If you’re looking to slow down in a small town with charming history…we have the spot for you! Los Alamos is enriched with Old West heritage and is located near the Santa Ynez Valley. Surrounded by farms, ranches, and vineyards this quaint town draws visitors with its amazing history and seven block main street that will have you lost in delicious food and wine offerings!
This historic town was founded in 1876, and it became a popular stagecoach stop and continued to grow when hotels popped up to house all the overnight guests. It still looks and feels vintage, but has since acquired an amazing food, wine, and antiques scene. The main street may seem small, being only seven blocks, but this little town has so much to offer that will keep you busy all day.
Stop off at some amazing restaurants for plenty of food options throughout the day! A meal at Bell’s is a must when visiting Los Alamos! You will want to book a table in advance, so plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss this amazing French-inspired bistro. The menu changes daily based on the local produce availability so you are sure to get the best, most fresh options.
Another restaurant option with a unique historic background is Plenty on Bell, located in Los Alamos’ original hardware store! You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options here but the main attraction may just be the tree-lined patio complete with a fire pit and s’mores station!
Bell Street offers some amazing wine tasting options, right from the vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, that are sure to be a hit! Casa Dumetz Wines has a wine tasting room and garden patio area to enjoy the nicer weather. They are also next door to their sister business Babi’s Beer Emporium for even more options if you are more of a beer lover than wine.
Another amazing wine tasting room option is Lumen Wines at Pico Restaurant, also located right on Bell Street! Pico Restaurant shares its location with Lumen Wines so you can literally get the best of both worlds with food and wine in the same spot! The storefront outside is so charming and cute, displaying “General Store” which served as the town’s general store until the 1990s.
There is definitely no shortage of cool historic restaurants in Los Alamos! The Maker’s Son is another restaurant option that is located in a restored 1920s garage and gas station. This rustic establishment pays homage to all the “makers” who have built and contributed to these special coastal communities. Check out their amazing food offerings that feature classic and comfort dishes that will have something for everyone!
Once you have explored the food and wine options, stop by the antique and vintage shopping! Sister’s Gifts and Home is a great place to start your shopping, and you can imagine with this town’s rich history how interesting antique shopping would be. There is also the Los Alamos Depot Mall which features a ton of dealers selling a wide range of items.
Located right off the Hwy 101, Los Alamos makes for the perfect day trip. Enjoy everything this historic town has to offer, and then make your way back to Channel Island Shores for even more relaxation and rejuvenation!
