Hidden Gem: A Paso Robles Itinerary Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
We found a hidden gem on our California road trip and it’s the perfect place for a weekend trip, romantic getaway, or even a relaxing girl’s trip. Paso Robles oozes charm and decadence all over California’s central coast. Nestled half way between San Francisco and Los Angles, this small picturesque town honestly shocked us and definitely exceeded our expectations.
Normally you think of places like, Napa or Sonoma, when you think of California’s wine country. However, if you’re looking for a unique and enchanting experience without the crowds, you should add Paso Robles wine country to the top of your list. We were blown away by the picturesque landscapes, exceptional wine, and relaxing atmosphere.
We spent two days here and that was the perfect amount of time for us! Honestly we were tempted to extend our stay because there were lots of wineries and restaurants we wished we had time to try, but the road was calling us to our next road trip stop, Los Angeles.
I’ve heard people describe Paso Robles as a less-crowded and less-expensive Napa Valley with more wine varieties! If I haven’t convinced you enough to add this place to your list, this guide on things to do will definitely make you want to visit.
Where to Stay
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
We stayed at the enchanting Allegretto Vineyard Resort and it truly exceeded our expectations! Coincidently days after our stay ended, USA Today announced the results of its 10 Best Readers Choice Awards 2023 with Allegretto Vineyard Resort awarded as the #3 Best Wine Country Hotel in the United States!
With its stunning Tuscany-inspired estate, enchanting lavender lines vineyard, and beautifully curated art I felt like I was in a fairytale. We truly believe our visit to Paso Robles would not have been as memorable if we stayed anywhere else. We spent a lot of our time at the resort, because the property and amenities were so incredibly perfect.
Keep scrolling for a video of our magical stay because pictures and words alone hardly capture all the beauty and wonder Allegretto has to offer.
Location
Allegretto is centrally located, near downtown and a short drive to all the best wineries and restaurants. We only had to drive no longer than 10 minutes our entire stay.
Design
The property sits on a 20-acre vineyard estate and is nestled in the beautiful hills of Paso Robles wine country. Allegretto is not your typical resort, from the Tuscan-inspired architecture to the stunning vineyard views, it offers a unique European atmosphere.
Allegretto vineyards at sunset
Every corner of the resort from the moment you step into the lobby has an Instagram-worthy moment you have to capture. The property feels like an escape from reality and encourages self-reflection and the celebration of life.
Courtyard views from our terrezza
Rooms
We stayed in the Prelude King Suite with a Terrazza.
It was a spacious sanctuary and the perfect place to relax during our trip.
I’d highly recommend getting a room with a terrezza if you can because it was our favorite part of the room.
We spent so much time there enjoying our Allegretto award-winning wines, eating breakfast, and just enjoying the views of the courtyard.
Tip: Even if you don’t get a room with a terrezza, you can request a room with a courtyard view.
Breakfast on our terrezza
The prelude king with terrazza suite included:
14’ vaulted European celiings make the rooms feel even bigger and more luxurious than they already are
Plush King Ayres Dream Sleeper bed
Flat screen tv and free wifi
Luxury Robes and slippers
Personal refrigerator
Keurig coffee maker
Marble Shower
Full size sofa sleeper
Amenities
The resort has so much to explore and things to do that we hardly spent anytime in our rooms. The amenities include:
Wine tastings with award-winning Allegretto Wines. You can tour the beautiful vineyards while you enjoy a wine tasting or relax in the tasting rooms and courtyard.
Art tour to see the museum caliber art pieces throughout the property. The resort is filled with art and artifacts with origins from multiple centuries, cultures, faiths, and traditions.
Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Allegretto. Treat yourself to one of their incredible massages or treatments.
Complimentary bike rentals
Weekend yoga sessions
Private paint and sip experience
Pool and Jacuzzi surrounded by vineyards. We rented a cabana for more space, privacy, and shade from the sun while we ordered drinks and food service poolside.
Pet-friendly accommodations
24 hour fitness center
Vineyard tours. As a guest you can still walk through the vineyards without a guided tour. There’s a secret spot in the vineyards for watching the sunset that’s incredible. Keep reading for clues how to get there!
And so much more!
Fire bowls in the courtyard offer heat at night when the weather cools down. At night we would put on our plush robes and enjoy a glass of Allegretto wine by the fire bowls.
Dining
The resort’s restaurant, Cello, is delicious and one of Paso’s most premier restaurants.
