10 best things to do in los alamos
discovering california’s best kept secret
CALIFORNIA ✦ WEEKEND GETAWAY ✦ WINE COUNTRY
Last Updated On: February 28, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office
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los alamos, california
If you’re looking for a unique hidden gem in Central California, then look no further than Los Alamos. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California’s Central Coast, this small town offers visitors a chance to experience its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and unique pace of living. Here you’ll find wineries and restaurants to outdoor activities and shopping where you can have a trip that’s as eventful or relaxed as you like! We had such a great time here, I’m already looking for a good excuse to come back!
With its charming atmosphere, rustic vibe, and stunning landscape, Los Alamos makes the perfect getaway spot for travelers looking to experience California’s more laid back wine country! Whether you are planning a trip or just curious about what this little town has to offer, read on to discover the best things to do in Los Alamos!
About Los Alamos
Los Alamos, California, is a charming western town surrounded by stunning landscapes of rolling hills, majestic mountains, and lush vineyards in Central California. The history Los Alamos dates back to the late 1800s, when it was founded as a stagecoach stop. Today, it’s a quaint, sleepy town with a population of just over 1,000.
The perfect weather year-round makes it the ideal spot for all sorts of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Not to mention its numerous wineries, historic buildings, and museums, which make it the perfect destination for a little bit of culture and history.
when is the best time to visit los alamos?
As in most places in California, there’s really no wrong time to visit. Spring, summer and fall you can expect the weather to be warm during the day and cool at night, making it the perfect time to explore all that this beautiful town has to offer.
In spring, the hills are a lush green and the wildflowers are in bloom. It’s a great time for hiking and exploring the nature trails. The weather is also pleasantly mild, making it a great time to visit the vineyards and wineries.
In fall, the leaves start to turn color and the air starts to get a little cooler. The harvest season is in full swing, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy fresh local produce and wine.
It never really gets that crowded but if you prefer a quiet visit, winter is a great time to come to Los Alamos. Summer, as usually expected, is its busiest.
how to get to los alamos?
Los Alamos is mere a 2-3 hour drive from Los Angeles which makes it a great weekend getaway! Although the town itself is very walkable and much better explored on two wheels, getting here with your own car means you’ll also have a way to visit surrounding towns as you please.
If flying is an option, the closest airport is in Santa Maria Airport (SMX) where you can also get yourself a rental car. I always refer to Skyscanner & Expedia for the best flight and car rental deals, respectively. Unfortunately, there aren’t many tours to take you around Los Alamos – your best bet will be to hire a private driver or tour.
10 best things to do in los alamos, california
start your day at bob’s well bread bakery
Bob’s Well Bread Bakery is one of the first stops along Bell Street coming from HWY-101, if you’re only passing by this town – it’s an easy detour for a delicious box of pastries. We went on an early Saturday morning and the line was not out the door just yet but you can definitely tell how popular this place is. Get your caffeine fix and treat yourself to a koiugn-amann. You’ll thank me later!
grab bite a bite from plenty on bell
More of a savory breakfast person? Plenty on Bell just a few skips down is another solid choice for both breakfast and lunch – I highly recommend their pulled pork sandwich!
bike around town
Los Alamos is the epitome of slow-living with a main street packed with interesting shops and restaurants that only open between Thursday through Sunday. What better way to explore the town than on two wheels?
sample natural wines at lo-fi wines
Lo-Fi Wines is a wine bar in downtown Los Alamos and the perfect spot for those who are looking to taste some of the finest natural wines from California. The atmosphere here is laid-back and welcoming, they are also pet-friendly as is most of the spots in Los Alamos! Their wines include a Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Petillant Nate and Pinot Noir – with some grapes grown right at the owners’ very backyard.
visit a nearby vineyard
Los Alamos is home to many vineyards, making it a great destination for those who love wine. If you have a little more time, head to the Presqu’ile Winery for some of the best Pinot Noir in California.
happy hour at bodega
Bodega Los Alamos is one of my personal favorite spots in town with their open-air beer and wine garden made perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening! Their extensive selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines plus huge open space with lawn games makes it a great spot to share with friends and family. On their property is also the Bodega House – a beautifully designed 1920’s guesthouse which you can book on Airbnb!
dinner at bell’s
Bell’s Los Alamos is the place for dinner. The atmosphere is a bit rustic and cozy, and the menu features dishes made from fresh local ingredients in the “franch” (french + ranch) cuisine. This restaurant by Chef Daisy Ryan is slowly putting Los Alamos on the map so be sure to make reservations ahead of time – especially if you’re visiting on a weekend 😉 From the complimentary celebratory drinks, thoughtful personalized menus, the sharp service, and tasty dishes – I could not recommend this place enough.
