Los Olivos is an unincorporated place in Santa Barbara County, California. Approximately 1000 people live in and near Los Olivos.
The town of Los Olivos is one of the communities that make up the rural, but somewhat upscale collection of hamlets that populate the Santa Ynez Valley. The name in Spanish means, "the olives" or "the olive trees". The town center is near SR 154, which is a scenic road going north from Santa Barbara over San Marcos Pass, through the coastal Santa Ynez Mountains. This was the route of the Santa Barbara north-south stageline, which operated until 1911.
Los Olivos was connected by a narrow gauge railroad from Santa Maria, which was scrapped in 1934. The terminus of the railroad, heading south, Mattei's Tavern, and nearby outdoor depot/water tower, built in 1884, was the terminus of the stagecoach line that continued over San Marcos Pass into Santa Barbara. This route connected Santa Barbara with points north such as San Francisco. The tavern is still in operation, and is one of the highlights of the area, and a well respected restaurant with historic charm. The town is typical of small communities in the area, with most residents living on small farms and ranches. The town was founded in 1861 and had stage service from 1865 until 1911.
Los Olivos is renowned for its wineries, such as Firestone Wineries, and wine tasting shops. Grand Avenue has several wineries, conducive to a walking tour. Starting in Los Olivos and stretching north is the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.
Solvang, a community founded as a Danish farming colony in 1912, is about six miles (10 km) to the south. The are several horse ranches breeding Arabians and racing stock.