It is an upscale yet casual restaurant serving Italian dishes made with local ingredients.
We sat on the patio and watched the sunset as we enjoyed the rack of lamb and seafood pasta recommended by our server.
Everything from the cocktails to dessert was so incredibly delicious that we decided to have breakfast and lunch at the resort too!
Tip: Make reservations around sunset and request outside seating for amazing views and romantic atmosphere.
Overall
We see why Allegretto is recognized as the #3 Best Wine Country Hotel in the US!
Everything about our stay from the generous hospitality, to the most picturesque property, and luxurious amenities was truly unforgettable.
Even if you are not able to stay at the resort, no trip to Paso is complete without visiting this hidden gem.
Tip: There’s a secret trail that leads to the most perfect spot to watch the sunset. There’s two ways to get there. Use these clues to reach it.
Right outside the pool entrance near the game area climb the wall and follow the steps through the lavender lined trail.
Towards the back side of the parking lot where George the friendly alpaca stays, you will find a lavender line trail. Walk until you find the horoscope garden. When you see benches you’ve made it.
What to do
Wine Tastings
Paso Robles is home to the best wine region in the US, according to USA Today, so you can’t visit without tasting wine! With over 250 wineries anyone should be able to find a wine they would enjoy, no matter their preference or budget. Here are some of the most popular wineries in the area:
DAOU Vineyards
If you are looking to visit the best in the area, USA Today readers named DAOU Vineyards the No. 1 wine-tasting room in the country! This Tuscan-style winery offers panoramic mountain top views paired with a diverse flight of wines specializing in Cabernet and Bordeaux wines.
Eberle Winery
If you’re looking for an unforgettable wine tasting experience then head over to Eberle Winery, for another award-winning wine experience. Recognized by USA Today as the No. 2 Best Wine Tour in the nation! What makes them so special is Eberle offers complimentary wine tastings if you schedule a cave tour. And who doesn’t love free and delicious wine?
We did the vineyard deck and cave tour allowing you to enjoy your wine tasting with breathtaking views along the way. But next time we will definitely have to enjoy our tasting in the cave grotto to experience the unique and romantic atmosphere.
If you’re lucky you can even have a riveting conversation with winemaker Gary Eberle himself. He spends his days, welcoming guests and enjoying wine with his two poodles at the winery entrance.
We spent an hour there enjoying wine, playing with the vineyard poodles, and talking wine and life with Gary Eberle. As one of the oldest and most well established wineries in Paso, you have to visit and experience their Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay!
Broken Earth
Broken Earth was the next winery we visited and here is where we tried some of their unique specialized wines like Cabernet Franc, one of our favorites. They have a one-of-kind tasting lounge to enjoy your tasting and delicious food menu. Would definitely recommend the pizza, but don’t go on Wednesday because you might miss it like we did.
Allegretto Vineyard & Resort
You don’t have to be a resort guests to enjoy a tasting at Allegretto. Known for its Tannat, this winery resort offers breathtaking vineyard views, a charming Italian-escape atmosphere, and delicious wine, making it a must visit destination!
Horseback Riding through the Vineyards
Since visiting Paso already feels like a fairytale why not ride horseback through the picturesque vineyards for an extra magical experience. Imagine this, waking up at a Tuscany-inspired resort, enjoying breakfast on your terrace, then off to wine tastings and horseback riding through the vineyards with gorgeous views of the foothills. It’s an incredible way to experience the Paso wine country.
Sensorio Light Show
The one thing I’m upset we didn’t get to see during our trip, the iconic Sensorio Field of lights. People describe it as dreamy and ethereal, a truly magical art experience. Featured in New York Times as #6 in “50 Places to Visit” Light at Sensorio is an immersive multi-acre light-art experience.
This place is now Instagram famous and some people visit Paso just for this experience! It is one of the most romantic things to do in town, but it’s also the perfect place for friends and families too!
Tip: Sensorio is open only Thursday-Sunday so plan your trip accordingly if this is something you want to experience.
Hope you enjoyed this Paso robles weekend itinerary!
Overall, we were quite blown away by our visit to Paso Robles and I hope you enjoy your visit too. Have you visited before? If so, is there anything else we should add to our list of thing to do?
If you have more time to spend in California, check out our San Francisco Itinerary too.
Video of our stay at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Thank you, Allegretto Vineyard Resort, for hosting us during our stay.
All honest opinions are my own.
