• About
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • California
      • Big Sur
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Big Sur
        • Visiting Carmel by The Sea: a Full Travel Guide
      • Joshua Tree
        • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
        • Best Things to Do in Pioneertown California: A Complete Guide
      • Los Angeles
        • A Complete Guide to Visting Catalina Island
        • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • Palm Springs
        • The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Travel Guide
        • 20 Best Instagram Spots in Palm Springs: A Complete Guide
      • San Juan Capistrano
      • San Diego
        • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
        • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
        • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
        • The Insider’s Guide to Balboa Park
        • Best Things to Do in San Diego
        • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
      • Santa Barbara
        • Visiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town
        • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • San Francisco
        • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
        • Visiting Sausalito: a Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco
      • Yosemite
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
    • Europe
      • Italy
        • A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast
        • A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
        • An Ultimate Guide to the Top Sights in Rome
      • 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • First Timer’s Travel Guide to London
      • 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide
    • Hawaii
      • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii
      • A First Timer’s Guide to The Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
      • My Experience Traveling to Hawaii during Covid
      • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Queens Bath
      • The Ultimate 5 Day Kauai Itinerary: a travel guide
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
      • The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches to Visit
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
    • New York
      • 36 Must See Places in New York: written by a local
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • A Local’s Guide to Visiting Montauk New York
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
    • Mexico
      • Tulum
        • The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide
        • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • USA
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Itinerary
      • 17 of The Best Things to Do in Seattle: a First Timer’s Guide
      • A Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Sedona
      • How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago: a Chicago Itinerary
      • A Complete Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
      • A Complete Weekend to Boston Trip Itinerary
      • The Ultimate Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
      • New Orleans Weekend Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in NOLA
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
    • Hotels & Resorts
      • Complete Hotel Review: Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
      • Complete Resort Review: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana
    • Travel Tips
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • Best Practices on How to Find Cheap Flights
  • Style + Lifestyle
    • Product Reviews
      • An Honest Dior Saddle Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Review of the Gucci Princetown Mule
      • My Honest Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot Review + How to Style
      • 5 Reasons Why You Need the Gucci Soho Disco Bag
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
    • Packing Guides
      • Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How to Dress Like A European
      • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
      • 35 Airport Outfits: How to Look Effortless while Traveling
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • What to Pack for Hawaii: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
      • What to Pack for Italy: a packing list
      • What to Wear in Palm Springs: The Best Packing Guide
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • Styling Guides
      • 14 Cute Summer Outfits Ideas to Try in 2022
      • 25 of The Best Denim Shorts to Wear this Summer
      • How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials
      • 12 Bodysuits to Shop Now
      • How to Style a Slip Dress
      • 18 Best Straight Leg Jeans and How to Style Them
      • Fall Outfit Ideas: The Best Trends to Try in 2022
      • 28 Best Holiday Outfits: What to Wear this Holiday
    • Photography
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
      • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
      • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
      • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • How to Edit in Lightroom Classic
      • The Best Photo Editing Apps for your iPhone
    • Lifestyle
      • Christmas Gift Ideas 2022: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
      • Our Boho Mid Century Modern Home Tour in San Diego
      • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • Skincare
      • The Best Summer Skincare + SPF Essentials for Glowing Skin
      • What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2022
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
      • Vitamin C Serum Benefits: and The Best Ones to Buy
      • Best Skincare Products + How to Layer Correctly
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
  • San Diego
    • A Complete Guide to Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 2023
    • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
    • 20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local
    • An Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in San Diego
    • Best Restaurants to Try in San Diego for 2023
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego 4th of July 2022
    • A Complete Locals Guide on Things to Do in Balboa Park
    • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
    • A Local’s Guide to Coronado Island
    • 12 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities
    • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • california
      • big sur
      • joshua tree
      • los angeles
      • palm springs
      • san diego
      • san francisco
      • santa barbara
      • yosemite
    • europe
      • amsterdam
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • italy
        • amalfi coast
        • florence
        • rome
      • london
      • paris
    • hawaii
    • mexico
    • New York
    • usa
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • arizona
      • boston
      • charleston
      • Chicago
      • new orleans
      • seattle
    • hotels
      • Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
  • Blog
    • Style
    • photography
    • packing guides
    • product review
    • Lifestyle
    • skincare
  • San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop My Looks

