25 Best Things to Do in Los Olivos, California

The town of Los Olivos, California is well renowned for the many wineries in the area, as well as the amazing restaurants and charming art galleries in its scenic downtown area. Visitors to Los Olivos will enjoy exploring the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, where they will find spectacular wineries such as Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard, Andrew Murray Vineyards, Kehler Winery, and many more that will leave visitors satisfied and maybe a bit tipsy. Los Olivos is a perfect growing area, as evidenced by not only the vineyards but also businesses like Clairmont Lavender Farms and Global Gardens, which sells estate-grown olive oil and fruit vinegars. Other attractions in the area include the famous Neverland Ranch where Michael Jackson, the Gallery Los Olivos, and some fabulous restaurants.

1.Los Olivos General Store

The Los Olivos General Store is historic, but it wasn’t always a general store. For a long time, this space was the historic Los Olivos Garage, a gas station and car repair shop, so when current owners Christina and Michael Larner bought the space, they also purchased and put in a historic gas pump out front as a callback to the building’s history. The Los Olivos General Store is a great place to find souvenirs, and it is filled with trinkets, pieces of art, local goods and handmade crafts like jewelry, leather goods, greeting cards, and more. Guests can find gourmet food products, candles, and wine-themed art, and the next-door Larner tasting room provides a great space for sipping a drink and enjoying life. The general store is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

2900 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos, California 93441 Photo: Los Olivos General Store

2.Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard

When Fess Parker first bought land in the late 1980s, he envisioned the 714 acre plot to be a cattle ranch, with maybe a few vineyards. Fast forward a few decades and today it is Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard, a massive operation run by Fess’ children, Eli and Ashley, who work their best to build on to their father’s legacy. Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard is one of the best known and respected vineyards and wineries in the region. Known and acclaimed for the Rhône grape varietals they grow in their vineyards, Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard produces some amazing wines. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the facilities and experience a guided tasting of their wines. Classic tastings are offered daily from 10am to 4:45pm.

6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-688-1545 Photo: Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard

3.Stolpman Vineyards

The farming process at Stolpman Vineyards focuses on natural and dry farming as well as through sustainability in their employment practices. The wine itself is fermented natively, with as little manipulation and help from other agents as possible, and the result is a spectacularly delicious product. Stolpman Vineyards grows amazing Syrah and Roussanne grapes, which are used to create their excellent varietals including Grenaches, Syrahs, Petite Sirahs, and Angeli - a particularly great Syrah made from the winemakers’ favorite block of grapes. The tasting room at Stolpman is charmingly referred to as the “Little Red Cottage” and is open daily from 11am to 5pm.

2434 ALAMO PINTADO AVENUE, LOS OLIVOS CA 93441, Phone: 805-688-0400 Photo: Stolpman Vineyards

4.Coquelicot Estate Vineyards

Bernard Rosenson, owner of Coquelicot Estate Vineyards, has been immersed in the world of wine from a young age, when he lived in Paris as a young boy. He went on to revive Sky Room Restaurant in Long Beach, where he developed his skills as a restauranteur and winemaker until 2005, when he purchased a vineyard. That vineyard today is Coquelicot Estate, where Rosenson makes wine for his restaurants, tasting room, and for members. The Coquelicot tasting room is gorgeous and comfortable, with an outdoor garden seating area featuring trees and flowers amidst the red umbrellas and tables where guests sip wine and chat, laugh, and enjoy their time.

2884 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA Photo: Coquelicot Estate Vineyards

5.Carhartt Vineyard

Carhartt Vineyard’s tasting room is located in a tiny wooden cabin, and though it is not big - in fact they advertise it as the world’s smallest - but it is cozy, with a fenced in wood patio with a rustic wood deck floor, and strung white lights hanging over the farmhouse style tables and barstools for a comfortable and home-like feel. Carhartt boasts over 20 different types of wine, many of which can be sampled at the tasting room, which is open 364 days a year from 11am until 6pm, closed only on Christmas day. Enjoying a glass of wine at Carhartt doesn’t feel a lot like some of the other, fancy tasting rooms on this list, but it does feel a lot like drinking wine in a friend’s backyard, and it’s a great place for social gatherings and groups of friends.

2990-A Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-693-5100 Photo: Carhartt Vineyard

6.Demetria Estate Winery

Demetria Estate Winery, named for the owners’ daughter and for the Greek goddess of the harvest, was one of the first vineyards in Santa Barbara county to experiment with biodynamic farming, using only natural pesticides and fertilizers to grow their grapes. With 46 acres of Rhone varietals of grape - five of which are white and five of which are red - Demetria Estate Winery makes complex but drinkable wines for the every day wine lover, grown at 1100-1450 feet above sea level. Demetria also sources some of the grapes for their Burgundy-style wine from other local vineyards.