explore antique shops
Los Alamos is home to many unique antique shops. Explore the different stores around town for anything interesting to bring home. Some great stores to check out are the Los Alamos Trading Post, Blank Slate Antiques, and the Los Alamos Vintage Emporium.
take photos
This town is so quaint and quirky with some of the original facades and buildings from the 1800’s. Some great photography spots are the Union Hotel, the historic stage coach stop, and the old train station. The Union Hotel was built in 1876 and is a great example of the old-western style architecture that Los Alamos is known for. The stunning Victorian Mansion, built in 1896 was recently restored and houses a museum full of artifacts and mementos from the town’s history. The mansion is also home to Los Alamos’ historical society and offers guided tours if you’d like to learn more about the local history.
linger a little longer at skyview los alamos
“Skyview Motel” or Skyview Los Alamos is a great spot to linger and enjoy the view of Los Alamos. This place is not your typical roadside motel – today it’s one of Central California’s distinguished boutique hotels. The lookout point offers stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and HWY-101, especially during sunset. Their open courtyard has an open fire pit where large groups can hang out, if not by the pool (guests only). The best way to book a stay is through their website. I have a full review on our stay coming up soon 😉
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Where to Stay in Los Alamos California
Hotels
The town has several hotels to choose from. For a more modern stay, try the Alamo Hotel or Skyview Los Alamos. Both offer comfortable rooms and all the amenities of a contemporary hotel. A quick and easy place to look is Booking.com!
Historic Stays
For a more rustic experience, you can also book one of the smaller, older motels in town such as the Victorian Mansion.
Airbnbs
Bodega Los Alamos Airbnb is a great choice if you’re looking for something private and cozy with a fully equipped kitchen.
Where to Eat in Los Alamos California
- Norman’s at Skyview | Google Maps | great for lunch & dinner | what to order: corn ribs, bates burger
- Bob’s Well Bread Bakery | Google Maps | great for breakfast | what to order: croissants & kouign-amann
- Bell’s | Google Maps | great for a dinner date | prix fixe meal – not to miss in Los Alamos
- Plenty on Bell | Google Maps | great for breakfast/brunch | what to order: pulled pork sandwich
- Pico | Google Maps | great for lunch & dinner | what to order: smoked salmon
- Full of Life Flatbread | Google Maps | great for dinner | what to order: flatbread!
Where to Drink in Los Alamos California
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a few drinks, Los Alamos has got you covered. Here, you’ll find some of the best locally made wine in California – from grenache to sauvignon blanc, to cabernet franc. The best places to taste wine in Los Alamos are located along Bell Street, they are the perfect spot to sip and savor the local flavor. Non-wine drinkers need not be left out either
Wine
Casa Dumetz Wines (Google Maps) is a small woman-owned winery specializing in handcrafted wines made with organic grapes. Service is great and the tacos here are quite popular!
Bedford Winery (Google Maps) is another great tasting room in Los Alamos. This winery has been producing quality wines since 1993 and offers a wide selection of wines, with syrah being their most distinctive varietal.
Lo-Fi Wines (Google Maps) offers a selection of carefully crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County. Here, you can get an up close and personal experience with their knowledgeable staff who will lead you through a guided tasting!
Beers / Spirits
Bodega Los Alamos (Google Maps) is one of my favorite spots in town with their open-air garden and plenty of seating. Here you can enjoy some beer or cider, while enjoying some pizza from Full of Life Flatbread next door!
Babi’s Beer Emporium (Google Maps) is right next to Casa Dumetz Wines, for groups torn between wine & beer. Also a great spot for southeast asian fare from their partner, dim (Sama), serving baos, dumplings, duck egg rolls to banana fritters.
Santa Ynez valley
With more than 100 local wineries in Santa Ynez Valley alone, it’s easy to find something that fits your taste. Santa Ynez Valley Wine has been gaining recognition over the past few years as a great alternative to Napa Valley. Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard, Buellton, and Santa Ynez are other neighboring towns you can visit within this region.
Know Before You Go
When it comes to planning your trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Most of the shops in Los Alamos are closed Mondays to Wednesdays so if exploring town is one of your main interests, time your visit accordingly.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Los Alamos is the perfect destination. From its beautiful vineyards to its amazing restaurants and wineries, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Make sure to book your car rental and accommodations early so that you can take advantage of all the things to do in Los Alamos! With plenty of outdoor activities, delicious food options, and breathtaking views—Los Alamos will not disappoint 😉
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my name is reisha – and I’m a travel content creator, photographer, and all-around adventuring creative taking you around california and beyond. I’ve been a weekend-warrior all my life and I hope my travels and visual guides inspire you to use your long weekends and file those vacation days!