A Luxurious Weekend in Paso Robles: La Bellasera Hotel & Suites and Hearst Castle

206 Alexa Court, Paso Robles, CA 93446

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape from LA, look no further than Paso Robles! Just three and a half hour drive north of Los Angeles, this charming town is nestled in the heart of wine country, surrounded by rolling hills, lush vineyards, and towering oaks. Our getaway took us to the beautiful La Bellasera Hotel & Suites, a Mediterranean-style boutique hotel right off the main highway, serving as the perfect gateway to explore the area.

Stepping into La Bellasera, friendly front desk staff immediately greeted us, and they quickly helped us check into one of their luxurious suites. The suite felt more like a mini-apartment with a full kitchen, family room, fireplace, and a cozy balcony overlooking the picturesque landscape. The King-sized bed was inviting with its fluffy pillows and crisp white sheets, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. The bathroom featured a sleek design with a handicapped shower and soft electric blue lighting under the sink for a stylish touch.

Before heading out, we enjoyed some wine and appetizers at Enoteca Restaurant & Bar inside the hotel. As a pescatarian, I was thrilled to find plenty of seafood options on the menu, and the food didn’t disappoint! The bartender was knowledgeable, helping us pair local wines with our dishes and adding a fun, personalized touch to the meal. Although our cab took longer than expected, one of the hotel staff, who was just getting off work, kindly offered to drive us downtown. Now, that’s exceptional customer service!

If you have time, you should also check out The Spa at La Bellasera. They offer a wide range of spa treatments such as massage, warm stone massage, organic grape seed scrubs, facials, patchouli and lavender massage, reflexology, wellness packages, and more! They even have a little boutique store right next to the front desk check-in where you can buy all types of organic lotions, soaps, candles, knick-knacks for the bathroom, and wine accessories since it does sit in the heart of the wine country! I had a hard time deciding on which soaps to choose but finally decided to buy one of each scent!

We went downtown to Pappy McGregor’s Pub and Grill, to enjoy some casual bar food, good drinks, and live music. The bar soon turned into a lively nightclub with a DJ, making it one of the few places open late in town. It was the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends.

The next morning, we indulged in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the famous Hearst Castle. Just a short drive from Paso Robles, this historic estate is a masterpiece of architecture and design, with 165 rooms spread across 127 acres of gardens, terraces, and pools. Built by Julia Morgan for media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the castle is packed with priceless artwork, including pieces dating back to ancient Egypt.

The Neptune Pool and the indoor Roman Pool were jaw-dropping, and while I was tempted to take a dip, the $750 fine kept me out of the water! The castle even had a zoo at one point, and you can still spot wild zebras roaming the nearby fields. The entire experience was a fascinating dive into California's history, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the area.

After our castle tour, we made a quick 10-minute drive to San Simeon Beach to see the hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the sand. It was an incredible sight, with seals basking in the sun and playing in the waves. Definitely a must-see for nature lovers!

No trip to Paso Robles would be complete without indulging in its world-class wineries. Known for its incredible wine production, this region offers a perfect blend of laid-back charm and top-tier wine experiences. During our stay, we made it a point to visit a few standout wineries that truly showcased the essence of Paso Robles’ wine country.

Our first stop was the Parrish Family Tasting Room, a cozy yet sophisticated winery located in downtown Paso Robles. The interior was beautifully decorated with a warm, inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The wines here were impressive, with a variety of reds and whites that delighted our palates. What really stood out was the staff's friendliness and knowledge—they guided us through the tasting with stories about the winery's history and helpful tips on pairing the wines.

And here’s where I made a life-saving discovery: Wine Away spray! After accidentally spilling red wine on my white dress (classic), I tried this miracle spray, and within seconds, my dress looked as good as new. Honestly, I should be their spokesperson because it worked so well that I tested it on chocolate later, and it worked like magic!

Next, we ventured to Eagle Castle Winery, an impressive, medieval-inspired estate complete with a moat that instantly transported us to another world. While the building itself was a marvel and definitely worth a visit for its design, I have to admit the wines didn’t quite live up to the castle’s grandeur. I sampled a few whites, and the Moscato and champagne were enjoyable, but overall, the wine didn’t blow me away. It felt a bit like the "evil witch’s" castle from Snow White—beautiful on the outside, but lacking the magic inside. Still, the winery's architecture alone made it a memorable stop.

The real gem, however, was SummerWood Winery & Inn. This Southern-style estate was not only visually stunning, but the wines were absolutely spectacular. From robust reds to delicate whites, each wine we sampled was of ultra-premium quality, leaving us struggling to pick a favorite. The port wine was exceptional, and I knew I had to take a bottle home. The staff here was incredibly welcoming, making our tasting session a fun and educational experience. The outdoor setting was equally beautiful, offering sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. It was here that I got a little tipsy and seriously considered reenacting I Love Lucy’s famous grape-stomping scene, but thankfully, my partner-in-crime reminded me to keep my shoes on! The cheerful ambiance, excellent wine, and friendly staff made SummerWood a highlight of our wine tour.

One thing to note for those planning to visit—many of the wineries in Paso Robles close around 5:30 p.m., which felt a little early for us. If you want to maximize your time, plan your tastings accordingly, as the few that stay open until 6:30 p.m. can fill up quickly.

Paso Robles is truly the heart of wine country, offering a mix of boutique wineries and larger estates that each bring something special to the table. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or sweet dessert wines, there’s something here for everyone. The intimate tasting rooms, friendly winemakers, and gorgeous scenery create an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Just be sure to bring your camera—and maybe a bottle of Wine Away—because between the beautiful vineyards and a few too many sips of wine, you’ll definitely want to capture the memories without any spills!

If you’re a wine lover or just looking to explore the local flavors, Paso Robles should be at the top of your list. I’m already planning my next visit to explore even more of this enchanting region.