6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

More: Best California beaches, Places to visit in California, Romantic Weekend Getaways in California, Things to Do in California, Barstow, Colton, Chino Hills, Buena Park, Calabasas, Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, Santa Ana

7.Firestone Vineyard

The beautiful tasting room at Firestone Vineyards, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the delicious wines created there. With wide stretches of windows overlooking the greenery of the vineyards, and an island bar staffed by knowledgeable employees ready to guide guests in their tasting experience, Firestone Vineyard provides an experience for both wine enthusiasts and complete newbies to the wine industry. Firestone’s repertoire includes Bordeaux and Rhone style reds like cabernets, merlots, malbec, and syrah, and whites in the style of Burgundy, Germany, and the Loire Valley, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Firestone Vineyard’s tasting room is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and is closed on major holidays and select Saturdays for events.

5017 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-688-3940 Photo: Firestone Vineyard

More: Indoor amusement parks, Things to Do in Mendocino, Glenwood Springs, Bellingham, Best beaches in Europe, Things to Do in Palm Springs, Spiritual Retreats, Romantic weekend getaways in Kentucky

8.Koehler Winery

Koehler Winery sits on a beautiful 100 acre estate, with nearly seventy of those acres devoted to the vineyard. Its history stretches back decades, and one of its former owners was the producer who created Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, and other well known television shows. Today, Koehler Winery is owned by the Koehler family, who take great pride in their work and the creation of their estate grown wines, which include an amazing Grenache rated 94 points, which has a mild fruity flavor of strawberries and year after year is a standout variety of Koehler’s products. Their tasting room is part of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Photo: Koehler Winery

More: Things to Do in Chino, El Cajon, Castro Valley, Livermore, Hostel Dublin, Bodega Bay

9.Epiphany Cellars

When Fess Parker started his famous winery of the same name, he created a legacy, one that his children followed. Fascinated by his father’s trade, Eli Parker started Epiphany Cellars, a venture meant to be an outlet for his creativity and passion for the winemaking industry. Eli Parker has since taken the reins of his father’s business, but Epiphany retains an impressive portfolio of Rhone style wine varietals, including many award winning Grenaches, Syrah’s, Marsanne’s, and more. Epiphany’s head winemaker, Blair Fox, brings his expertise and creativity to each of Epiphany’s wines, and works hard to incorporate the individual flair of the vineyard into the wine itself. Photo: Epiphany Cellars

More: Italian restaurants NYC, Manhattan wedding venues, Things to Do in Chelsea, Best time to visit New York, Things to Do in Queens NY, Day trips from NYC

10.Andrew Murray Vineyards

Andrew Murray Vineyards has not one, but two tasting rooms where guests can go to enjoy some of their delicious wines. One of their tasting rooms is located in downtown Los Olivos, and the other is located on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, but both are beautiful, recently remodeled, and great places to taste some of the product that Andrew Murray Vineyards has to offer. Visitors should definitely try some of the E11even Wines, which are Andrew Murray Vineyard’s signature estate-grown wines, and consider joining their Wine Club, which sends out amazing wine directly to your doorstep three times a year.

5249 Foxen Canyon Road, PO Box 718, Los Olivos CA 93441

11.Beckmen Vineyards

Since 1994, the Beckmen family has been pouring their time and passion into creating and producing wine. With hundreds of acres of vineyards currently in use, Beckmen takes full advantage of the limestone subsoil that is often found in the French Rhone region to produce grapes that have a smaller plant and lower yield than other vineyards, but a much more intense flavor which comes through in their product. Beckmen makes wines that they hope leave an impression, and visitors can get their own impression of their wine in their tasting room, located next to the winery just outside of Los Olivos. The tasting room is open daily from 11am to 5pm, with the exception of several major holidays.

2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441 Photo: Beckmen Vineyards

12.Clairmont Farms

Lavender has made a comeback. Used in everything from soaps and lotions to baked goods and cocktails, this beautiful and fragrant herb is as versatile as it is trendy. At Clairmont Lavender Farm in Santa Barbara, visitors can check out the beautiful purple fields in bloom, learn about the healing powers of lavender and the specific benefits of the original Grosso strain of lavender that Clairmont grows. The entirely organic farm cuts lavender by hand, sells bundles to customers, and also sun dries and extracts oils from the plant which is then used in their lavender products. Visitors can purchase lavender essential oils, hand and body lotions, scented sachets, lavender culinary products, honey, and even pet products from Clairmont’s shop.

