About the Town

Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, this charming little historic town is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or funfilled day.

Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County's vineyards and horse ranches, Los Olivos is noted for its eclectic art galleries, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, antiques, recreational landscapes and friendly residents found throughout the village.

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards.

History

In 1861, the Overland Coast Line Stage Station was established in Ballard, just south of Los Olivos. The stage coach route ran from San Francisco to Los Olivos, then to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Anticipating the arrival of the Pacific Coast Railway, Felix Mattei opened a hotel in 1887. The hotel, now know as Mattei's Tavern, accommodated rail and stage passengers making north and south connections in Los Olivos.

Following the first whistle of the much anticipated engine, land auctions were held in 1887, creating the quaint village of Los Olivos. The town was first named after a nearby ranch made up of 5,000 olive trees.

Presently Victorian architecture can be found sprinkled throughout this little western village. Many of the downtown buildings and residences date back one-hundred years.

The Keenan/Hartley home is the oldest wooden home in Los Olivos, dating as far back as 1882. This redwood, balloon, singlewalled house has undergone several additions and was recently moved to the Mattei property.

Prairie-style Victorian buildings still standing in town are Mattei's, the Whitcher/Sahm home, Downs store, D.D. and Uncle Tom Davis store, Rice's gas stations and the Campbell, Ashbraner and Fleenor homes.

Should you wish to view these historical buildings, please email LOBO and we will gladly send one to you.

Historical information © Jim Norris

Tin Roof Boutique

Step in the door of this lovely boutique and you'll discover world class designers right here in wine country. With something for every budget, Tin Roof is friendly and chic with all you need to look fresh and fabulous.

www.tinroofboutique.com

Los Olivos Cafè & Wine Merchant

Find your place at the happening bar inside local favorite Los Olivos Cafe. With a lively vibe and an endless selection of wines, you'll often find live music and local winemakers enjoying fresh salads, artisan cheeses and hearty entrees.

www.losolivoscafe.com

Copyright Los Olivos 2011. All rights reserved.