The Olive Capital Of Southern California Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns You'll Ever Visit
By Natasha Kayes|Updated on March 26, 2024(Originally published August 25, 2023)
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
You might be just as surprised as I was to learn that the olive capital of the world is located right in the US. Throughout California, we have towns and areas that are known for specific crops and produce. For example, we have concentrated areas that have consistently produced avocados, lemons, limes, and oranges for decades. We also have some fantastic wine country. And there is also a tiny town with a long history of olive production. In fact, the legacy of Southern California’s Olive Capital continues to grow. Get to know Los Olivos, California.
Los Olivos, California is a darling little town in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley. It is usually associated with vineyards and wine-tasting rooms, and for good reason - there are more than 25 tasting rooms and wineries in this small community!
The Mediterranean climate of Los Olivos makes it perfect for growing grapes, a climate which also happens to be ideal for growing olives in Southern California.
In 1887, the newly completed Pacific Coast Railway through this region named the town after the nearby ranch made up of some 5,000 olive trees. There are even ranches with rows of olive trees planted by Spanish Missionaries over 150 years ago. No wonder why this area is known as the olive capital of the world.
The production of quality olive oils made from local olive groves has earned Los Olivos, California a reputation for producing some of the best oils in the world.
In recent years, olive oil tastings have become almost as popular as wine tasting in the area. Tastings are offered at local producers’ farms, such as Olive Hill Farm and Rancho Olivos where you can also learn about the differences in oils from various olives - such as Spanish and Italian - and types of production, as well as view the beautiful grounds where the trees thrive.
As you can see, olives in Southern California really are a big deal.
Socal Olives are such a staple of Los Olivos that the town hosts an annual Jazz and Olive Festival every June, featuring olives, tapenades, olive-based dishes, oils, and of course, wine.
Los Olivos, the olive capital of the world, is a charming community with a quaint walkable downtown where, in addition to shopping for grape and olive products, you can explore local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, and enjoy the serene small-town ambiance.
