The old west town of Los Alamos is just 13 miles from Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch in Orcutt, making it a perfect afternoon down the 101. This neighboring hamlet is named after Cottonwood trees in the area, and is home to one of the most eclectic mixes of food, wine, cowboys, art, history and down-home folks in all of California.

The town has a long history of land grants, cattle ranches and farms, along with the narrow gauge Pacific Coast Railway that ran between Los Olivos and San Luis Obispo in the late 1800s. It’s evolved into a foodie haven, an antiquing gem (shop inside the only remaining PCR station from the era), a cowboy destination full of locals, and a hip hotel and wine spot for the young and fashionable. With open space along the 7-block main road and friendly faces all over town, there’s something for every type of adventurer and everyone in the family in Los Alamos.

Things to Do in Los Alamos

Los Alamos, CA, may be a small town, but it offers a unique shopping experience that is not to be missed. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County, this charming destination boasts a blend of quaint boutiques, artisanal shops, and local markets that cater to all tastes. When you stroll through the streets of Los Alamos, you’ll discover an array of one-of-a-kind stores filled with handcrafted goods and specialty items in a welcoming atmosphere. From vintage clothing and home decor to gourmet food products and locally sourced wines, the shopping options are diverse and inviting. Supporting local businesses here means you are not just buying products; you’re investing in the community.

• Forage for vintage items and see art at the Los Alamos Gallery, a former bus garage. This fine art gallery showcases local artists, and if you’re lucky, you may find an artist working when you visit: Bobby Williams is a favorite local painter.
• Head to Sister’s Gifts & Home or Keane’s for other fun artifacts and antiques.
• Grab a picnic and stretch your legs at the small-ish Arthur Ferrini park in town, or head to Los Alamos County Park, which has playgrounds, BBQs and short hikes.

Places to Eat in Los Alamos

Bell’s in Los Alamos is a Michelin-starred French bistro that brings Parisian charm to the heart of California’s Central Coast. Run by Daisy and Greg Ryan, this cozy yet elevated spot focuses on refined yet approachable French cuisine, using the best local ingredients. From their decadent steak frites to the perfectly executed omelette au beurre, every dish is crafted with precision and love. With an exceptional wine list and warm, intimate atmosphere, Bell’s is a must-visit for food lovers exploring Los Alamos. Reservations are highly recommended!

Norman is the on-site restaurant at Skyview Los Alamos, a renovated mid-century motel perched atop a hill in Los Alamos, California. The restaurant offers a welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal spot for brunch with friends, intimate dinners in cozy booths, or poolside dining. Norman’s menu emphasizes comforting American cuisine, highlighting local ingredients and regional wines. They also have weekly specials, great cocktails, and the perfect pool and valley view.

Pico Los Alamos is a hidden gem that blends farm-to-table cuisine with an award-winning wine list in a laid-back yet refined setting. Housed in the historic Los Alamos General Store, Pico showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in inventive dishes that highlight the best of the Central Coast. Whether you’re indulging in their famous burger, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring their extensive selection of boutique wines, Pico delivers a dining experience that’s both elevated and approachable. Perfect for a casual lunch, intimate dinner, or wine-filled weekend escape.

Plenty on Bell is a charming café in the heart of Los Alamos, serving up fresh, locally inspired fare in a cozy, sunlit space. Known for its delicious breakfast and lunch offerings, Plenty on Bell features house-made dishes, vibrant salads, hearty sandwiches, and some of the best coffee in town. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and a welcoming, community-driven vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal, a quick bite, or grabbing gourmet goods to go. This café is a must-visit for fresh, feel-good eats.

Bob’s Well Bread is a beloved artisan bakery known for its perfectly crusty, handcrafted breads and delicious, locally sourced breakfast and lunch offerings. Housed in a charming, rustic setting, this bakery café serves up everything from buttery croissants and fresh pastries to gourmet egg sandwiches and tartines. So, savor the best French artisan bread, croissants and bakery items outside of France or enjoy a leisurely meal with a cup of expertly brewed coffee. These are high-quality, slow-made, and seriously delicious baked goods.

What to Drink in Los Alamos

This town is a hidden gem for wine and beer enthusiasts looking to explore the vibrant local scene and unique tasting experiences. Most restaurants in town pride themselves on their wine and beer list, and some have tasting flights.

A Tribute To Grace Wine Company is dedicated to crafting authentic expressions of Grenache. All wines are single-vineyard sourced to maintain authenticity.

Bodega Los Alamos is a Wine Garden & Event space serving natural wine, beer and curated goods. There is plenty of space to lounge, a retail shop, bocce ball, and a greenhouse filled with unique plants and pottery.

Clementine Carter is a funky, colorful spot where you can find several labels and varieties of wines, including cider. Their production is boutique and their focus is all things Grenache and Rhone related. The intimate tasting room provides a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their exceptional blends while learning about wine from passionate staff. Babi’s Beer Emporium is connected and had tons of beer choices.

Lo-Fi Wines is a natural winery, focusing on organic grapes and low-intervention winemaking. They are open on weekends, and specialize in vinyl for your listening pleasure while tasting the wine.

For a full bar, check out the Depot Bar, with its and historical train station architecture. This is also the home of the Los Alamos Theatre Group.

Where to Stay

The Alamo Hotel is a hyper cool, renovated hotel with lots of cozy spots and beautifully-designed corners and an onsite bar, right in the middle of town. Watch for new friends, old movies and wine country fun on their expansive lawn or your charming stoop.

Skyview Los Alamos is perched on a hillside just outside of town, and is iconic roadside motel turned boutique luxury. It’s been modernized, stylized and spruced up so much you won’t want to leave. The pool area is coveted, and the restaurant, Norman, is also very good (great wine and beer, too). Plus a working vineyard.

The historic 1880 Union Hotel is available to rent the entire place for weddings and events, and it’s a historic landmark with 9 authentic Old West Quarters, a saloon, and plenty of outdoor space and grounds. The 1820’s saloon in town played host to Johnny Cash where he performed in the 50’s and was the site of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s “Say, Say, Say” music video featuring Linda McCartney. Most recently, actors Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson offered wine tasting in the saloon.

Visit Los Alamos, California

Don’t overlook the chance to explore this hidden gem on your next visit. Shopping in Los Alamos isn’t just about acquiring new items; it’s about embracing the spirit of local culture and discovering treasures that reflect the character of this vibrant town. This wonderful destination is only a few minutes’ drive from Rice Ranch, which means you can eat French food as much as you like! There are many benefits at Santa Barbara County’s Master Planned Community, with executive homes, oak tree lined streets, gated community and private access to active lifestyle amenities like the Summit Club, 580 across of open space and expansive views.