Howdy, my dear friends.
Today, I promise not to torture you with one of my notorious long posts. Instead, I have prepared a photo essay featuring one of the cutest little towns in California (big asseveration but you will see why I wrote it). I assume you have heard the term California Dreaming (it is actually Dreamin’).
The term tends to celebrate the state’s sun, surf and beaches. I like that aspect of the term but, personally, I think it can be applied in a broader sense. After all, California has high mountains, long valleys, and multi-colored deserts. The dream can be found in any of those landscapes.
And, I am talking about dreams because that is how I felt this past weekend when I was able to revisit one of my favorite towns in the Central Coast: Los Olivos.
The town dates back to the 1880s when a young, rich man bought several acres close to the Alamo Pintado Creek. He planted five thousand olive trees and called the property Rancho De Los Olivos. The state of California was booming during those years (people moved to the state during the Gold Rush) and the Pacific Coast Railway extended the train lines to the area. The town was later called Los Olivos (The Olive Trees) because of the nearby ranch.
Today, the Victorian-styled town is a census-designated place in Santa Barbara County. With about 1,000 residents, the town has been featured in the award-winning movie Sideways, episodes of The Bachelor and several wine-related documentaries and shows.
Various celebrities including Steven Segal, David Hasselhoff, and Bo Derek, call or have called this area home. The ranches of President Regan and Michael Jackson were located in the vicinity. All this indicates the allure of town (and of the surrounding rolling hills) with the rich and famous.
Table of Contents
Los Olivos, California: Photos
To be clear, Los Olivos is small, really small. I think the entire town is composed of tree block along the main road.
Given its size and its “lack of attractions,” you have to recur to certain rudimentary methods to entertain yourself
1) Drink wine (there are more than 40 tasting rooms in town)
2) Keep your eyes open and absorb the surrounding beauty
3) Strike up a conversation with strangers
I do not know about you but I kind of enjoy the primitive, simple pleasures of life. I enjoy walking around while fixing my eyes at the rolling hills and tall trees. I like to discover pieces of art at gardens, galleries, and general stores. I find comfort in resting on a comfy couch under the shade of an oak. I feel great meeting new people and discussing with them the differences between urban and rural life. I enjoy their dining, hiking and sightseeing recommendations. I believe when they say they want to see me again soon.
What about you? Do you enjoy small towns?
Here I leave you with several photos of Los Olivos. 
How to Reach Los Olivos, California
Los Olivos is located on CA-154. The town can be reached in 40 minutes (34 miles) from Santa Barbara, 12 minutes (6 miles) from Solvang and 2 hours (128 miles) from Los Angeles. I encourage you to make Los Olivos part of a Santa Ynez Valley weekend trip.
The closest major airport is located in Santa Barbara. There are ways to reach the town using public transportation but renting a car is recommendable.
More of Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is full of beautiful towns and fun attractions. There is plenty to do in the area.
I have a more detailed article on Things to Do in Los Olivos
Below are some ideas on how to extend your stay in Los Olivos and the surrounding areas.
Solvang – this is California’s Little Denmark. Visit to discover all sort of Danish treats (architecture, food, sweets). Solvang is located about 6 miles from Los Olivos and has a considerably larger selection of services (restaurants, hotels, etc.)
If you are spending some time in Solvang or visiting for a day, I recommend you take a look at my detailed article on Things to Do in Solvang.
Keep exploring by checking out the following posts:
Solvang Pictures: The Danish Village of my Dreams
Solvang Images: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home
Solvang Bakeries and Sweet Treats
Solvang Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Ostrichland USA (10 miles) – a fun spot where you can feed ostriches and emus
Quicksilver Ranch (3 miles) – ranch breeding miniature horses. The public is welcome to stop by to take a look at the horses for free
Chumash Casino Resort (5 miles) – this is a spot for those who enjoy gambling and buffets
Santa Ynez (5 miles)– this is the cowboy town of the valley
Buellton (10 miles) – another small town with good restaurants and several tasting rooms
More of Southern California
Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles
Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
150+ Places to Go in Orange County
What are your thoughts about Los Olivos, California?
