You’ll find the heart of Paso Robles in Downtown City Park. It’s the central hub. The main square. The starting point for everything Paso Robles.
Photo provided by the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association Facebook page
You may be coming for the vineyards, but visitors find the rustic feel of the downtown area charming, chic and definitely worthy of more than just a day trip. Downtown City Park is the central grassy square around which the downtown area is anchored.
Surrounded by historic buildings, shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and gift stores for several blocks in every direction, the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association has worked tirelessly to make the area a thriving and vibrant destination for visitors and locals.
**Disclaimer**
The businesses and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places and activities our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. If you want us to tell our readers about your favorite place, tag us with #scgplacestogo and we’ll catch you next time we come through town!
Get Your Morning Mojo in Paso Robles, California
Oak Pass Cafe, Paso Robles
Facebook @OakPassCafe Instagram @oakpasscafe
One block north of Downtown City Park on 13th is Oak Pass Cafe – a great place to start your day. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, and lunch are all delicious and available daily. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sit and plan your day or a just-off-the-beaten-path place to take a breather mid-afternoon, you’ll find just the vibe you need at Oak Pass Cafe.
Fun Eats On The Go
Marv’s Original Pizza
Overlooking Downtown City Park on 12th is Marv’s Original Pizza. With handmade pizza (gluten-free crust available), pasta, salads, and sandwiches this casual Italian restaurant has something for just about everyone.
So grab a pizza or some sandwiches to take across the street for a picnic in the park, or get a table inside and enjoy the view from the air conditioning. In addition to the delicious food, don’t forget to try one of their large selection of local beers and wines!
Explore Paso Robles Murals for a Little Fun in the Sun
The Iconic Cow Mural
This isn’t a real quest, but it could be!
Wander through downtown and keep an eye out for the parking lot with a giant, colorfully painted mural featuring a large steer. The mural was commissioned to celebrate everything the city is known for – vineyards, travel, agriculture, and cattle.
The giant steer is only a small part of this gorgeous art, and it makes a drool-worthy backdrop for a fun photoshoot. (Hint: the parking lot is on Spring St between 12th and 13th if you have trouble finding it)
The San Luis Obispo Guide website has a section just for Paso Robles and is an excellent resource for even more options.
Food & Wine Progressive Lunch with Central Coast Food Tours Through Downtown
www.centralcoastfoodtours.com
@centralcoastfoodwine
The fact that downtown is surrounded by vineyards, olive orchards, and family farms makes it a perfect spot for Central Coast chefs to display their culinary genius. Notably, the restaurants and cafes that make their homes in the downtown square feature some of the region’s finest and most creative farm to table food. Downtown Square is also home to tasting rooms for many of the region’s best wineries.
Tours start at 11 am and feature an easy stroll around the downtown area learning about the history of the area with stops at 5 local restaurants – at least 2 of which will feature wine pairings from local vineyards and instruction in pairing wine with food. Undoubtedly, you’ll get all the insider info on Paso Robles and taste for yourself why this region is quickly becoming a foodie favorite.
Rest & Recharge at the Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles’ recent rise as a destination spot has made finding good hotels and lodging easy. There are plenty of options from no-frills corporate chains to luxury vineyard experiences. If you’re sticking around the downtown area though, the spot to lay your head is the Paso Robles Inn.
Just across the street from Downtown City Park, “Inn” describes this hotel perfectly. A little bit traditional, a little bit western, the Paso Robles Inn has been a feature since 1889 when the town was founded.
A great meal at the Inn’s award-winning restaurant, The Steakhouse, and an introduction to Clarabelle the Wine Cow (with pics!) are two “must-do” activities during your stay.
More Central Coast Options To Explore
If you want to explore more nearby. Santa Barbara lies just to the south. Santa Barbara, Stroll Down State Street: Eats & Treats, Things To Do and a Boutique Hotel Stay, gives an overview of the town.
The California Missions are also beautiful and accessible to the public. We did a statewide overview, Enjoy A Unique Road Trip or Virtual Tour of the California Missions, which is quite informative and features terrific photos, along with a few eateries and tips along the way.
Mission San Juan Buatista
