Sometimes, all it takes is a quick evening away to feel like you’ve truly escaped the everyday. No flights, no overnights—just a short drive, good company, and something magical waiting at the end. For those of us who get revived by a few short day—or evening—trips here and there, let me share one of my favorite getaways … Sensorio in Paso Robles.

 

If you haven’t heard of Sensorio or experienced it yet, let me paint the picture for you. It’s Friday afternoon, and instead of heading to the usual dinner spot in town, you hop in the car around 5pm. About 90 minutes later, you roll into Paso Robles just as the gates to Sensorio open at 6:30. The sun is beginning to lower, and the golden hour light washes over the rolling hills as you make your way inside. 

 

Before the lights of Sensorio even come on, there’s already plenty to enjoy. On a recent Friday night out with a friend, we found ourselves a spot on the wide open lawn, settled into comfy outdoor seating with a bottle of Opolo wine and a piping hot handcrafted pizza. A live jazz group played just steps away, and the mood was relaxed and festive. We even struck up a great conversation with some “new friends” from the Bay Area who were on a weekend wine tour and came for “the Paso experience.” Whether you’re there for a date night, team outing, or a spontaneous evening with friends, Sensorio has a way of bringing people together. 

 

If pizza’s not your thing, don’t worry—Sensorio has plenty of delicious options. Food trucks and a full Mercado restaurant offer a nice selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and desserts as well as signature cocktails, beer, and of course, wine from the Mercado Bar. For a more elevated experience, there’s even a Terrace Experience with private firepit seating, a dedicated Airstream bar, your own restrooms, and arguably the best views in the place. 

 

But let’s talk about what Sensorio is really known for: the lights. 

 

As the sun slips behind the hills, the fields slowly begin to glow. Thousands—literally thousands—of softly pulsing lights stretch out in waves across the expansive landscape. It’s part light show, part art installation, and all wonder. The Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro is the headliner, but it’s far from the only feature now. Over time, Sensorio has expanded into a permanent installation with new exhibits, including dazzling geometric sculptures by HYBYCOZO that seem to dance with color and music. Every path you take reveals a different texture of light, space, and sound. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, photography is not only allowed but also encouraged (they have photography contests).  You just have to avoid using your flash and any bulky equipment that could ruin the experiment for others. 

 

There’s even more to explore with each visit—new additions, new experiences, and now, exciting plans for a future hotel and conference center. And if you're thirsty mid-stroll? No problem. You’ll find stylish Airstream bars nestled along the pathways so you can sip as you wander. 

 

When the night winds down, it’s an easy drive back. We made our way back to Bakersfield by 11:30pm—with just the right amount of time to relive our favorite moments and exhibits—and allow us to feel like we’d had a full weekend’s worth of inspiration in just a few hours. 

Prefer to relax even more? Consider making it a truly carefree night with a ride from our friends at LINQride Executive Car Service. Owner Cherif Guirguis offers everything from a private Mercedes sedan for two to a sleek executive SUV or Sprinter van for groups of six to ten—perfect for a corporate team-building evening or a wine-soaked girls’ night out. He can even help arrange wine tastings or dinner reservations at some of Paso’s best spots, thanks to his personal connections in the area. You just show up and enjoy. 

 

Whether you drive yourself or ride in style, Sensorio is more than a night out—it’s a shimmering reminder of how close we really are to something extraordinary. So, maybe this is the weekend to skip the same-old Friday night out and make a new memory instead. The lights are waiting.