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Phoebe says
I love this town Ruth, it looks so creative and cute at the same time. The architecture is adorable; I’d love to visit. Thanks for showing us around.
Ruth says
Thanks Phoebe! I don’t get tired of visiting. Every time I go there is something new or different. Plus, I enjoy talking to the locals.
Photo Cache says
This is my kind of town. Sometimes I forget how beautifully varied this state is and how little of SoCal I have seen and explored.
Ruth says
Well, sometimes I feel the same. I even feel like that about Los Angeles (even thought I have lived here more than 10 years). During this trip, I visited a bunch of places I have not visited before.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
Very, VERY cool.
Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/04/worlds-best-meatloaf-recipe-wordful.html
Ruth says
Thanks! It is always great to have you around here.
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Gorgeous photos! I love the mixture of Victorian style homes with the vintage beach vibe. It’s easy to see why Los Olivos is so famous!
Ruth says
There are a lot of pretty buildings in town. It is nice to see they are well kept.
Packing my Suitcase says
I love how I always discover new places in California on your blog. I never heard of Los Olivos, but I would definitely love to visit it, especially for the wine and the houses…. it looks soo pretty!! California is full of surprises!
Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes 😀
Ruth says
There are so many places to visit in California! Good think is that I have blog material for years ;0) You are right when you say California is full of surprises!
Eileen says
Hello, it looks like a lovely town. I like the shops and the cool yard art. The homes are pretty. Lovely images and post. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
Ruth says
Thanks Eileen. The town is small but there is a lot to see. The stores are full of cute stuff.
Anna says
It looks very pretty and cute! I love small towns a lot!
Ruth says
Anna, I love small towns too. I try to research new ones to visit once in a while.
Sharon says
What a charming place! I’ve never been, but I will definitely keep it on my travel wish list now. I love that old VW bus!
Ruth says
You have to go! It can be combined with a trip to Santa Barbara (and some time at the beach).
Shboha says
This looks quirky and fun! we were in Santa Barbara last year and we wandered around the countryside a bit checking out the small towns. My favourite was Solvang. I’m sure I’d have loved Los Olives if I’d known about it.
Ruth says
Los Olivos is right next to Solvang (maybe 3 miles away). The truth is that there are a lot of small, towns in the area. It is not that easy to chose which one to visit when time is limited (you feel like visiting all of them).
carrie says
I was born and raised in a small town so I LOVE the charm and personality they tend to have. Los Olivos looks adorable. any place that has that much wine is my kind of place 🙂
Ruth says
They are crazy about the wine. Nowadays, the town survives because of it. What is the name of the town you grew up in?
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says
I feel like I have visited Los Olivos just from looking at your fabulous photos. It looks like such a colourful town, full of character and quirkyness! Just the sort of place I love to explore when on holiday:) Thanks for linking up with #CityTripping
Ruth says
Thanks Lisa! I am glad you got that good feeling while looking at my photos. It is also cool to know you got the town vibe from what you saw on the photos ;0)
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad says
I love the history lesson! Very illuminating. Who needs a bigger town when what you have is so pretty?! I could spend ages wandering around those adorable houses and gardens. Sounds like the food is good too 🙂
Ruth says
You have a point. Bigger doesn’t mean better or more interesting. That is why I said this town is all about the simple pleasures of life. Good food, good surroundings and good company.
Katrina says
I just got lost in all these pictures and am loving it! I’ve never been to California, but I’d love to find a place like this and wander between wine watering holes. 😉 Thanks for linking up.
Ruth says
Katrina, you have to come here one day. I am sure we have something of what your like. There are things for all taste sinhere.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World) says
What a sweet little town! I am definitely ok with a place where drinking wine is the #1 way to entertain yourself 😉
Ruth says
Well, I know you understand why it is so popular (especially during the weekends).
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Great photos…give a real sense of the town. I could handle a small place like that if one of the main things to do is drink wine!! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Ruth says
My husband likes this place more than me. Sometimes, I do not want to go because I think I am going to get bored. But, I end up having a wonderful time.
