Templeton
Templeton is a small western town with a big personality, sitting at the junction of Highway 101 and Highway 46 between Paso Robles and Atascadero. It grew up around the railroad in the 19th century, when Main Street was lined with frontier saloons, and today it keeps that Old West charm while sitting in the middle of some of the Central Coast's best wine country. Around 8,000 people call it home, and it has a way of feeling like a place where time slowed down just enough.
Things to Do
- Walk Main Street. Antique stores, specialty shops, and local restaurants line the historic downtown, including longtime favorite McPhee's Grill.
- Visit Jack Creek Farms. A beloved family farm just west of town with seasonal events: apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, Christmas tree cutting in the winter, plus a country store and farm animals.
- Taste at local wineries. Templeton is surrounded by standout wineries, including Castoro Cellars, Wild Horse Winery, Peachy Canyon, ZinAlley, and Turley Cellars.
- Stop by the Templeton Historical Museum. A look at the town's railroad and ranching roots, right in the heart of town.
- Spend a Saturday at the farmers market. The Templeton farmers market runs Saturday mornings, a weekly gathering for local growers and neighbors.
- Taste local olive oil. The area around Templeton is known for excellent olives. Olea Farm's olive oil tasting room is a local standout.
- Relax at Templeton Park and Templeton Community Park. Mature trees and a gazebo make Templeton Park a favorite picnic spot, while Templeton Community Park offers sports fields and a swimming pool.
- Let the dogs run at Vineyard Dog Park. An expansive off leash park with fenced play areas and a wading pool.
Outdoors: Beaches, Parks & Trails
- Templeton Park. Shady picnic lawns, mature trees, and a gazebo in the center of town.
- Templeton Community Park. Sports fields and a public swimming pool.
- Vineyard Dog Park. Off leash play areas with a wading pool for the dogs.
- Country backroads. Las Tablas Road and the hills west of Highway 101 offer sweeping views and quiet rides through ranch country.
- The coast, close by. Morro Bay is about 23 miles west, roughly a 30 minute drive.
Eat & Drink: Local Spots
- McPhee's Grill. A longtime Main Street favorite in the heart of historic downtown.
- Jack Creek Farms country store. Seasonal produce, farm goods, and treats from a beloved family farm.
- Olea Farm olive oil tasting room. A local standout for tasting the area's excellent olive oils.
- Templeton wineries. Castoro Cellars, Wild Horse Winery, Peachy Canyon, ZinAlley, and Turley Cellars all pour within minutes of town.
- Saturday farmers market. Local growers and food vendors gather on Main Street every Saturday morning.
Upcoming Events
Templeton runs on a small town rhythm with a few beloved standbys. The farmers market gathers every Saturday morning on Main Street, and Jack Creek Farms anchors the seasons with apple and pumpkin picking in the fall and Christmas tree cutting in the winter. Wineries around town host tastings and harvest events through the year. See what's coming up on the Hub events page.
Homes & Real Estate
Templeton offers something increasingly rare on the Central Coast: genuine country properties close to town, from ranch homes on acreage with big views to family neighborhoods near Templeton Unified schools. If you are curious what is on the market here, browse the Central Coast home search.
Useful Local Resources
- Templeton Chamber of Commerce (visitor and business info)
- Templeton Community Services District (parks, pool, and local services)
- Jack Creek Farms (seasonal events and hours)
Nearby Communities
- Paso Robles, minutes north on Highway 101
- Atascadero, minutes south on Highway 101
- Santa Margarita, a short drive southeast