Visiting Los Alamos

The other month we celebrated Joe’s 30th birthday with a trip to a sleepy wine country town along the central coast — Los Alamos. I’ve talked about it on my Los Alamos travel guide right here. It was such a nice time, and the perfect way to ring in another pandemic birthday. Here’s a recap of everything we did!

Stay at Skyview Los Alamos Motel

Our main agenda for the first few days of the trip was to hang out at the pool, so staying at the Skyview Motel was a ideal. They have pretty much everything you’d need on site — a pool, restaurant, fire pits, and bikes to borrow. We soaked up the sun by the pool, sipped yummy cocktails, and rode bikes into town. There were the cutest patios in the rooms, and our room had a private fire pit with a gorgeous view of the hills, and a fireplace in the room. The vibes were immaculate. They even had fire pits in the communal area of the motel which was perfect to cozy up and lounge by before heading to dinner. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days.

The Alamo Motel

We split up our stay this time with a stint at both of the local hotels, and The Alamo motel was our second stay. Right in the heart of town, the Alamo Motel is steps away from all of the local restaurants, shops and wine tasting rooms so it’s a super convenient place to stay if you’re planning on hopping around all day. It’s pretty bare bones and doesn’t have much to do on site but you can hang out at the communal fire pit, and sip some wine at the on-site Municipal Winemaker’s tasting room.

Municipal Winemakers

Right on the ground of the Alamo Motel, Muni Wines is a cute lil shack where you can sip local Santa Barbara county wines. It’s perfect for chilling before or after dinner and tasting some wine.

Sip Wine At Bodega

My favorite spot in Los Alamos is Bodega! I always make a point to hang out here, and honestly never want to leave! It’s a beer and wine garden with just about the perfect afternoon hangout spot. Sip on local wines and beers, hang out by the fire pit, or place bocce ball while you enjoy the vibes. Be sure to stop at their on-site shop to pick up some wine to-go, among other goodies!

Visit Ostrichland

Just 20 mins down the highway in Buellton there’s a wildlife refuge Ostrichland where you can visit ostriches and emus, and even feed them. They wander around a huge area of land, and will come up to you when you have food. They were so cute and fascinating!

The craziest part of Los Alamos is that there is some incredible food in such a sleepy town. So many amazing chefs have opened up shop in this little town, and the food options don’t disappoint!

Bob’s Well Bread Bakery

Every time we’re in Los Alamos we can’t believe such a good bakery and breakfast spot exists out in the middle of nowhere. Fuel up on breakfast and coffee, and be sure to get some pastries while you’re there. Their eggs in a frame, eggs in a jar, and fresh biscuits are a must.

Pico at the Los Alamos General Store

Pico is a must for every Los Alamos trip. Their cocktails are amazing, and the food is locally-sourced and house-made. Everything we had was delicious.

Bell’s

If you’re celebrating anything special, or want a fancy night out be sure to book a reservation at Bell’s in advance. We were celebrating Joe’s 30th so it was a splurge-worthy dinner for sure!

Casa Dumetz Wines

A local winery that you can do tastings at. Make it a stop on your tasting runs!

1880 Union Saloon

A fun Western saloon throwback to play pool and have a drink. They have bar food too if you want to grab a snack.

Lo-Fi Wine

I’m a big fan of natural wines, and Lo Fi Wines specialized in easy drinking natural wines. It’s a great place to relax and sip great wines.

Los Alamos Depot Antique Mall

If you’re in the mood for thrifting stop by the giant antique mall. It’s a giant antique mall with a wine pub inside.

Looking for more travel guides? Check them all out right here!