led by accomplished culinary stars, here are a few top production catering options in Paso Robles.
Society Cuisine — Chef Nick Nolan started his fine dining career in 2003. Today, he specializes in farm-to-table fare whether catering for film crews, cooking for private events or presenting winemaker dinners. Though he is classically trained in French techniques, Chef Nick also draws on both local and global influences to put his own fresh spin on traditional flavors.
Trumpet Vine Catering — Established in 2000, Trumpet Vine Catering provides award-winning, full-service film shoot catering and culinary event services. Led by Chef Nick Nolan and his wife, Erica, a fixture in the local wine and beer community, the company includes a team of dedicated chefs, service staffers, event managers and designers. Trumpet Vine Catering menus spotlight seasonal ingredients, local wines and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Paso Catering Co. — Trish Jacobs brings decades of experience to Paso Catering Co., where she works closely with clients to craft menus ranging from fresh and simple to memorable and multi-course. She makes catering for movies fun with playful menu options like to-go tacos and wood-fired pizzas, plus boxed lunches, brunches and charcuterie specials. Paso Catering Co. team members can also help with event setup and cleanup.
Stein’s Catering — Specialties like Santa Maria BBQ, wood-fired Alaskan salmon, and rosemary and garlic-crusted prime rib set Stein’s Catering apart from other movie set catering companies. Chef Brian Stein trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has led corporate events, classroom workshops and a variety of other custom events. Clients appreciate the professional staff and kind communication style of the Stein’s Catering team.
Cahoots Catering — Paso Robles restaurant veterans Lisa and Jim launched Cahoots Catering Co. in 1991. Their team focuses on creating extraordinary experiences for film crew catering contracts and other special events. Fresh, from-scratch ingredients headline menus, whether for casual lunches or lavish dinner parties. Cahoots Catering also partners with local rental companies to supply equipment, decorations and other special requests.
More Local Caterers — A wealth of other Paso Robles restaurants, resorts and culinary businesses offer film location catering services, both on-site and at one-of-a-kind local venues. Explore a full list of local catering companies here.
