Los Alamos is a small town in California's Santa Barbara County, set in the Santa Ynez Valley north-west of Los Angeles. Historic storefronts, relaxed restaurants, wineries and surrounding ranch country give it an appealing road-trip character distinct from the larger city and from Los Alamos in New Mexico.
The town is best visited by car as part of a Central Coast itinerary. Check tasting-room reservations and designated-driver arrangements, and allow ample travel time from Los Angeles. A short main-street walk can be combined with nearby valley towns, but businesses may keep limited midweek hours.