2480 Roblar Avenue Los Olivos California, 93441, Phone: 805-688-7505

13.SAARLOOSons

There are a lot of wineries and companies out there that claim to be family run and family-oriented, but SAARLOOS and Sons really puts that to the test. This company is truly a family that just so happens to enjoy making wine, rather than a winery that happens to be family. Their love for the grapes they grow and the product they make is truly evident, and the truth is that their wine was never actually meant to be sold to the public. SAARLOOS and Sons prides itself on being a small winery with a lot of passion for their products, and what began as just a little bit of wine to drink at home and give to family and friends has grown into an amazing business venture, complete with a great tasting room where everyone can go to be treated like part of the family.

14.Barbieri Wines

Paolo Barbieri, a Master Sommelier, started Barbieri Wine Company with the intention of creating great wines from the best grapes available, with minimal intervention and technique. Barbieri’s wines don’t have much oak influence, and the winery produces some amazing Syrah, which Barbieri believes has everything a great wine should offer. Barbieri Wines is also home to Kempe Wines, a label formed by Paolo Barbieri’s winemaking parnet, Erin Kempe. The Kempe label focuses on varietels from Bordeaux, as well as a great rose and some white blends. All of the great wines from the Barbieri Wine Company can be tried in the tasting room, which is open seven days a week during the summer and fall, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter and spring.

2369 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-688-8882

15.Tercero Wines

The beautiful tasting room at Tercero Wines can only be considered small when compared to some of the overly massive tasting rooms of other wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a unique bar crafted from large wooden dowel rods, stainless steel features, and scientific flasks adorning the shelves to reflect the very scientific and alchemical nature of winemaking, the tasting room is comfortable and beautiful, and offers at least five varieties of wine at any given time. Visitors can sample some of Tercero Wines’ impressive menu of products in the tasting room on Thursdays through Mondays, from noon until around five, though Tercero Wines is happy to open by appointment as well.

2445 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Suite 104 (entrance on San Marcos), Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-245-9584

16.Labyrinth at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church

Since the year 1926, Episcopalians have been gathering in a congregation that has since grown to find its home at Labyrinth at St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, which was built in the late 1970s. The actual building where St. Mark’s is located was built to emulate a modern version of the style of a church in England called All Saints Church, with an Arts and Crafts architectural style. St. Mark’s hosts Sunday services throughout the year, and there is also a preschool associated witht he church. St. Mark’s also hosts many events throughout the year, like the Fall Faire, holiday Gingerbread Wonderland, music festivals and concert series, and other great community events.

2901 Nojoqui Avenue at Alamo Pintado Avenue, Post Office Box 39, Los Olivos, California 93441, Phone: 805-688-4454 Photo: Labyrinth at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church

17.Neverland Ranch

Neverland Ranch is a 3,000 acre estate that is most well known for being the home of the late Michael Jackson. The ranch has had many named over time, including Zaca Laderas Ranch and Sycamore Valley Ranch, but Jackson named the ranch after the mythical home of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and that is how it is best known today. Neverland Ranch has a major place in Hollywood History, as the site of events like Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding, Oprah Winfrey’s famed interview of Jackson, and more. Jackson created a private amusement park at Neverland, including a petting zoo, a roller coaster, carousel, ferris wheel, and more. Most of theser things are gone now, and the house is up for sale following Jackson’s death in 2009, but it is still a cultural landmark.

5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

18.Global Gardens

Global Gardens, and its owner Theo Stephan, believe that a kitchen full of some basic, high-quality staple ingredients will mean healthier, more delicious food overall. Global Gardens puts this to the test with the making of their own olive oil, pressed from their estate olive trees, and natural vinegars made from fruit. The flavors and quality of their Extra Virgin Olive Oil and varieties of fruit vinegars are well regarded in the California community, and their farm stand is open Thursday through Monday from 10am until 5pm, so visitors can try some of their amazing products for themselves. And going home is no option, because Global Gardens has an online shop where customers can buy olive oil, vinegar, almonds, olives, beauty products, and more, and even a members’ club that provides benefits, rewards, and deals for frequent buyers.

2450 Alamo Pintado Road, Phone: 800-307-0447 Photo: Global Gardens

19.Alexander and Wayne

Longtime friends Arthur Alexander and Earl Wayne came together in 1992 to create Arthur Earl Winery, now known as Alexander and Wayne. For nearly three decades, Alexander and Wayne have grown and expanded into a high quality winery that still creates small batch wine, generally with anywhere from 50 to 150 cases with each new release. Alexander and Wayne has traditionally focused on wine varieties that hail from the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as some sweet wines. In their rustic, comfortable tasting room located in downtown Los Olivos, customers can try up to 12 varieties of wine that are usually available at any time.

