Sometimes all it takes is one text from a girlfriend to create the perfect adventure.
When a friend invites you to spend time wine tasting in Paso Robles, what other option do you really have besides dropping any potential plans, booking a hotel room, and packing your bags?
Exactly.
While wine tasting was the official reason for the trip, I arrived a day early because your girl has a habit of turning every destination into an adventure. A quick internet search for “things to do in Paso Robles” led me somewhere I probably never would have discovered otherwise…
Franklin Hot Springs: My New Favorite Summer Memory
If you find yourself anywhere near Paso Robles, do yourself a favor and carve out several hours for Franklin Hot Springs.
Family-owned for generations, Franklin Hot Springs is one of those wonderfully authentic places that hasn’t tried to become an Instagram-perfect luxury resort—and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it magical. The naturally heated mineral waters have been enjoyed for well over a century, and the property still has the relaxed, welcoming feel of a family-run hidden gem rather than a polished spa destination.
Now, let’s set expectations.
This is not a luxury day spa where someone greets you with a matcha latte before whisking you away for a eucalyptus massage.
No fluffy robes.
No cucumber water.
No tranquil meditation rooms.
And thank goodness.
Instead, you’ll find something even better.
Picture yourself floating on a pool noodle in warm mineral water while ducks casually swim and quack nearby. Baby dragonflies land on your toes as Fleetwood Mac drifts through the speakers. A Cat Stevens song comes on just as the afternoon breeze rolls across the water.
Somehow, everything slows down.
For a few blissful hours, there is absolutely nowhere else you’re supposed to be.
The entire experience cost me just $10 for admission (plus another $2 to rent a towel because apparently I forgot that detail while enthusiastically packing).
Hands down, it was the best twelve dollars I’ve spent all summer.
In fact…
I wish I were there right now.
I’ve caught myself replaying that afternoon over and over in my mind because it was such a simple, peaceful, joyful experience. No elaborate itinerary. No expensive wellness package. Just warm water, sunshine, music, dragonflies, and complete contentment.
That’s a summer vibe I hope never leaves me.
Tin City: Olive Oil & Ice Cream? Yes, Please.
Eventually I peeled myself away from the hot springs and headed over to Tin City, one of Paso Robles’ coolest industrial-style districts packed with boutique wineries, breweries, artisan food producers, and tasting rooms.
My first stop was Olivas de Oro, where I sampled an incredible selection of California olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Family-owned and producing award-winning extra virgin olive oils, it’s the kind of place where you walk in expecting a quick tasting and leave wondering how olive oil suddenly became a personality trait.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better…
Ice cream.
Specifically, Negranti Creamery, known for crafting sheep’s milk ice cream from their own family ranch. Sheep’s milk creates an unbelievably rich, creamy texture that somehow feels lighter than traditional ice cream.
If you visit…
Order the Thai Tea.
Trust me on this one.
It was absolutely delicious.
Downtown Paso Robles & An Irish Pub Dinner
After checking into the Holiday Inn, I grabbed an Uber into downtown Paso Robles.
The downtown square is charming, walkable, and full of restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and historic buildings surrounding the beautiful City Park that has served as the heart of Paso since the late 1800s.
For dinner, I wandered into Pappy McGregor’s, an Irish-inspired pub that’s become a local favorite. Equal parts neighborhood gathering place and traditional pub, it serves hearty comfort food alongside an impressive beer selection.
Naturally…
I ordered the fish and chips.
And a Guinness.
Because, well…
That’s what your girl does whenever she’s anywhere near an Irish pub.
No regrets.
Wait…A Tiki Bar in Wine Country?
As I wandered around the downtown square after dinner, I spotted something that made me stop in my tracks.
A tiki bar.
In the middle of wine country.
I know exactly what you’re thinking.
I thought the same thing.
But because I care deeply about my readers (and absolutely not because I wanted another cocktail), I ventured inside Cane Tiki Room to investigate.
Friends…
Go.
Seriously.
What a vibe.
The tropical décor transports you somewhere far away from vineyards and rolling California hills. The cocktails are beautifully crafted, creative, and absolutely delicious.
Eventually I made my way back to the hotel because the next morning was the whole reason we’d come to Paso Robles.
Wine tasting.
Sculpterra Winery: Where Art Meets Wine
The next morning my friend picked me up bright and early, and after another quick internet search we decided to visit two wineries that couldn’t have been more different.
Our first stop was Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden.
Wow.
This place is stunning.
Founded by the Frankel family, Sculpterra combines estate-grown wines with an expansive sculpture garden featuring monumental works by renowned artists John Jagger and Robert Bentley. Massive metal sculptures rise from vineyards while colorful works of art appear around every corner, creating an outdoor gallery unlike any winery I’ve visited before.
Even if you don’t drink wine, the grounds alone are worth visiting.
That said…
Please do drink the Cabernet Sauvignon.
It was fantastic.
In fact, it was so good that I couldn’t leave without bringing a bottle home.
Some wines deserve to be remembered long after vacation ends.
This was one of them.
DAOU: Views Worth Climbing For
Our second winery took us high into the hills above Paso Robles.
And I do mean high.
The winding drive eventually leads to DAOU Vineyards, perched atop what was once known as Hoffman Mountain at an elevation of more than 2,200 feet.
The views?
Absolutely breathtaking.
Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou purchased the property after searching extensively for a location whose climate and soils could rival those of Bordeaux, France. Today the estate has become internationally recognized for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and luxury winemaking.
Standing on the terrace overlooking endless rolling vineyards, it’s easy to understand why they chose this mountaintop.
The scenery alone is worth the drive.
Add a beautifully curated tasting experience and an excellent charcuterie board, and you’ve got yourself one unforgettable afternoon.
By this point, we’d spent the day laughing, sipping incredible wines, taking entirely too many photos, and enjoying every moment of our girls’ getaway.
Until Next Time, Paso Robles
Eventually, it was time to point the car toward home.
Two wineries.
One unforgettable hot spring.
An Irish pub.
A tiki bar.
Amazing olive oil.
Outstanding ice cream.
And memories I’ll probably replay in my mind for the rest of the summer.
The funny thing about Paso Robles is I feel like we barely scratched the surface.
With more than 200 wineries spread across the region—not to mention breweries, distilleries, farm stands, hiking trails, and hidden gems around every corner—there’s enough here to keep you coming back again and again.
So yes…
I’ll absolutely be returning.
For more wineries.
For another Thai Tea ice cream.
For another perfectly poured Guinness.
But most of all…
For another afternoon floating in the warm mineral waters of Franklin Hot Springs while ducks paddle past, dragonflies land on my toes, and Fleetwood Mac reminds me that sometimes the very best vacations are the ones that let you slow down long enough to simply exist.
Until the next adventure,
Felicity Arvizu takes on... 