Visit Los Alamos for a taste of our laidback lifestyle amidst the agricultural farmland and hills of oak trees in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Enjoy shopping for art and antiques, wine tasting and fine dining. Don't miss our annual Old Days Celebration every September.
Los Alamos, which means "The Cottonwoods" in Spanish, is located midway between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles and 280 miles south of San Francisco, the town site is at the junction of U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 135. The Los Alamos Valley is bounded by the northern Solomon Hills and the southern Purisima Hills. It is graced with cottonwood trees, oaks, creeks, farms, ranches, vineyards.
Wine Tasting: Los Alamos is the birthplace of grapes grown for Kendall-Jackson, Sutter Home, Byron, Beringer, Mondavi, Meridian and many boutique wineries. It is also the ideal hub for exploring over 70 world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Walk down the street and enjoy a tasting at Bedford Thompson or jump in your car and travel the wine tours the movie Sideways made famous. Los Alamos is right in the middle of three famous wine trails and minutes from the Los Olivos tasting rooms
Antique Stores: Los Alamos is an antique-lover’s dream, with unique treasures from all over the world as well as right here in town! Within blocks of The Victorian Mansion are four antique galleries: Gussied Up, The Gentleman Farmer, The Depot Mall, and Golden Oaks Antiques. Los Alamos is also home to the Union Hotel, which was a stagecoach stop during the Wild West. Be sure to stop by this historic and authentically decorated spot for an ice cream, scrumptious steak or murder mystery adventure. Don’t forget to check out the old-time gas station right next door, which harkens back to the days when Bell Street was the major route through California. This gas station has been featured in numerous movies and photo shoots through the years.
Art Galleries: Wander through the ArtBrut Gallery to enjoy the work of local artisans and other offerings, including pen and ink drawings by Jonathan Winters. Or stroll down the street to the C Gallery, which features contemporary art, with a “contemplative” edge.
Dining: Los Alamos offers some of the most delectable dining in the area. Across the street from The Victorian Mansion, you can taste by firelight what Variety dubbed “probably the best pizza on the West Coast” at Hearth in the Cottonwoods, also known as Flatbread. The menu changes daily with unique concoctions featuring freshly picked herbs and paired with local wines from an extensive wine list. For lunch, try the famously-large burgers or carne asada at Charlie’s, next door, or walk a few blocks down Bell Street to Cafe Quackenbush, where you can enjoy a gourmet salad or crabcakes surrounded by art. If you are in the mood for steak, get ready for the best filet you have ever had and walk a few blocks more to Twin Oaks Restaurant. The exterior is humble, but you won’t mind as the filet melts in your mouth.
Spa: We would be happy to arrange for a massage in the privacy of your own fantasy suite. Or just soak in the luxurious bubbles of your private hot-tub. Aromatherapy bath soak is included in your room.
Solvang: This adorable Danish town is only a short drive from Los Alamos. You can stroll through the European-style streets and visit art galleries, tasting rooms, museums, and clothing boutiques. You can even visit a full-sized holiday gingerbread house (Nov. –Dec.), enjoy the street performers during Danish Days (Sept.) or catch a play at PCPA Theaterfest. Don’t forget the Hans Christian Andersen Museum! You can see the calendar of events at http://www.solvangusa.com.
Horseback Riding and Horse Ranches: The Santa Ynez Valley is recognized throughout the equestrian world for its horse ranches. Enjoy a wonderful ride through the beautiful backcountry on horseback. Or visit one of the many outstanding horse ranches, including the Quicksilver Ranch which raises miniature horses.
Hiking: Nearby Figueroa Mountain offers numerous hiking trails to explore the local flora and fauna.
Chumash Casino: Vegas-like action in the Valley! This Casino Resort offers gaming at its exhilarating best, including slot machines, Blackjack and Poker.
Golf: Play a round of 18 holes at one of the near-by golf courses, including La Purisma, Rancho San Marcos, River Course at The Alisal, Zaca Creek, or Sunset Ridge.
Hot air ballooning (seasonal): Enjoy spectacular views of the ranchlands and vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley from high above in a hot air balloon.
Bicycling: One of the best ways to explore the backcountry is on two wheels. Enjoy a self-guided tour or let a resident expert show you the way.
Glider rides: Soar silently above the Santa Ynez Valley Mountains in this adventure of a lifetime.
Ostrich Land: Tour this unique facility and see the world’s largest bird up close.
Lavender Farm: Clairmont Farm is a family owned lavender farm located in Los Olivos. There are five acres of the Grosso variety lavender, known for its healing quality. They offer a complete line of lavender based products, including essential oils, homemade soaps, distinctive lavender honey, and tea.
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve: Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve is part of the 18-mile stretch of coastal dunes on California's Central Coast. From 1923 to the 1950s, six films were set in the dunes, including Cecil B. Demille's classic version of the Ten Commandments. At the end of production, the massive sets reproducing ancient Egypt were dismantled and buried on the site to prevent reuse. They are still buried there today and may be seen from time to time as the dunes shift.
California Missions and museums
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Santa Inez Mission
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La Purisma Mission
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Elverhoj Museum of Danish History
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Hans Christian Andersen Museum
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Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Birdwatching: There are hundreds of species to view, including waterfowl, osprey, hawks, bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, and yellow-billed magpies.
Shopping