Lauren says
I’ve never heard of this town, but I have to say that it looks lovely! I’m like you and sometimes really enjoy a trip to a small town, sans crazy tourist attractions. Sometimes you just need to wander, take in the sites and talk to some locals. Plus- I’m sure all the wine tasting helped ease you into some ice breakers 😀
Ruth says
The thing is that you find very interesting people in small towns like this. Conversation gets very lively and jovial. I love the folks up there.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
a funny name for a town, but it’s so pretty! #travel photo thursday
Ruth says
Here in California we have all sort of weird and funny names. There is a road called Las Pulgas (The Fleas) in San Diego COunty.
Sharon says
I’m writing a novel that’s set in the small town where I grew up. I appreciate it more than I used to. Olivos looks delightful. My favorite part would definitely be the wine! Thanks for letting me know you were in Boquete too.
Sharon Wagner says
Oops. I just remembered it was Farallon in Panama. But, maybe you were in Boquete too.
Ruth says
Yes, it was Farallon. I have not been to Boquete but would like to visit in the future.
Ruth says
Wow! That sounds nice. What is your novel about? What is the genre?
budget jan says
It must be a great little town because you found an amazing collection of interesting things to show us. I love the bright pottery flowers (I can see them in a vase on my table) and the cute lambs. I also looked back to your earlier post and zeroed in on the Corner House Coffee. Any place that is popular with locals is somewhere I would like to be.
Ruth says
Jan, I would love to have garden and fill it with products form this store. They combine things in such a creative way. I think I spent like 40 minutes walking around (and the space is not that big).
Kathy Marris says
Love it, love it, love it! What a quirky little town. I would love to wander around the streets of Los Olivos. Great photos!
Ruth says
Yup! I think you will enjoy the town a lot!
Jill says
My husband and I visited Los Olivos and the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley a few years back and I absolutely loved it.What a gorgeous area of California! We went to the General Store and toured a few wineries- in fact, my favorite winery I’ve ever been to. Makes me want to go back!
Ruth says
Hoorray! Like to see somebody who has actually visited the town. How much it has changed since you visited (based on my photos)?
bettyl-NZ says
I can see why you love this place! I could spend all day looking around there.
Ruth says
You got the correct impression. I would not mind staying around all day!
BROOKE says
Yes, I enjoy small towns. Julian outside of San Diego and Mackinaw in Northern Michigan are a few favs. The red door with yellow trimming is so vibrant!
Ruth says
Julian is awesome (I have two post about the town in the blog). I have heard Mackinaw is super pretty.
Diana says
I love all the colors they have in their objects! lovely pictures!
Ruth says
I am crazy about the colors in here too. You can never have too much color!
Natasha says
I love all of the different colours and the welcoming, sunny weather here Ruth, it looks so pretty. I’m definitely a fan of small towns, there’s always something very cosy about them and I can definitely see why people want to go back again and again. Love the history behind it too! – Tasha
Ruth says
I agree Tasha. In a small town, you feel like you have escaped the frenetic urban life. I find them very soothing and relaxing.
Anda says
Los Olivos is my kind of town, Ruth. I love the display of color the the cute artsy decorations that you can see everywhere. I might stop in Los Olivos the next time I’ll go to Paso Robles. It’s a very photogenic town.
Ruth says
Or, you can visit Los Olivos from Santa Barbara. That would make a great weekend.
Tara says
I’ve never heard of Los Olivos. I appreciate the tour – your photos are stunning, and so colorful. Despite the size of the town, it seems like a bustling, happy place, and a town with 40 wine-tasting rooms has a lot going for it.
Ruth says
You are correct! It is one happy town. Locals want visitors to feel welcome and appreciated.
Trekking with Becky says
The creativity mixed with cuteness is great! Japan would love it since Japan is the land of cute – kawaii. 😀
Ruth says
You are right! Imagine if we open a similar business in Japan?
Amanda - EatWorkTravel says
We find small towns to be so quaint. They are the perfect stop when on a road trip. We’d especially love a place with over 40 wine tasting rooms! Thank you for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust!
Ruth says
The good thing about road tripping around places like this is that there is something new to discover. I’ll be back soon.