2922 Grand Avenue PO Box 636, Los Olivos CA 93441-0636, Phone: 805-688-9665

20.Gallery Los Olivos

At any given time, there are more than 40 local and regional artists whose works are showcased at Gallery Los Olivos, which is the largest of several galleries in downtown Los Olivos. Open daily from 10am until 5pm, and from 10am til 4pm during the months of December and January, Gallery Los Olivos is worth a visit for art collectors, souvenir-hunters, and anyone who enjoys art or shopping. There’s always something new and exciting at the Gallery, and each month one or two artists are specially featured. So many of the great works available there - ranging from paintings in a variety of media, photography, jewelry, sculptures, drawings, and more - make amazing gifts for those back home or as a memento of your trip.

2920 Grand Avenue/P.O. Box 911, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 805-688-7517 Photo: Gallery Los Olivos

21.Evan's Ranch

The rolling green hills where Evan’s Ranch grows its grapes is only a few miles from the Pacific Coast, and it’s that ocean influence that they believe gives their product its edge. The ocean gives the ranch a long growing season and perfect temperatures and climate to create flavorful grapes that are low in acidity but high in complexity. The climate is perfect for growing varieties such as Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, all of which Evan’s Ranch takes full advantage of. Their sleek tasting room, dominated by clean white walls, dark wood furniture, and splashes of green plants, is a comfortable, elegant space where guests can enjoy glasses of wine and tastings of several of their varieties, or buy bottles of their products on Monday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm, or on weekends from 11am to 6pm.

2901 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA Photo: Evan's Ranch

22.Tessa Marie Wines

Female winemaker Tessa Marie is one of the youngest winemakers in the business. Her wines, grown in an area that reveres French varietals, tend toward Cal-Italian varieties, and the Tessa Marie Sangiovese is her best seller and flagship product. Tessa Marie prides herself on creating bold, New World wines that are delicious and drinkable, perhaps best represented by the winery’s flagship as well as their Vermentino, both of which have won many awards. Members of Tessa Marie Wines’ members’ club can take full advantage of discounts, like free shipping on bottles of wine, but anyone who visits the website can find wine by the bottle or by the case, as well as fun products like soy candles in recycled wine bottles.

23.Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe

With so many amazing wineries in Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley, it can be hard to compare them all when visiting each winery individually. Everyone has something to offer, and that’s where Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe comes in. This shop has over five hundred varieties of wine available on their shelves, and most of the bottles customers will find are local to the town or region. The knowledgeable staff is educated about their product and committed to helping guests find exactly what they’re looking for. Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe is also a great place to enjoy a meal, and their cafe boasts a lot of menu items grown from their own certified-organic farm, including produce items, grass-fed beef, and free-range chicken.

2879 Grand Avenue, P.O. Box 205, Los Olivos, CA 93441, Phone: 888-WIN-ES4U Photo: Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe

24.Sides Hardware and Shoes - a Brothers Restaurant

Matt and Jeff Nichols opened their first restaurant together in 1996, but these two brothers quickly grew out of the small space and went on to open more and more venues. In 2012, Sides Hardware and Shoes - a Brothers Restaurant, first opened in downtown Los Olivos, where they serve amazing food in a historic building that had been the home of M. Sides Hardware and Shoes since 1901. The menu includes everything from hand cut, glazed bacon steak, pork belly tacos, and gourmet burgers, to lamb sirloin, filet mignon, and sea scallops. Sides Hardware and Shoes also has an extensive cocktail and drink menu that features lots of innovative creations. Photo: Sides Hardware and Shoes - a Brothers Restaurant

25.The Bear and Star

The founder of The Bear and Star called the states of California and Texas home, so named the restaurant after the symbols of those two places. Meat, produce, and other food at The Bear and Star is sourced from local Fess Parker Winery, which raises top quality grass fed Wagyu beef cattle, chicken, bees, organic veggies, and of course, wine, which is to be found aplenty at The Bear and Star. The restaurant opens daily at 7am, and serves breakfast items until 10am during the week, and 10:30am on weekends, with weekend brunch also available from 11 to 2:30. Lunch is served from 11:30 to 3, and dinner is served daily from 5 until 9. Food varies by the season, but guests should definitely try the Wagyu steak.

2860 GRAND AVE, LOS OLIVOS, CA 93441, Phone: 805-686-1359 Photo: The Bear and Star