With over 200 wineries and 32,000+ acres of grapes, it’s only natural that a visit to the Central Coast region of Paso Robles would include wine tasting. After all, there are 40 different varieties grown within Paso Robles’ 11 AVAs, so there’s something for every taste and budget.

That said, Paso Robles, with its laid back vibe and utterly charming downtown, offers a variety of fun things to do both related and unrelated to wine. From unique vineyard experiences to local-inspired dining and interesting museums, here are 10 ways to make the most of your time in Paso Robles.

Go on a Vineyard Excursion at Halter Ranch Winery

Located in the beautiful Adelaida District of Paso Robles, Halter Ranch Winery offers 281 acres of vineyards, stunning views, and plenty of Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines. Their Excursion Tour is a fun way to experience it all from a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender 110. During the two hour tour, you’ll pass wildlife corridors and a picturesque pond before climbing to the highest point of the property (1,750 feet) to sample wine as you take in the breathtaking scenery below.

8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (888) 367-9977

See an Outdoor Concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Nestled on a picturesque hillside in Paso Robles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre is where wine and live music come together in an outdoor music venue not to be missed. This intimate amphitheatre offers VIP seating and general admission lawn seating, big name musical acts, and plenty of food and drink options, which all add up to an unforgettable place to listen to live music in the heart of Wine Country.

3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (707) 286-3680

Eat Farm-To-Table Fare in Downtown Paso Robles

With its close proximity to the area’s orchards, farms, and ranches, it’s no wonder Paso Robles’ restaurants were among the first to embrace the farm-to-table movement. For simple yet creative Italian fare, head to Il Cortile, a locally-minded Central Coast restaurant specializing in homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality antipasti. For a more casual, gastro-pub setting, don’t miss The Hatch, an intimate bar and restaurant serving up Southern-inspired small plates, wood-fired rotisserie chicken, and tasty craft cocktails. A few doors down is Thomas Hill Organics, a Central Coast staple where their dedication to serving local, organic food is reflected in the eclectic menu and regional wine list that rotates with the seasons.

Il Cortile: 608 12th St # 101, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-0300

The Hatch: 835 13th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 221-5727

Thomas Hill Organics: 1313 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-5888

Sip Craft Beer While Listening to Live Music at BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

Since 2013, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. has stayed true to their mission of bringing together “good people, good times, and great beer.” Located in Paso Robles’ hip industrial area known as Tin City, the lively brewery and outdoor beer garden regularly hosts a rotating line-up of upbeat bands, corn hole tournaments, and food trucks, making it a fun destination to enjoy their small-batch and seasonal craft beers.

3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 296-1128

Sample Spirits at a Local Distillery

Fans of gin, whiskey, vodka, or the like will enjoy venturing out on the Paso Robles Distillery Trail, a collection of ten distilleries spread throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. You’ll find places like Re:Find, Paso Robles’ first craft-distillery, the speakeasy-style KROBAR at Grey Wolf Winery, and Azeo, which specializes in spirits made from apples. All ten craft distilleries feature artisanal spirits made by passionate farmers, winemakers, brewers, and bartenders, offering an alternative way to taste through the area.

Re:Find: 2725 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 239-9456

KROBAR: 2174 Hwy 46 West, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 467-9463

Azeo: 3230 Riverside Ave. Ste. 190, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-8169

Shop for Artisan and Local Goods at General Store

It’s easy to find the perfect gift or souvenir at General Store, a popular shop in downtown Paso Robles carrying a wide range of locally-made artisan products and gifts. From olive oils and cookbooks to baby onesies and housewares, the curated collection showcases the artisan spirit of the Central Coast along with a selection of meats and cheeses perfect for creating an impromptu picnic in the park.

841 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-5757

Tour 36-year-old Wine Caves at Eberle Winery

As one of the pioneering winemakers in Paso Robles, Gary Eberle helped his family establish Estrella River Winery & Vineyards before venturing out on his own to start Eberle Winery in 1982. In 1991, he expanded his facility underground and built the very first wine caves in Paso Robles Wine Country. Today, you can explore the production facility and impressive 16,000 square foot underground caves through a complimentary tour and tasting, offered daily every half hour. For a more unique experience, book the VIP Tasting and Tour, which includes a private tasting and cheese pairing held in the exclusive VIP room of the caves.

3810 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-9607

Experience a Glimpse into the Past with a Museum Visit

For a dose of history and culture, check out Estrella Warbirds Museum, home to a vast collection of military aviation artifacts, aircraft, and war memorabilia, as well as an incredible auto display showcasing vintage, classic, and historic vehicles. At The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, you’ll find a visual and written history of Paso Robles, which includes cultural, agricultural, and commercial artifacts that show what rural, small-town life was like during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Estrella Warbirds Museum: 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-9317

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum: 2010 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 239-4556

Relax in the Thermal Waters of a Hot Spring

It’s hard to pass on the rejuvenating feeling the therapeutic waters of a hot spring can bring, so when you need to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing, Paso Robles has options. Franklin Hot Springs, located just 10 minutes from downtown, is a geothermal lake offering a no-frills, casual atmosphere, as well as fishing and canoeing on the weekends. Just north of town is River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, where private outdoor and indoor mineral spring spas and signature spa treatments can be enjoyed in the heart of Wine Country.

Franklin Hot Springs: 3015 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 712-5372

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa: 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-4600

Get Up Close and Personal with a Life-Size, Fiberglass Cow

The historic Paso Robles Inn, located in a beautiful downtown garden setting, features 98 guest rooms, an outdoor heated pool, a fine dining steakhouse, and plenty of ways to indulge for a romantic stay in Paso Robles. Whether or not you stay at the Inn, don’t miss paying a visit to the welcoming piece of art in front of the hotel. The 120-pound, fiberglass cow, named Clarabelle the Wine Cow, certainly makes for a great photo opp, but also serves as a reminder of the CowParade SLO, a public art exhibit and auction that raised funds for local charities and non-profits.

1103 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 238-2660