Lovely wines and lost trails in Los Olivos
There's such a wealth of syrah and viognier, cabernet sauvignon and roussanne on offer in the cellars of Los Olivos that you'll instantly feel as if you've entered Santa Barbara's wine country proper here. For many tipple-tasting travelers, this small and charming center is the gateway to the famous Santa Ynez Valley – one of the great Californian grape growing regions. It's also got more than reds and whites, whether you're seeking the lost hiking trails of the Los Padres National Forest or quaint, rustic Los Olivos vacation rentals – think timber mountain cabins alongside luxurious hacienda ranches with pools.
Sommeliers aplenty in Los Olivos
Everything from wine tasting rooms to rustic vineyards pepper the lands around Los Olivos. Bag yourself Los Olivos vacation rentals in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley if you want to be really close to some of the most acclaimed of the lot. That's where you'll find the family-owned Beckmen Vineyards, the al fresco tasting gardens of the Curtis Winery, the Firestone Vineyard with its beautiful backdrop of chaparral-topped hills, the quieter Koehler Winery – the list goes on.
Tantalizing tastings in Los Olivos
Wine tasting surely has to take center stage in this theater for the tipples of the Santa Ynez Valley. You won't even have to leave town for it – there are cellar doors everywhere. If you do decide to venture out, then you can hop on organized tours of the surrounding vineyards in a minibus, and sip your way through the California wine country while wondering at the sweeping mountain views. And if wine's not your thing? There are balloon rides across the Pacific coast on offer, hiking excursions to Los Padres, and charming little gift boutiques to shop through.
Spring to fall bliss in Los Olivos
Spring to fall is the time to visit the Santa Ynez Valley. Starting in April and May, folk flock here to hike the ridges and meadows and see the wildflowers in bloom. Then comes summer, between June and August, which is when the bulk of tasters and wine aficionados hit those Los Olivos vacation rentals. Many will stick around until the fall, because September starts with the grape harvest festivities, and has oodles of other wine-related festivals. If you're determined to stash the dollars for even more bottles of Syrah to take home, then winter's the best choice.
Exploring the natural features in Los Olivos
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to appreciate the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Los Olivos. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Lake Cachuma (11.3 mi / 18.2 km)
- Refugio State Beach (14.5 mi / 23.4 km)
- El Capitan State Beach (15.3 mi / 24.6 km)
- La Purisima Mission State Historic Park (17.4 mi / 28 km)
- Hans Christian Andersen Park (5.2 mi / 8.3 km)
- Nojoqui Falls Park (10.2 mi / 16.4 km)
Traveling to and around Los Olivos
The nearest airport is in Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), located 24.9 mi (40 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 23.1 mi (37.1 km) away.
Calendar Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Occupancy
Pricing