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

California, Travel, USA · Last Updated: March 4, 2023

Visiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town

A Complete Guide to Visiting Solvang California

downtown Solvang California

Are you planning on Visiting Solvang California? This quaint Danish Village is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang, which means “sunny field” in Danish, was founded by three Danish men in 1911 with a dream of establishing a Danish town in California. It’s most commonly referred to as the Danish Capital of California. Many people would call Solvang kitschy however to me it’s incredibly endearing. In my opinion, it is the most charming town in California, and I’ve visited Carmel By The Sea!

In a lot of ways, the Santa Ynez valley reminds me of Kauai. Aside from the tropical climate and palm trees. The miles of wineries and ranches set against the rolling green hills feel like it was plucked out of a storybook. It also gives off major Disneyland vibes. Finally, in order to witness the true charm and relaxation this town has to offer I would recommend staying 1-2 nights when visiting.

How to Get to Solvang

Santa Barbara county is the closest major city to Solvang. Solvang is located 45 minutes northwest of Santa Barbara and you take the 101 N to the 154. If you’re flying into California, Santa Barbara is the closest airport. If you’re traveling from Los Angeles it will take you roughly 2.5 hours and you’ll take the 126 W to the 101 N. Finally, driving from San Diego to Solvang will be at least a 4-hour drive.

Check out my blog post The Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara if you are planning on visiting during your trip to Solvang.

Things to Know Before Visiting Solvang

girl standing in front of a danish village in solvang
exterior of an antique shop in Solvang
  • It’s a very small town you can walk the main streets within an hour
  • Most restaurants and shops close early
  • It’s surrounded by over 120 wineries, so make sure to visit at least one
  • During Christmas, the streets are lit up with lights and it’s a magical time of year to visit
  • Every year they have a Danish Days festival in September – such a fun way to experience Solvang

Things to Do in Solvang California

Walk Around Downtown Solvang

downtown Solvang clock tower
Little Mermaid Statue in Solvang California

Downtown Solvang is known for its mom-and-pop shops, gabled roofs, danish bakeries, antique stores, and not one but four windmills! You can spend an entire afternoon exploring this quaint downtown. And eating all the pastries your heart desires. There is even a replica of The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. The main roads are Copenhagen Drive and Alisal road.

One of the more popular free things to do in Solvang is to visit the Hans Christian Anderson Museum located in the Book Loft. He is famous for writing fables such as The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, and The Princess and The Pea. The Book Loft dedicated an area to highlighting his work. They are open every day until 5 pm and closed Wednesdays + Thursdays.

Visit the Four Windmills in Town

girl standing in front of windmill in solvang california

Solvang is known for its danish architecture. Windmills are a huge part of that and there is four located downtown. And you can find the location of the four windmills in Solvang below:

  • The Solvang Windmill on Copenhagen Drive
  • The Hamlet Square Windmill
  • Solvang Brewing Company on Mission Drive
  • Kronborg Inn

Visit the Old Mission Santa Ines

Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang

The Old Mission Santa Ines was founded in 1804 as the 19th mission in California. It’s set against a breathtaking backdrop of hills and has a small but beautiful exterior to explore. Today, they still serve the community by offering daily mass. Finally, they have a gift shop on the premises open every day until 4 pm.

Indulge in a Danish

cream cheese danish at Solvang Bakery
cream cheese danish at Mortensens Bakery in Solvang

If you visit Solvang and don’t indulge in a danish, you are doing it wrong. They are iconic in these parts and there are a plethora of danish bakeries and flavors to choose from. The most common one to try is the cream cheese danish however don’t sleep on the lemon ones. Finally, most close at 5 pm, and the freshest are always served in the mornings. Here are all the bakeries located in town:

  • Olsens Danish Village bakery (opens at 7 am)
  • Mortensens Danish bakery (opens at 9 am)
  • Danish mill bakery (opens at 8 am)
  • Solvang Bakery (opens at 8 am)
  • Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe (opens at 7 am)

Take a Ride on the Solvang Trolley

Explore the streets of Solvang and learn about its over 100 years of history in a traditional Danish conveyance known as a Honen. The trolley is guided by a Solvang local and visits all the major landmarks. Finally, they operate Friday to Sunday and it costs $14 for adults and $9 for children.

