A Complete Guide to Things to Do in 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

• 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

When to Visit Solvang

Solvang is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you enjoy mild weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or wine tasting. The vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley are particularly beautiful during these times, offering a serene backdrop for your wine-tasting adventures.

Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, with warm weather and long days. However, it can get crowded, and temperatures may reach up to 90°F (32°C). This is a great time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Solvang and indulge in Danish pastries from local bakeries like the Solvang Bakery. If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, visit during the holiday season (December to January), when Solvang is decorated with lights and offers special events, making it a magical time to explore this charming Danish town.

Things to Do in Solvang California

Walk Around Downtown Solvang

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Outdoor Activities

Solvang and its surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. Some popular options include:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails of the Santa Ynez Valley, such as the Solvang Trail or the Los Padres National Forest. These trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
• Biking: Rent a bike and ride through the rolling hills and vineyards of the valley. It’s a fantastic way to experience the beauty of wine country up close.
• Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the countryside and enjoy the scenic views. This is a unique way to explore the area and connect with nature.
• Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries and vineyards, such as the Solvang Vineyard & Winery or the Fess Parker Winery. The Santa Ynez Valley is renowned for its wine production, and a tasting tour is a must-do.
• Golfing: Tee off at one of the nearby golf courses, like the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort or the La Purisima Mission Golf Course. These courses offer challenging play and stunning landscapes.

Family Friendly Activities

Solvang is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep kids entertained. Some popular options include:

• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum: Explore the museum’s collection of vintage motorcycles and learn about their history. It’s a fascinating experience for both kids and adults.
• Solvang Brewing Company: Take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their craft beers (for adults, of course!). The brewery also offers a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious food options.
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum: Discover the life and works of the famous Danish author and enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits. It’s an educational and fun experience for children.
• Danish Mill Bakery: Visit this historic bakery and try some traditional Danish pastries and bread. The kids will love the sweet treats, and it’s a great way to experience a piece of Danish culture.

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 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

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

You can choose to indulge in pastries at 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 ($$): we 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!

Day Trips and Itineraries

Solvang is a great base for exploring the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. Some popular day trip ideas and itineraries include:

• Santa Barbara: Visit this charming coastal town, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Just a 45-minute drive from Solvang, Santa Barbara offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
• Los Olivos: Explore this picturesque town, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Located about 30 minutes from Solvang, Los Olivos is a delightful destination for a day of indulgence.
• Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country: Take a wine tour and visit some of the local wineries and vineyards, such as the Fess Parker Winery or the Sanford Winery. The valley is renowned for its wine production, and a day spent tasting and touring is a must for wine enthusiasts.
• Hearst Castle: Visit this historic castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, and explore its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. Located about 2 hours from Solvang, Hearst Castle is a fascinating day trip that offers a glimpse into California’s rich history.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With its rich heritage, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities, Solvang is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the best of California’s Central Coast. 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

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