Things to Do

Wine Country Activities & Attractions

Embrace a variety of year-round activities and seasonal events on California’s Central Coast. From food and wine festivals in Paso Robles wine country to holiday celebrations in downtown Atascadero, to farmers' markets and state fairs, it’s all happening nearby The Carlton Hotel.

white truck in front of wooden building
Vineyards & Wineries

The Carlton Hotel is located midway between Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine country. With over 300 wineries and tasting rooms to choose from, our friendly staff can assist in planning your wine tasting adventure or make arrangements for limousine or shuttle wine tasting tours.

Some of Our Favorite Vineyards & Wineries

Ancient Peaks Winery
9.6 miles, 10 min drive
22720 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
(805) 365-7045

Brecon Estate
13.4 miles, 19 min drive
7450 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-2200

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
20.9 miles, 33 min drive
11680 Chimney Rock Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-6932

Lone Madrone Winery
19.6 miles, 25 min drive
5800 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-0845

Tablas Creek Vineyard
17.2 miles, 26 min drive
9339 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-1231

Wolff Vineyards
32.9 miles, 39 min drive
6238 Orcutt Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-0448

View Map

apples next to a glass of cider
Breweries & Cider Houses

From craft beers to small batch brews, Central California is home to some of the best breweries and cider houses in the country. Order a tasting flight, take a tour of the brewery and learn all about the process, or simply grab a board game and a cold one, kick back and relax.

Some of Our Favorite Breweries

BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
7.7 miles, 10 min drive
3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 296-1128

Bristol’s Cider House
1.6 miles, 4 min drive
3220 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 400-5293

Dead Oak Brewing Company
0.1 miles, 2 min walk
5925 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 464-2710

Firestone Walker Brewery Company
8.7 miles, 10 min drive
3993, 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 225-5911

Tent City Beer Company
0.2 miles, 3 min walk
6760 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 460-6454

Tin City Cider
7.7 miles, 10 min drive
3005 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 293-6349

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beach and pier at sunset
Beaches & Coastal Communities

California’s Central Coast abounds with cozy beach towns that make for the perfect adventures. Enjoy seaside activities such as fishing, kayaking, surfing, and biking, or, savor salt water taffy and ice cream cones as you stroll along the shore. A day of fun in the sun is only a short drive away.

Some of Our Favorite Beaches

Avila Beach
26.6 miles, 28 min drive

Cayucos Beach
22.5 miles, 33 min drive

Moonstone Beach Park
30.7 miles, 36 min drive

Morro Bay
17.3 miles, 24 min drive

Pismo Beach
29.3 miles, 28 min drive

orange and black butterfly
Hiking & Outdoor Activities

California’s Central Coast offers a variety of hiking and outdoor activities for all skill levels and interests. From the monarch butterfly migration that takes place each October through February to the pups at Elephant Seal Rookery to the Carrizo Plains protected habitat, there’s plenty to explore.

Some of Our Favorite Outdoor Attractions

Carrizo Plain National Monument
61.3 miles, 90 min drive
17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
(661) 391-6000

Margarita Adventures
9.6 miles, 10 min drive
22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
(805) 438-3120

Monarch Butterfly Grove
30.4 miles, 30 min drive
400 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7170

Montaña de Oro State Park
27.8 miles, 45 min drive 
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402
(805) 528-0513

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
33.8 miles, 40 min drive
250 San Simeon Ave, San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 924-1628

Atascadero Area Hiking & Sightseeing
- Cerro Alto Trail
- Jim Green Trail
- Morro Rock at Morro Bay
- Sandboarding the Oceano Dunes
- Santa Margarita Lake
- Stadium Park Trails
- The Nine Sisters Peaks
- Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trail

Yellow building with rounded top and spanish tile roof
Downtown Atascadero

Enjoy the small town charm of downtown Atascadero’s local art galleries, coffee shops and cafes, tasting rooms, and mom and pop shops. Stroll through the Sunken Gardens Park, catch a movie at the Galaxy theater, or join a docent-led tour at Atascadero City Hall.

Some of Our Favorite Locations Downtown

Atascadero Visitor’s Center
0.2 miles, 4 min walk
6904 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422
805-466-2044

Charles Paddock Zoo
1.7 miles, 4 min drive
9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 461-5080

Galaxy Atascadero
0.3 miles, 5 min walk  
6917 El Camino Real I, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 460-0123

Stadium Park
0.9 miles, 3 min drive
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 461-7606

Sunken Gardens
0.1 miles, 2 min walk
6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 666-1234

Missions building in california
California Missions & Historical Landmarks

Explore the rich history of California’s missions and historical landmarks. Many of the area’s most important historical treasures appear today exactly as they did when originally built. From City Hall to the Mission San Miguel, grab your camera and get ready to travel back in time.

Some of Our Favorite Historical Landmarks

Atascadero City Hall
0.2 miles, 4 min walk
6500 Palma Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 461-5000

Atascadero Historical Museum
0.3 miles, 6 min walk
6600 Lewis Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 466-8341

Hearst Castle
37.5 miles, 44 min drive 
750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
17.8 18 min drive
751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-8220

Mission San Miguel
20.3 miles, 20 min drive
775 Mission St, San Miguel, CA 93451
(805) 467-3256

Port San Luis Lighthouse
26.6 miles, 27 min drive
1 Lighthouse Rd, Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 540-5771