Los Olivos Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, accommodations, and more in Los Olivos, California – a charming town in Santa Barbara County.


Los Olivos, situated in Santa Barbara County, California, is a captivating town that attracts tourists with its beautiful countryside views, rich history, and gastronomic delights. This guide will help you plan a memorable trip to Los Olivos by showcasing its top attractions, activities, accommodations, and much more.

Introduction to Los Olivos

Los Olivos is a small town with a population of around 1,000, located in the Central Coast region of California. Its name means “the olives” in Spanish, implying the town’s early ties to olive oil production. Today, the town is renowned for its wineries, art galleries, and eateries that serve local cuisine. Los Olivos is also surrounded by vineyards, lakes, and mountains, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Los Olivos

Visitors to Los Olivos need to experience its culture and nature to the fullest. Here are some of the best places to visit in Los Olivos:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wildling Museum – an art museum dedicated to the wildlife of Western America.
  • Los Olivos General Store – a historic landmark that has been in operation since 1886. You can indulge in wine-tasting and purchase deli items here.
  • Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum – a museum highlighting the history of the Santa Ynez Valley. It has a vast collection of artifacts, documents, photos, and furniture.

Natural Attractions of Los Olivos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Cachuma – a picturesque lake with water sports such as boating, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Los Padres National Forest – a nearby forest with hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic spots.
  • Nojoqui Falls County Park – a park with hiking trails, picnic tables, and the stunning Nojoqui falls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Olivos

Los Olivos has some of the best hiking routes in California, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular hiking/biking routes:

  • Figueroa Mountain Road – a 10-mile long scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Valley.
  • Alisos Canyon Trail – a 6.2-mile hike with a moderate difficulty level, where visitors can see a variety of landscapes and wildlife.
  • Ballard Canyon Trail – a 1.6-mile hike with stunning views of vineyards and oak trees, ideal for a pleasant evening stroll.

Best Things to Do in Los Olivos: Activities and Tours

Los Olivos offers a wide range of activities for its visitors. Here are some popular things to do in Los Olivos:

  • Wine-tasting – Los Olivos is famous for its wineries, and it’s a must-do when you’re here. Try some of the local favorites such as Alta Maria Vineyards, Beckmen Vineyards, and Andrew Murray Vineyards.
  • Art Galleries – Los Olivos has an excellent art community, and you need to visit its top galleries like the Quicksilver Ranch and Gallery Los Olivos.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride – Experience the beauty of the Santa Ynez valley from the sky with a hot air balloon ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Los Olivos

Day 1: Visit Los Olivos Historical Landmarks and Museums

Day 2: Explore the wineries and vineyards of Los Olivos and enjoy wine-tasting.

Day 3: Hiking and Biking at Nojoqui Falls County Park.

Day 4: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Santa Ynez Valley.

Day 5: Visit art galleries in Los Olivos and attend an art exhibition.

Day 6: Enjoy water sports at Lake Cachuma.

Day 7: Take a leisurely walk along the Ballard Canyon Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Los Olivos

When it comes to food and drink, Los Olivos offers a range of local and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Tri-Tip – a California BBQ classic.
  • Santa Maria-style with Pinquito beans and salsa.
  • Olive Oil - Los Olivos is known for its olive oil, and you can find it at the local markets.

Local Beverages:

  • Pinot Noir – one of the first wines produced in Los Olivos, which is now famous for its wineries and a must-try wine.
  • Craft beer – local breweries such as Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. and Tap It Brewing Co. offer excellent craft beer.

Where to Stay in Los Olivos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Los Olivos has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, including hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Here are some recommended options:

  • Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa – a luxury hotel with a wine-tasting room and spa in Solvang, less than 10 miles from Los Olivos.
  • The Landsby – a boutique hotel in Solvang influenced by Danish design.
  • Airbnb – a cost-effective accommodation option, with a wide range of Los Olivos homes available for rent.

What to Buy in Los Olivos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Los Olivos:

  • Olive Oil – Los Olivos is famous for its olive oil, and you can find it at local markets and specialty shops.
  • Art – the numerous galleries and studios in Los Olivos offer a diverse range of fine art and crafts.
  • Wine – Los Olivos has an incredible winery scene, and buying a bottle or two of its wines is a must-do.

Local Culture and Customs of Los Olivos

  • Los Olivos is influenced by Spanish colonization and Mexican culture, which is reflected in local art, architecture, and cuisine.
  • The town is eco-conscious, and many initiatives such as recycling, organic farming, and local sourcing are prevalent.

Best Time to Visit Los Olivos

Los Olivos is a year-round destination, with its mild Mediterranean climate suited for all seasons. However, the best times to visit are during the fall (September-November), when the wine harvest is at its peak, and during the spring (March-May), when the wildflowers bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Los Olivos

Do:

  • Try the local wine.
  • Respect nature and local culture.
  • Follow eco-friendly practices.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Be disrespectful to local customs and norms.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Los Olivos

Los Olivos is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates. However, visitors are recommended to take precautions against natural disasters such as wildfires and flash floods.

Health in Los Olivos

Los Olivos, like the rest of the United States, has state-of-the-art healthcare systems, and travelers can access primary healthcare services, hospitals, and pharmacies.

Getting to Los Olivos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Los Olivos is located approximately 130 miles north of Los Angeles. Here are some transportation options to reach Los Olivos:

Airports Near Los Olivos

  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport – 33 miles away from Los Olivos.
  • Los Angeles International Airport – 130 miles away from Los Olivos.

Bus Stations Near Los Olivos

  • Santa Maria Greyhound Station – 20 miles away from Los Olivos.
  • Santa Barbara Amtrak & Greyhound Station – 32 miles away from Los Olivos.

Other Options

  • Driving – Los Olivos is easily accessible from US Route 101, connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.
  • Private transfers – arrange private transfer services from LAX to Los Olivos and nearby destinations.

How to Get Around in Los Olivos

Los Olivos is a small town, and its major attractions are within walking distance of one another. However, visitors must have a car or hire a cab to get around the nearby vineyards and hiking trails.

Where to Go Next from Los Olivos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Los Olivos is surrounded by several other tourist destinations that make for great excursions, here are some options:

  • Solvang – a nearby Danish Village with shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms.
  • Santa Barbara – a seaside city with a bustling art culture, historic landmarks, and beaches.
  • Ojai – a scenic town nestled in the Ventura County plains, known for its hiking trails, organic farming, and spas.

Conclusion

Los Olivos, with its stunning vineyards, hiking opportunities, and rich culture, is an ideal destination to unwind and recharge from the daily grind. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Los Olivos and make your journey unforgettable.