Experience Ostrichland

Ostrichland in Solvang

The most unique experience in California goes to Ostrichland. A farm in which you can visit and feed over 100 emus and ostriches. They’re so adorable but can be aggressive while having food in your hand so make sure to hold the feeders with both hands. Regardless, this is a must-see when visiting Solvang. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $3 for children, and $1 per bucket of food. Finally, it’s located only 5 minutes outside of Downtown Solvang.

Go Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley

girl with wine glass wine tasting in Santa Ynez

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources.

Santa Ynez Valley is located in the Central Valley of California and has miles of beautiful wine country. They ship out over 1 million cases of wine per year and have over 120 wineries. Planning your visit is not an easy feat but I’m here to help and share the most popular wines and tours you can take. We personally visited Sunstone vineyards and had an amazing experience – the wine was delicious and the ambiance was incredible. I felt as though I was in Tuscany.

Other popular wineries include Foxen Wines, Rusack Vineyard, Gainey Vineyard, and Stolpman Wineries. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a fun activity to do you can embark on a bike and wine tour. This half-day tour is led by a local tour guide while visiting an olive farm and a few wineries. Finally, if you prefer a private wine tour so you don’t have to worry about driving then consider this 5-star rated tour.

See a Show at the Solvang Festival Theatre

An open-air theatre that was built in the 1970s to attract visitors to visit Solvang. Which definitely worked because this theatre sees over 40,000 patrons yearly. They host shows and concerts throughout the year and you can check out their schedule for more information.

Best Restaurants in Solvang

spread at Mad + Vin restaurant in Solvang

Mad + Vin ($$$): a sophisticated restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine. We visited during restaurant week and loved the steak, mac + cheese, and brussels sprouts. My husband and I kept saying how they were the most delicious brussels sprouts we’ve ever had!

Peasants Feast ($$): an airy restaurant with outdoor seating and a calming vibe. They serve hearty meals, craft beer, and wine. This was most recommended to us when we were planning our stay however, it was closed on the two days we were visiting.

Sear Steakhouse ($$$): an upscale American steakhouse serving prime beef, local seafood, and vegetarian options. They have indoor and outdoor seating.

Osteria Grappolo ($$): Italian restaurant located on the main street downtown.

Big Bopper Drive-In ($): casual eatery serving burgers, shakes, and tri-tip sandwiches. We have the 1/4 pounder and trip tip sandwich and both were delicious.

Breakfast Spots in Solvang California

danish mill bakery in Solvang
Image gallery image

You can choose to indulge in pastries a the many bakeries for breakfast. Or visit a breakfast restaurant…

Paula’s Pancake House ($$): family-owned pancake house serving traditional dutch pancakes as well as American breakfast. We enjoyed an omelet, biscuits and gravy, and American pancakes. All plates were delicious and it was reasonably priced.

Brekkies ($$): a kid-friendly restaurant serving classic American and Mexican breakfast dishes.

Hotels in Solvang California

Wine Valley Inn in Solvang

Wine Valley Inn ($$): we personally stayed here for two nights and loved it! The location is perfectly set away from the main street which makes it quiet. We rented the loft-style room and loved it. Finally, they also have danish style villas that are more private. Book your stay here!

Hotel Corque ($$): located on the main road next to the most popular windmill is Hotel Corque. A 4-star hotel with median prices. Book your stay here!

The Landsby Hotel ($$$): if you are bougie like me this is the highest-rated hotel in Solvang. While we didn’t stay here we visited for dinner and I can attest to the luxury that this hotel gives off. Book your stay here!

Thank you for reading my “Ultimate Guide to Visiting Solvang California”. I hope you enjoy the most charming town in California and don’t forget to check out more of my California guides.

XO,

Courtney

pin this post for later

In: California, Travel, USA · Tagged: california, lifestyle, travel, usa

You’ll Also Love

What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
Arch Rock Joshua TreeA Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
Moms Pies in Julian California12 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2023 Le Travel Style · Theme by 17th Avenue