Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to do in Los Alamos, California
The best things to do in Los Alamos, CA
It’s so crazy how a short road trip now tickles our fancy like we went to Europe! As wild as Covid has been, I definitely feel like I’m coming out the other side even more grateful for the little things: intimate happy hours, local exploring, and backyard hangs. Those things previously felt unexciting when the world was my oyster. What a reality check this whole Covid journey has been! Don’t get me wrong, I cannot wait to hop on a plane again and adventure but I am really enjoying the idea of discovering the beauty around me. Enter: Los Alamos, California. Los Alamos is a small, quiet town in California’s Central Coast - about 15 minutes from the more well known Los Olivos and 20 minutes from Santa Ynez. It has one main street (Bell St.) that is filled with amazing restaurants, wine tasting spots and antique stores. It’s also home to the luxury boutique motel Skyview - more on that below. I would describe Los Alamos as Santa Ynez Valley’s young, hip cousin. If you’re going to do a wine tasting weekend in the Central Coast, Los Alamos is where you want your home base to be. TRUST!
Los Alamos is honestly the perfect destination for anyone: girls getaway, families with young kids, or a couples retreat. We took our 9 month old and while we didn’t get to do as many things as we would’ve done sans baby, I was really happy with our adventures (read: eating + drinking!). Keep scrolling for my faves and if you’re a mama, I’m giving you a detailed itinerary of our days.
Where to Stay: Skyview Motel
THE place to stay in Los Alamos is at Skyview Motel. Do not let the word “motel” deter you - it’s been reimagined into a luxury boutique motel (you know I like nice things!). It is so chic and only 2 minutes up the hill from Bell St. (main drag in Los Alamos). What I appreciate most about these type of boutique spots is when their decor is gorgeous but even more, when their food is good. Skyview’s on site restaurant Norman is DELISH and is also the perfect spot to grab sunset drinks by the pool. For motel guests they also offer room service,
Pool area at Skyview Motel in Los Alamos, CA
We stayed in a Jr. Suite (see a quick room tour here on the last slide) which was perfect for hubs, myself and our 9 month old. If you’re headed to Los Alamos with kids I highly suggest this room so you have a decent amount of space. If you’ve talked to anyone that has stayed at Skyview they all say the same thing: THE BEDS ARE SO COMFY. I don’t know what kind of magic fluff they put in the beds but they’re truly amazing. Skyview has an assortment of room styles many of which have private patios overlooking the local vineyard - such a treat! The pool area was one of our favorite places to hang especially during the late afternoon. There’s no jacuzzi but the pool is heated very well! The property is just gorgeous with tons of little hang out areas sprinkled around- think fire pits, daybeds, and beautiful views. 10/10 would recommend!
Staying at Skyview Motel in Los Alamos, CA
What to do
When I say small town, I mean small. Los Alamos’ main street is only 7 blocks! During our 3 night trip we weren’t able to hit all of the wine stops and restaurants, so I personally think you could stay in Los Alamos and never have to leave. That being said, because it’s so close to Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, it’s really easy to venture 15-20 minutes and explore new areas. You really have SO MANY OPTIONS! Here are 10 of the best things to do during your trip to Los Alamos:
Sunset Drinks and Dinner at Norman - the sky is just gorgeous from the top of the hill and the California fare is delish. I highly recommend the shrimp + grits for dinner. Assuming you’re staying at Skyview, you’ll be very familiar with Normans. If you’re not staying I highly suggest stopping by for at least a sunset drink or two!
Spend the Afternoon at Bodega - this was my favorite stop on our trip. Bodega is an outdoor wine bar that just makes you feel good! What’s not to love about an amazing wine and craft beer list in the most beautiful setting? I could’ve stayed the entire day! Make sure to bring your own lunch - I recommend takeout from Plenty on Bell or Full of Life Flatbread.
Breakfast or Lunch at Bob’s Well Bread - so good you might have to go twice! Chances are you’ve heard of Bob’s but not of Los Alamos… that’s because it is a damn good bakery! Everything is beyond fresh and delectable. We went at 8:15am and there was already a line outside, so be prepared to wait.
Lunch at Plenty on Bell - they had me at elevated comfort food. The pulled pork sammi was such a treat!
Takeout from Full of Life Flatbread - truly amazing pizza! This is a great option to pick up for dinner in your private Skyview patio or to bring to Bodega for lunch.
Dinner at Pico - fine dining + a local wine list. This is the “fancy” spot in Los Alamos. Treat yourself one night to din!
Lunch at Dim Sama - dumplings, bao, sticky rice, and mango pudding located inside Babis Beer Emporium. Another great option to bring to Bodega as well!
Wine Tasting at Casa Dumetz - we sadly weren’t able to taste here because of timing but Casa Dumetz came highly recommended from my friend Caroline who first told me about Los Alamos (she has another great guide here!).
Antique Shopping at Depot Antique Mall - even if you’re not into antiquing - it’s fun just to stop in!
Hang by the pool at Skyview Motel (guests only) - truly a treat + it’s heated.
One thing to keep in mind when booking your trip is that most places are only open Thursday - Sunday.
What to do in Los Alamos: Bodega, Bob’s Well Bread, and more.
OUR SCHEDULE With a 9 month Old
Our daughter is on a two nap schedule, so we planned all of our activities around her naps. It honestly worked out so well and gave us a well deserved break a few times a day to enjoy the gorgeous Skyview property.
Day 1: LA to Los Alamos is roughly 2.5 hrs if you drive straight through
9:30am leave Los Angeles right before her first nap (she slept a good chunk)
11 - 2:00pm Stop in Ventura for feed + lunch break
2:30pm Head out for remaining drive before her second nap (she slept almost the entire way)
4:00pm arrive right after check-in at Skyview, get settled, and take in the property before bed.
7:30pm put baby down and have dinner at Norman (the restaurant is max 30 feet from any room at Skyview)
Day 2:
8:15am breakfast at Norman then stroll the grounds and hang until nap time
9:30 - 11am baby nap and we worked in room and in private back patio
11:30 - 2:00 head to Los Olivos for wine tasting and lunch - we grabbed sammis from Panino’s and went to Four Brothers for tasting because they have a gorgeous outdoor space
2:30 - 4:00 back to Skyview for baby nap + chill time for parents
4:00 - 6:00 wine by the pool and hang out until bath and bed
7:30pm put baby down and eat dinner in our private back patio around the fire pit (hubs went to pick up dinner from Pico)
Day 3:
8:30 Breakfast at Bob’s Well Bread - it was so cold out so we had a little picnic in the trunk of our car
9:30 - 11am baby nap and we worked in room and in private back patio
11:30 - 2:00 head to Bodega wine bar for afternoon hangs. We picked up Plenty on Bell for lunch.
2:30 - 4:00 back to Skyview for baby nap + chill time for parents
4:00 - 6:00 wine by the pool and hang out until bath and bed
7:30pm put baby down and eat dinner in our private back patio around the fire pit (hubs went to pick up dinner from Full of Life Flatbread)
Day 4:
8:15am breakfast at Norman then pack and head home
11:00am stop at the Camarillo outlets to feed and charge car
11:45am head straight home
I’ve always been a big proponent of 3 night trips (even pre-baby) and now with a baby I feel like it is a MUST! Two nights is not enough when you factor in travel time, unpacking all the baby gear, and getting settled. Speaking of gear, here’s a packing list I put together last time we traveled with babe in case you need. Slide into my DMs if you have any Qs. xo - Ash
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