Overview:
Paso Robles is a great destination for any van lifer who loves wine, olive oil, and the beauty of vineyards. Driving around the area is breathtaking and well worth an entire day of scenic beauty. Downtown Paso Robles is a charming and quaint area that offers shopping, great restaurants, wine bars and is worth checking out. The Barney Schwartz Park, located about 3 miles from downtown, has a lake, sports fields, pool, and picnic spots and is a great place to spend the day or have lunch. Paso Robles is a must-stop destination for anyone exploring the wine region of Southern California. Just remember to drink responsibly.
Adventure:
The two main reasons anyone comes to Paso Robles; wine and beautiful scenery. There are around 300 wineries spread throughout the region. The vineyards offer wine tasting and are located in valleys surrounded by grassy hills studded with centuries-old oak trees. Some vineyards have the marks of 18th-century Franciscan missionaries and Spanish conquistadors, who mapped their journeys through the state and gave the region its name (from the Spanish for The Pass of the Oaks). Those missionaries also introduced wine grapes to the area.
Besides wine, the Estrella Warbird Museum displays military planes, weapons, and memorabilia, while the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum features historical relics like farming tools, a 19th-century schoolhouse, and a reconstructed jail.
Remember to drink responsibly!
References and Links:
James Dean Memorial
The James Dean Memorial is an interesting stopover for any van or RV lifer searching for a little history. On September 30th, 1955, James Dean died in a terrible car crash on Highway 46 (then numbered 466). The memorial is located a short distance away from the crash site is a sculpture made of concrete and stainless steel surrounding a tree outside the Cholame “post office” and Jack Ranch Cafe.
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park makes a great destination for any van lifer looking to spend some time on the beach and explore Morro Bay. The park includes a beach, lagoon, and marsh habitat to explore. The park’s main adventures include sailing, golfing, fishing, surfing, hiking, and bird watching. The park also has a museum with exhibits that cover the history of the bay and surrounding areas.
