By Nancy Hoover
While known as a food and wine destination, be sure not to overlook Paso Robles as a mecca for outdoor activity. Year-round bike trails, golf courses, lakes and farms consistently attract avid outdoor adventurers to the region. Enjoy the panoramic views of beautiful Paso Robles wine country while you explore the plethora of activities that that make Paso Robles a well-rounded vacation destination.
Check out this sampling of some popular pastimes to keep you active and outdoors in Paso Robles:
Incredible Cycling – Paso Robles is known in the cycling community for its winding back roads that amble through gorgeous wine country, which were traversed by Amgen Tourof California cyclists in 2009, and has played host to the annual Great Western Bicycle Rally since 1979. Choose your route here; most range from ten to 100 miles and are classified as rolling hill to flat. Beware, the trails that trek from the Pacific Ocean to Highway 101 should be considered mountainous and reserved only for the advanced rider.
Celebrated Golf – Paso Robles boasts a four and one-half star golf course at Hunter Ranch. Located just a few miles from downtown Paso Robles and in the heart of Paso’s East Side wine country, Hunter Ranch Golf Course is surrounded by vineyard landscapes that create a beautiful backdrop for a great day of golf. Enjoy lunch at The Grill on the course, or head into town for a delicious meal at a variety of Paso Robles restaurants, like Berry Hill Bistro, where the gourmet salads, paninis and pizzas await you.
Exhilarating Water Sports –Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, Paso Robles has access to the many lakes captured in the nearby water basins. Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio are mountain lakes that offer boat rentals for fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and tubing.
Natural Hot Springs – A historic tradition in Paso Robles, natural mineral hot springs have been drawing tourists to the region for almost 200 years. Relax and unwind at River Oaks Hot Springs, a spa retreat located just a few miles from downtown Paso Robles. Take your pick between indoor or outdoor mineral tubs; but I recommend the outdoor tubs surrounded by majestic oaks for full star gazing potential.
Fantastic Farm Fun– Visit Jack Creek Farms this October for their much anticipated U-pick Pumpkin Patch. Bring the kids for a fun day on the farm, full of rustic activities like the Hay Maze, Lasso a Dummy Steer and the Petting Zoo. Sample apple cider slushees and pomegranate juice granitas made fresh from the Jack Creek Farm’s fruit trees! Click here for information on other amazing agricultural adventures.
Paso Robles offers accommodations to fit every budget. From upscale lodging properties, to well known and comfortable brand hotels, many of which have been built in recent years, there are many to choose from. No matter what type of pastime you are looking for, Paso Robles offers great outdoor family fun, group activities and couples getaways that please more than just the palette. Enjoy!!
Photos by Cloud 9 Living and Jack Creek Farms
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