Located just 30 miles from the coast, Paso Robles is within easy access to all that the Central Coast and Highway 1 have to offer – from inland wineries to coastal beaches and everything in between. It’s no wonder why Paso Robles is such a great home base when vacationing on the Central Coast.
When you’re ready to do some exploring this summer, there’s nothing more fun that hitting the road. The drive along Highway 46 from Paso Robles to Highway 1 makes for an easy day trip, and now that Highway 1 is reopening, you’ll find plenty of sights and activities worth exploring along the way.
Pioneer Museum in Paso Robles
Before departing the city, plan to stop in at the Pioneer Museum located just a half mile from Adelaide Inn. This kid-friendly destination features artifacts reflecting the cultural, agricultural and commercial history of the town. Inside you’ll learn about the El Camino Real bells that line Highway 101 throughout the state, the one-room schoolhouse that was in use until the 1960s, as well as the area’s history of quicksilver mining and therapeutic mud and mineral baths. Admission to the museum is free and donations are greatly appreciated.
Wine Tasting in Cambria
While Paso Robles is home to some of the best wineries on the Central Coast, don’t miss experiencing the undiscovered wine scene around the seaside town of Cambria. Make a stop on your Paso Robles to Highway 1 road trip to sample Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Cabernet Franc from some of the area’s small, family owned wineries. We love Stolo Family Vineyards, which is the only estate winery and vineyard in Cambria. As one of the closest vineyards to the coast in California, they’re known for their premium cool climate wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but don’t miss their popular dry Gewürztraminer. Or check out Twin Coyotes in downtown Cambria, serving up handcrafted wine made from sustainably farmed grapes grown on the Central Coast.
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Cove
The Coastal Discovery Center is a worthy stop along Highway 1, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that highlight the cultural and natural history of Old San Simeon, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Celebrating the connection between land and sea, The Coastal Discovery Center serves to protect these special places and preserve them for use and enjoyment for generations to come.
Hearst Castle
North of Cambria on a hill overlooking San Simeon is the iconic Hearst Castle – a must visit destination on your road trip from Paso Robles to Highway 1. Built by newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, in the early 1990s, the sprawling estate that was once home to lavish parties still offers panoramic views, grandiose architecture and impressive gardens and pools. The famous Hearst Castle Pool, The Neptune Pool, holds 345,000 gallons of water, is lined with marble and surrounded by Italian relief sculptures. After having undergone extensive renovations, it will be reopening this summer and is an impressive sight to see. Our Hearst Castle package is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Castle and the highway.
Piedras Blancas Light Station
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is a reminder of a time when lighthouses played a vital role in maritime navigation. While no longer a working light station, the lighthouse is a California Coastal National Monument and part of a historic park and wildlife sanctuary. Be sure to book a tour to get up close and personal to the tower, which are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday year round.
Tags: family, Hearst Castle, Summer
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