Paso Robles — Paso to locals — is a laid-back mission town founded on the historic El Camino Real. Over the years it has had many lives: as a railroad stop, a mill town, and as Almond City, which once had the most almond orchards in the world. Today, its rich history blends with modern amenities and an injection of youth from neighboring college towns. It's all set against a backdrop of the Santa Lucia Coastal Mountain Range: oak-studded peaks that descend into rolling hills, laced with vineyards and peppered with ranches. It's the kind of getaway where you're just as likely to see a horse or a tractor on the country roads as a limousine full of wine tasters.

Though a temperate climate makes Paso Robles a good place to visit year-round, mid-fall is a favorable season. It's when the temperature is warm but not as scorching as the summer (October highs still hit 81 degrees Fahrenheit), making it easier to take advantage of the region's many outdoor activities. Plus, fall is wine harvest month, so the vineyard tasting rooms are in full swing. This is also when most of the local festivals take place, and vacation rentals book up in advance, so plan ahead. August is the hottest month, with an average high of 92 degrees. Winter is cool but pleasant. December is the coldest month, with an average high of 60 degrees, but the temperature occasionally drops down into the 30s.

Paso Robles Wine Country

With more than 200 wineries, Wine Country has no shortage of places to sample the area’s biggest export. From downtown’s cluster of modern tasting rooms to scenic country wineries deep in the Santa Lucia Mountains, there is a wine tasting journey for every type of traveler. The region's diverse soils and long growing season produce more than 60 varieties of world-class wines.

Morro Bay

A popular day trip from Paso Robles is Morro Bay, reachable by car in under an hour. This quaint coastal town packs block after block of charm, but the real draw is its iconic volcanic outcropping, Morro Rock, as well as Morro Rock Beach and Morro Bay State Park, which has lagoons and marshes rich with marine life.

Lake Nacimiento

Water sports abound at Paso Robles' recreational Lake Nacimiento. With 18 miles of open water, plus a river, coves, and inlets, this lake is a favored year-round spot for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing. It's also a popular place to cast a line from the shore and fish for white bass and other lake fish.