Los Olivos lies on rancho land originally granted by Governor Micheltorena in 1843. In 1861, the Overland Stage Coach Line first traveled to Los Olivos, and in 1868 the Overland Stage first traveled over San Marcos Pass to this area. Relay stations were then located at the Ballard Adobe and Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos. The Coast Railway line ran between San Luis Obispo and Los Olivos, and this narrow gauge railway made Los Olivos its station in 1887. Also in 1887, the town of Los Olivos was born and was laid out in city lots so that they could be sold at auction. Today Los Olivos remains a picturesque destination for visitors and residents alike, much like it was in the late 1800's.