Sweet Escape from Selfies: How to Visit the Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles, California
Are you thinking of visiting the Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles? You should definitely add this to your list of things to do this Fall!
I’ve seen a few ads pop up on my social media, as well as some photos from friends who had been there, and I was intrigued! Since it’s less than 4 hours away from LA, I thought it would be part of a perfect quick getaway to the central coast.
About the Field of Light at Sensorio
There’s been quite a buzz around the Field of Light at Sensorio, an art installation from the mind of internationally-acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro. As his largest artwork to date, The Field of Light at Sensorio is comprised of an array of over 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics, which took volunteers five weeks to complete. It illuminates the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing color, transforming the rolling hills off Highway 46 in Paso Robles into a stunning display of “solar flowers” undulating in the breeze.
One of the many cool things about this 15 acre exhibit is that it is solar powered. The stunning exhibition is not only captivating, but makes you engage in the landscape of the environment and truly feel and soak in the experience, simply because you can't get the ‘perfect shot’ for social media. The light keeps changing and after the sun sets, is when the exhibit truly comes to life. The darkness is not great for the casual phone photo, even in portrait mode. So you should just sit and enjoy!
My Field of Light Experience
I got there around sunset, and stayed until it closed at 9 PM. I brought my Sony A6000 DSLR with me, but you are not allowed to bring a tripod, selfie stick, or Go Pro sticks, and without a very steady hand, it is really hard to get “the perfect shot”.
It was actually quite refreshing as it didn't seem like it was overrun with social media influencers. There was a chill, older crowd, not trying to constantly snap selfies. I also happened to go in the middle of the week on a Wednesday, so there were only about 300 people.
When the temperature dropped (to about 58F-60F) most people left, but I stayed until the end and basically had the whole field to myself for the last 45 minutes. The weekends tend to consistently sell out at the 1200 person capacity and they have had to turn people away at the door, as word has quickly spread about this hidden gem in Central California so book ahead of time!
Here are some more tips on how to visit the Field of Light at Sensorio:
Book in advance — I chanced it on a weekday and was fine, but tickets do sell out especially on the weekends
Come early and stay late — Get there early to catch the sunset and changing colors of the sky, and stay late when the crowds dissipate and you can get a photo without people walking through the shot. I would plan on a couple of hours.
Plan the timing — If you can swing it, try visiting around a full moon, which will cast more light if you do try to get the ‘perfect shot’.
Don’t bring the extras — Don’t bring a tripod, selfie stick, light ring, or big camera equipment, etc. They check your bags and will make you take it back to your car
Bring warm layers — The temperature drops quickly after the sunsets and it can be breezy.
Eat before you arrive — No food or drink are allowed in, but they do have a few bars (last call is at 8:30 PM) and food trucks. The burritos from the taco truck are yum! There is seating and a wide open grassy space and stage with live music as well as a seating area looking out at the fields.
Stay on the marked paths — There are security people watching and will escort you out if you try to go into the fields.
The Field of Light at Sensorio opened May 19, and will run through January 5. Entrance times will change depending on sunset.
For more information, visit their website at www.sensoriopaso.com