After a peaceful stay at Yanks RV Resort and Pinnacles National Park, we continued our journey south, arriving in Paso Robles, a charming town nestled in the heart of California’s wine country. Known for its rich history and vibrant wine scene, Paso Robles offered the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal stop on our road trip.
Paso Robles, which means “The Pass of the Oaks” in Spanish, has a fascinating history dating back to the early 1800s. Originally inhabited by the Salinan Native American tribe, the region was later settled by the Spanish, and the nearby Mission San Miguel became a central part of the area’s development. The town itself was founded in the mid-19th century, growing quickly due to its strategic location along the old stagecoach route between San Francisco and Los Angeles. While agriculture dominated its early years, with grains, livestock, and walnuts as the primary products, it was the natural hot springs that first put Paso Robles on the map as a spa destination.
The town’s wine industry, however, is what has truly propelled it into the spotlight. Though grape cultivation began in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Paso Robles began to earn international recognition for its exceptional wines. The region’s diverse soil types, coupled with its Mediterranean climate, make it one of California’s most celebrated wine regions today. While Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are the most well-known varietals, Paso Robles is also renowned for its Rhône-style blends, Syrah, Merlot, and more. With over 200 wineries in the area, it’s no wonder that Paso Robles is often considered a wine lover’s paradise.
We checked into the Paso Robles RV Ranch, a peaceful campground set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards. The property itself was immaculately maintained, offering spacious sites and a serene environment perfect for unwinding after our travels. Conveniently located near many of the region’s top wineries, the ranch served as an ideal base for our exploration of the area.
The next morning began with an early drive up the ruggedly beautiful California coastline, heading toward San Simeon to visit one of America’s most iconic landmarks: Hearst Castle. Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, this sprawling estate is a testament to the excess and grandeur of a bygone era.
Designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan for media magnate William Randolph Hearst, the castle was constructed over 28 years, beginning in 1919. Known as “La Cuesta Encantada” or “The Enchanted Hill,” the estate originally spanned 250,000 acres, including miles of coastline. By the time of Hearst’s death in 1951, the castle had become a masterpiece of eclectic architectural styles, housing one of the world’s most impressive private art collections.
We opted for a guided tour, which began with a climb up the winding driveway, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and exotic sculptures. The moment we stepped into the first building, we were struck by the sheer opulence. Each room revealed stunning craftsmanship, from the ornately carved ceilings to the tapestries that lined the walls.
The centerpiece of the tour was the indoor Roman Pool, an awe-inspiring display of extravagance. The pool, tiled from floor to ceiling in thousands of tiny gold and cobalt-blue mosaic tiles, shimmered in the sunlight pouring through tall windows. It’s not just a pool—it’s an artwork. Every corner revealed intricate detailing, a reflection of Hearst’s ambition to merge European elegance with California charm. Click on thumbnail to view images
The centerpiece of the tour was the indoor Roman Pool, an awe-inspiring display of extravagance. The pool, tiled from floor to ceiling in thousands of tiny gold and cobalt-blue mosaic tiles, shimmered in the sunlight pouring through tall windows. It’s not just a pool—it’s an artwork. Every corner revealed intricate detailing, a reflection of Hearst’s ambition to merge European elegance with California charm.
Outside, the sprawling terraces offered jaw-dropping views of the surrounding hills and coastline, a reminder of the estate’s spectacular location. It was easy to see why Hollywood’s elite were frequent visitors during Hearst’s time.
Hearst Castle isn’t just a monument to one man’s wealth; it’s a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history when industry and imagination knew no limits. For us, it was a journey through luxury, art, and breathtaking scenery—a day we won’t soon forget.
After leaving the castle, we ventured down to Sebastian’s General Store, a rustic gem dating back to 1852 when it served local whalers and ranchers. The century-and-a-half-old building now houses the Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room, a perfect blend of history and hospitality. We enjoyed a relaxed lunch—a charcuterie board piled high with local cheeses and artisanal meats—before sampling the winery’s offerings. The Hearst Ranch wines reflect the rugged beauty of the surrounding land; the estate-grown cabernet sauvignon stood out with its bold yet balanced flavors, shaped by the region’s coastal influence and rich soils. It’s worth noting that the winery continues the Hearst family’s stewardship of the land, part of the sprawling 82,000-acre ranch that has remained largely undeveloped since the 19th century. Click on thumbnail to view images
A few miles north, we stopped at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a dramatic and unexpected encounter with nature. Stretching along the rocky shoreline, this rookery is home to thousands of Northern elephant seals, a species once hunted nearly to extinction for their blubber. Now protected under federal law, the seals have made a stunning recovery, with this site becoming one of their most important habitats along the California coast. During our visit, the beach was dotted with young seals, sprawled lazily on the sand as if they had no care in the world. Their occasional snorts and flipper-scratches added to the charm of the scene. Soon, however, the massive mature males—some reaching up to 5,000 pounds—will return, chasing off the younger males and engaging in fierce battles for dominance. These clashes determine who claims the choicest patches of sand and the attention of the females. Watching this spectacle of wildlife thriving against the odds was a humbling reminder of nature’s resilience.
As the sun began to dip behind the Pacific, we reflected on the day’s journey—a blend of history, indulgence, and raw natural beauty. From the grandeur of Hearst’s vision to the untamed drama of the elephant seals, San Simeon offered an experience as layered and fascinating as the California coast itself.
A definite highlight of our stay in Paso Robles was our visit to Sensorio, an extraordinary art and light show. As the sun set, we were in awe as we wandered through the mesmerizing fields of light and static displays. Designed by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, Sensorio’s Field of Light is a 15-acre installation featuring over 58,000 stemmed fiber-optic spheres that gently illuminate the landscape in a breathtaking array of colors. Debuting in 2019, the installation was envisioned as a tribute to Paso Robles’ rolling hills and natural beauty, creating a space where art, technology, and nature converge. Munro, known for his large-scale light installations worldwide, aimed to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, and he certainly succeeded. The addition of other interactive exhibits, such as Light Towers constructed from over 17,000 illuminated wine bottles, highlights the region’s rich wine heritage while adding another layer of visual splendor. Strolling through this ethereal experience, it was impossible not to be captivated by the interplay of light, art, and the surrounding landscape. Click on thumbnail to view images
On our last day in Paso Robles, we drove out to the Tablas Creek Winery, a recommendation we were thrilled to follow. Founded in 1989 as a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in France’s Rhône Valley and Robert Haas, a pioneer in the American wine import industry, Tablas Creek introduced Rhône-style wines to California’s Central Coast. The winery’s vineyards are planted with cuttings imported directly from Beaucastel, including grenache, mourvèdre, and syrah, which thrive in Paso Robles’ limestone-rich soils and Mediterranean climate. Tablas Creek is also a leader in sustainability, becoming the first Regenerative Organic Certified vineyard in the United States, reflecting its commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention winemaking.
Paso Robles itself has blossomed into one of California’s premier wine regions, with over 200 wineries scattered across its rolling hills. Known for its robust reds—particularly zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, and Rhône blends—the region’s reputation continues to grow thanks to its diverse microclimates and innovative vintners. At Tablas Creek, we enjoyed a tasting flight that showcased their nuanced blends and elegant single varietals, including a standout mourvèdre with notes of dark fruit and earth. Sipping wine on the peaceful patio overlooking the vineyard rows was the perfect way to conclude our time in Paso Robles, a region that combines heritage, innovation, and natural beauty in every glass. Click on thumbnail to view images