Natasha says
Thank you for the lovely comments recently! – Tasha
Ruth says
Your welcome! It is always great to check what you are up to.
Grey World Nomads says
What a creative town! Beautiful, I love it. #TPThursday
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by!
Sophie says
Such a quaint and pretty and colourful town that I’ve never even heard of before 🙂
Ruth says
Isn’t it great when you learn about nee places? Glad you enjoyed learning about Los Olivos.
jim@reflectionsenroute says
Beautiful photos! It looks like Los Olivos may be small in size but big in imagery. #wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
I know! It is a dream place for photographers and artists.
Claudia says
Definitely sounds – and looks – like my kind of town: 3 blocks with 40 wine tasting rooms? Oh yes! Beautiful photos.
Ruth says
Sounds crazy, right? But, it is entirely true. I wish you can visit and see it with your own eyes.
Marcia says
Simply charming, Ruth! So California, too!!
Ruth says
Thanks Marcia! Great to know the California vibe was not lost in translation ;0)
Bumble Bee Mum says
This is so cute!! My favourite was the house with the flying hearts. Wish I had known about this place when I visited California!
Ruth says
Well, you will need to come back to California then. Glad you liked the photos.
RobRob @TravelLatte(.net) says
Great photos! I love just driving in Southern California and stopping at the small towns, so close to the big cities, but so far at the same time. We’d love to get back to Santa Barbara for a while; this would make a nice side trip. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
Rob, that is one of the great things of California. There is a lot to see and you can do like a 100 road trips and not see everything.
Pat says
Los Olivos looks very pretty, Ruth! I love California and exploring its towns. Solvang was one of my favorites.
Ruth says
I love Solvang too. It is the town I visit the most in the area.
dNambiar says
What a photogenic little town. Lovely pictures, Ruth. You make me want to go stroll through Los Olivos.
I’d gone to that part of the state recently; I was in Solvang a couple of weeks ago.
Btw, nice meme here. I would love to join in, soon.
Ruth says
I think Solvang is the most popular town in the area. There are more cute town surrounding it. I think I should write a guide to the area.
Sadie says
I love quirky little towns. This place looks adorable!
Ruth says
Thanks Sadie!
Rachel Heller says
I love exploring a small town, if it’s pretty like Los Olivos! When there are no “attractions,” you’re more likely to just slow down and relax and look at the small things that come your way.
Ruth says
Agree with you Rachel. We spend a lot of time being in a hurry and / or running from place to place. It is good when we can relax in a small town like this.
Vlad says
I love small towns, they are always so charming! Your photos are very lovely 🙂
Ruth says
Small towns have the power to surprise. And, that is what I am looking for a lot of times.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
Los Olivos looks like lovely. I like the photos of all the quirky garden decorations, especially the pebbles with eyes.
Ruth says
I love that garden store. They have so much stuff! This time I visited, they had a lot of new merchandise.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Hi Ruth, I enjoyed these photos! I have been to Los Olivos a couple of times but have never spent the night here. I spent a few 3-day weekends in nearby Solvang and came here one for wine tasting and once for dinner. The area is between Solvang and Los Olivos has some interesting things like the lavender farm, miniature horse farm, wineries, and an old school house that we used to visit on our trips to this area. ~ Jesssica
Ruth says
I frequent the area since it is close to Los Angeles. I have been to most of the places you mention (except the lavender farm). I have like 10 post about the area in the blog.
Music Woman says
Definitely sounds – and looks – like my kind of town: 3 blocks with 40 wine tasting rooms? Oh yes! Beautiful photos.
Ruth says
Thanks! I know a lot of people are interested in that side of the town.
Electra says
It looks like a magical place!
Ruth says
Surely, it is!
Electra says
Hi, thanks for commenting on my blog. You asked a question, the name of the lake is Maligne Lake near Jasper, Alberta
Brooke says
The town in these photos is Mittenwald. But all the towns in southern Bavaria are similar. Garmisch, Lindau, Oberammagau, just to name a few. Thanks again for visiting!
Pat says
Ruth, I loved each and every one of your photos of Los Olivos! It looks like a charming town and one I’d love to see and shop in.