Visiting Solvang
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, the charming Danish village of Solvang is the perfect base for a wine country weekend. Not only is it a short drive to the Santa Ynez wineries, but it also has several wineries right in the heart of the village, within walking distance of each other and many hotels.
Originally a Danish settlement, Solvang is distinctive for its architecture and bakeries. A colorful windmill, plentiful pots of flowers and occasionally the aroma of Aebleskiver grace the town. Though bakers differ in their versions of this delicious Danish pastry, they generally are ball shaped pancakes with jam and dusted in powdered sugar.
Solvang is about a 45 minute drive from Santa Barbara, making it a pleasant day trip. If you wish to stay overnight and spend more time exploring this charming European type village and the Santa Ynez Valley for wine tasting, there are plenty of
hotels
and
bed and breakfasts
to choose from.
Things To Do In And Around Solvang
WINE TASTING
Click here for information on wineries in Solvang.
MISSION SANTA INES
1760 Mission Drive
This National Landmark was founded in 1804. They offer self-guided tours and audio taped tours. Displays teach about the local Chumash Indians and history of that time period. The church is still used for Mass. There are garden tours as well.
www.missionsantaines.org
ELVERHOJ MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART
1624 Elverhoy Way
This museum has exhibits on the history of Solvang, Danish heritage and more. A gift shop and art gallery is also located in the authentically styled home which houses the museum.
www.elverhoj.org
OSTRICH FARM
Out on Highway 246 between Solvang and Buellton, is an ostrich farm, where you can see many ostriches out in the pasture. For a fee, you can feed them up close.
QUICKSILVER MINIATURE HORSE RANCH
1555 Alamo Pintado Road
I could not tear my daughter away from this place. When we visited in April, their were several new foals, all fuzzy and following their mamas around in the pasture on wobbly legs. Adorable! It's free and you can drive right in during opening hours, park and reach over and pet the docile creatures if one happens to be near the fence.
CHUMASH CASINO
Highway 246
If you are seeking some nightlife, just east of town is the Chumash Casino. They sometimes feature big name acts as well.
BIKING
You can rent a surrey for the whole family and cycle around the village. Also, the Santa Ynez Valley is a bucolic area to bike through. The Dan Henry Bike Route goes along Alamo Pintado Road and Grand Avenue in the Santa Ynez Valley. You can pick it up in Santa Ynez.
Also, cycling tours are available through
www.winecountrycycling.com
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON MUSEUM
1680 Mission Drive
This museum is located upstairs in the Book Loft. Here you will find memorabilia and works by this famous fairy tale author.
NOJOQUOI FALLS PARK
Alisal Road (10 minutes south)
Just a ten minute hike through the woods from your car, you can visit these lovely 160 foot high waterfalls. Go south on the 101 from Buellton, and look for a small sign indicating a left lane exit.
DINING
The village is plentiful with restaurants, some Danish, some not.
Check here for a list of Solvang restaurants with traveler's ratings and reviews.
SHOPPING
Solvang is chock full of gift shops with quaint Danish items, great for shopping for that especially unique gift. Antique shops are also plentiful for those who like to go antiquing.
To go to the Santa Barbara Wineries page, click here.
Click here to go back to the Experience Wine Country home page.
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