Sarah & Mike

Things To Do

The lovely Santa Ynez Valley comprises Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, and Santa Ynez. Los Alamos is technically in the "Los Alamos Valley," but feels very much like an extension of the SY Valley, so let's go with that. People mainly come to this region for the wines (if you told us there were more wineries than people, we would believe you; the wine truly flows like...wine), but there are also excellent restaurants, hotels, antique shops, roadside attractions, and Mediterranean-esque rolling hills. Vistas abound! Soak it up! Here are some of our top recs:

Los Olivos

Los Olivos, CA

The town of Los Olivos is a one-stop shop for wine country cuteness. It's packed with tasting rooms (special shoutout to Dreamcôte; Stolpman and Carhartt are fun, too; there's truly no shortage of good options), little shops, and relaxing vibes. Once you pull into town, ditch your car and stroll around; you can walk everywhere within minutes. For restaurants, we've loved Nella Kitchen and Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe (the latter is more casual lunch). Bar Le Côte is all the rage and we're dying to go. Check out Lefty's Coffee for caffeine and a nice backyard.

Solvang

Solvang, CA

"The Danish Capital of America" -- founded by three Danish immigrants in the early 20th century, this town has a ton of kitschy character. It's all walkable; stroll around and dip into a tasting room, grab a pastry at one of the million bakeries, have lunch or dinner at Peasant's Feast or the Landsby, and (if you're into it) check out the free Hans Christian Andersen museum.

Demetria Estate & Vineyards

6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

, 805.686.2345

One of our fave wineries in the region.... and possibly America?? Idyllic setting that could be mistaken for Tuscany or Greece, plus some great wines. Reserve a tasting in advance; they book up quickly!

Clementine Carter Wines

388 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA 93440

Woman-produced wines, woman-owned winery. Great, unpretentious wines with a small indoor tasting room and outdoor patio.

Full Of Life Flatbread

225 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA 93440

Good pizza, good wine, what else do you want?

Bodega Los Alamos

273 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA 93440

This place is VERY California. And by that, we mean it is entirely outside (save for a greenhouse, which is open-air and thus basically outside), it has a relaxed-chic vibe, and it serves delicious natural wines (and funky beers). You could hang here all day. Sometimes there are pop-up food carts in the back. The bathroom has fun wallpaper. There is a bocce court!

Olive + Lavender Farms

2450 Alamo Pintado Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

, 805.588.5693

When in Los Olivos, taste some olive oil, for god's sake! No reservations required. While you're here, roam around the tranquil property, play a game of corn hole, check out the gift shop, and maybe buy a bundle of lavender for the road.