I will admit that I tend to fall victim to the temptations of gatekeeping. What’s wrong with keeping a few things close to your chest? But it is time I share one of my best-kept secrets—Los Olivos. Before you come for me, I know Los Olivos itself isn’t a secret in the “under-the-radar” sort of way, but I stand behind the fact that a lot of people don’t understand how great the town really is. As a Los Angeles local, I am constantly trying to find new road trip destinations to go on. Typically said trips are on a one-and-done rotation, but after my most recent weekend trip to Los Olivos, I’ve decided I need to make it a yearly tradition.
Los Olivos lies in the Santa Ynez Valley in California, just outside of Santa Barabara. The town is known for having some of the best food and wine in the state, which I can strongly vouch for. The trip only takes about three hours from Los Angeles and the drive is breathtaking as you can see in the above photo through the window of our Audi Q8 e-tron. For those of you who speak electric car, I was able to get from L.A. to Los Olivos in just one charge—it’s that easy.
I most recently visited right before Christmas during a rainy weekend in December. The gloomy weather created such a cozy atmosphere that made the town feel like something out of a movie. Everything was decorated for the holiday season and the people were extremely friendly. Due to the small nature of the town, you will never feel stressed that you aren’t seeing enough because there isn’t that much to see…in a good way. Here, you can relax and detach which is exactly why I love coming. Below I have mapped out my favorite place to stay, where I like to eat, and a few more activities that should fill up one perfect weekend getaway in this adorable destination.
I love the old-town feel that Los Olivos offers, but I like to mix in a bit of luxury while I’m on vacation as well. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern blends both worlds perfectly. Located right in the heart of historical Los Olivos, this hotel is a part of the Auberge Resorts Collection which means it’s bound to provide a luxe experience. This hotel used to be a 19th century stagecoach stop in 1886 and the charm of its heritage shines bright. The entire resort feels intimate with just 67 newly renovated rooms featuring in-room fireplaces, private patios, and the most perfect clawfoot bathtubs, all while exuding a quaint farm-like feel.
In addition to its character, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is also known for its esteemed restaurants scattered throughout the property. I highly suggest you start your stay in Los Olivos by spending an evening at the hotel—dine at the restaurant, cozy up by the open fire pits, and enjoy a leisurely bath before heading to bed. When you wake up, make a pit stop at Felix Feed & Coffee for a Ranchero Wrap and a latte before venturing into town.
I need to preface this by saying that there are so many amazing restaurants in Los Olivos. I’m only going to talk about two that I particularly love—two that I must stop at every time I take a road trip to this quaint little town. My first lunch is always at Bar Le Côte. This seafood-focused restaurant is inspired by the cuisine of Europe’s seaside cities, drawing in notes of influence from Spain and Portugal. The vibe is laidback yet chic and the food will take your breath away. On my most recent trip, I dined alone (my fiancé doesn’t like seafood which is criminal) and ordered the best uni I’ve ever eaten, a flatbread covered in tomatoes, white anchovies, and red onions, and clams in a chunky chorizo sauce. I was in heaven. It was the perfect meal to kick off a day of wandering through the walkable town.
My other restaurant of note is S.Y. Kitchen. This spot has it all. Focusing mainly on Italian cuisine, do not skip the T-Bone Truffle Sliders. Our only regret was not ordering more of them. The energy here is high which makes it a great choice for a lively start to your evening.
Believe it or not, there’s more to do in Los Olivos than eat and drink, although that’s mainly why I like to come. Take an afternoon stroll down Grand Avenue, the main street in historical Los Olivos. Here you will find quirky boutiques, family-owned wine shops and tasting rooms, and much more. The main part of town is extremely small which means it’s walkable and digestible—two things I love most about it.
Suppose you’re in the mood for more of an activity, head to Clairmont Farms, a family-owned lavender farm located right in Los Olivos. Here you can stroll through the lavender fields, have a picnic, and shop at the boutique. One of my other favorite activities is olive oil tasting at Olive + Lavender Farm. This farm has the most gorgeous grounds and a rich history including over 100 imported olive trees and a 100-year-old stone wall. Enjoy a unique tasting of the oil and vinegar varieties made at the farm and be prepared to learn a ton.
