Los Alamos is located in about 50 miles north of Santa Barbara and about 20 miles south of Santa Maria on Highway 101. Most motorists drive by this wonderful little wine country town never realizing what an amazing little gem it is.
Los Alamos Depot Antique Mall is one of the largest in California and is home to over 60 antique dealers so if you enjoy antiques, you must consider a visit to this establishment when you come to Los Alamos.
There are more than antiques to enjoy in Los Alamos. If art, wine tasting or fine dining are more your cups of tea, Los Alamos has something for you, as well. Wine tasting and tours are available, some by appointment and some during regular business hours at various wineries in the surrounding wine country.
History of Los Alamos California
Los Alamos founded in 1876 as a stagecoach stop between San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara. In 1882, the narrow-gauge Pacific Coast Railway reached Los Alamos connecting it with San Luis Obispo. For a while, this was the end of the line until it was extended to nearby Los Olivos.
Naturally with an influx of people, coming and going, businesses, hotels, and eateries became successful and the town grew. The town prospered until the Southern Pacific laid wider gauge track bypassing the town of Los Alamos 1901.
By 1938 narrow gauge service could no longer compete and the line was shut down leaving the town without its rail lifeline. Today the only surviving depot of the Pacific Coast Railway is huge Antique Mall in the town of Los Alamos.
In the 1958 Highway, 101 was rerouted to bypass Los Alamos leaving the little town to embrace its 19th-century charm. Today visitors can enjoy what it may have been like back then when they visit Los Alamos.
Things To Do Los Alamos California
Art is well represented in Los Alamos with several galleries with some doubling as antique shops. T & T Antiques has a small historical museum with pictures and artifacts from the Los Alamos Valley. The Gentleman Farmer Antique Shop features English Sporting Equine Gifts and Art.
If there is a foodie in your group, they too will be delighted with the food choices available. Choose from flatbread pizza meals to sub sandwiches to fine dining and of course, local wines.
One of the most photographed buildings in Los Alamos is 1880 Union Hotel which has a saloon where you can enjoy micro brews, a glass of wine or a full meal. The Union Hotel was a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop and looks like it came right out of the old west.
Where to Eat Los Alamos
Another popular dining establishment in Los Alamos is Full of Life Flatbread Restaurant. Only open Thursday through Sunday in the evenings it’s worth the effort to schedule a visit during this time to enjoy the oven baked flatbread pizza.
There are a couple of other eateries in town including Cafe Quakenbush and Ghost Riders Tavern which caters to bikers but welcomes everyone.
Where to Stay Los Alamos
Overnight accommodations can be found at 1880 Union Hotel, rooms are on the second floor above the saloon so it can be noisy, but its definably and interesting experience. Rates start at about $185.00 per night all the way up to $325.00 for the Presidential Suite.
Another unique place to stay in Los Alamos is the Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast. The Mansion has six theme suites that are anything but Victorian. There is a 50’s themed suite that features a ’56 Cadillac convertible parked in the room. Other theme rooms include Gypsy, Egyptian, Roman, Pirate and Roman. This place is amazing. Rates start at around $250.00 per night.
Rounding out hotels in Los Alamos is the more down to earth Skyview Motel. Offering affordable, clean, comfortable accommodations. They can also help you book Wine Tasting, Cycling and Equestrian tours.
Los Alamos Events
Depending on the time of year that you visit Los Alamos, you may catch one of their annual events. Around Christmas, there is the Holiday Stroll. Highlights of this even include a Bon Fire downtown and a Fire Truck Tour. Merchants in town offer special deals to encourage holiday shoppers to shop early.
In September, Los Alamos holds their Old Days Celebration. This is a grand event that offers live entertainment, a classic car show, a two-day Peddler’s Mart and a parade on the Sunday morning of the weekend of the event.
Getting to Los Alamos California
Los Alamos can easily be found off of Highway 101 located on California State Route 135. Take a trip back in time and enjoy what Los Alamos has to offer. It’s a magical blend of history and contemporary. Come see for yourself.
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