How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Solvang, CA
Solvang is a picturesque little town located in the Santa Ynez Valley – about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Santa Barbara. This village is known as the Danish capital of the US, and is such a fun and unique place to check out. From delicious food and wine to gorgeous (and incredibly non-Californian) architecture to the beautiful natural scenery, there’s a ton to enjoy. If you’re interested in visiting, here’s my comprehensive guide to planning the perfect day trip to Solvang!
Quick note: this page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no cost to you!). As an affiliate, I only recommend services and products from trusted partners I have thoroughly vetted and can genuinely recommend. Thank you!
Want to See the Best of California?
Sign up for occasional newsletters and to get my FREE local’s guide on must-visit destinations in Southern California & the Central Coast!
Is Solvang Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Solvang is 100% worth a visit, especially if you live in the Southern California or Central Coast area. While relatively small, it’s such an interesting spot unlike any other town in California. It’s also the perfect spot to visit if you’re planning a getaway to Santa Barbara, given the proximity. I’d highly recommend making your way to Solvang.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Solvang?
As far as actually exploring the town of Solvang goes, you only really need a day. It’s pretty small, and a day gives you more than enough time to get the full experience.
That said, there are so many great things to do and places to explore in the greater Santa Barbara County. If you’re planning on doing a full-on Solvang weekend getaway, I’ll share some additional things to do in the area towards the end of this guide.
When is the Best Time to Visit Solvang?
There truly isn’t a bad time to visit Solvang, but keep in mind that it does get pretty hot in the middle of the summer. While Solvang is near the coast, it’s still in a valley, so temperatures tend to reach the low to mid 90s during the day.
The summer is still a great time to visit (just bring your sunscreen!), but Solvang is especially nice in the fall, winter, and spring! It’s coastal California, so winter weather is still mild during the day – typically around the mid to high 60s.
I’ve visited multiple times in the spring, and there are always California poppies in bloom all around town! My most recent visit was during the winter, and the weather was warm (hitting the low 70s) and sunny.
What to Bring to Solvang, CA
- Sunscreen – It can get quite warm and sunny in Solvang (particularly in the summer and early fall!), so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen!
- Sunglasses – These sunglasses have been my favorite for a few years now – super affordable, sturdy, and flattering!
- Backpack – If you’re looking for a small backpack that’s perfect for day trips, I highly recommend this mini backpack or this crossbody bag. They are the perfect size for carrying some snacks, sunscreen, a small water bottle, and your wallet.
- Hat – For some extra sun protection, bring along a hat! In the OstrichLand photo below, I’m wearing the Brixton Women’s Joanna Hat (size small), which I highly recommend if you’re looking for a wide-brimmed hat. It’s held up super well over the last few years, and is my go-to hat in the summer!
How to Spend a Day in Solvang, California
Here’s my complete guide to all of the activities and sights that you won’t want to miss when visiting the Danish capital of the US. Luckily, all of these activities can easily be done during a day trip to Solvang. Just be sure to get out early to make the most of your visit!
Hang Out with Ostriches and Emus at OstrichLand USA
This is a spot that you absolutely won’t want to miss. OstrichLand USA (which is just about a 5-minute drive from the center of Solvang) is home to over 100 ostriches and emus. If you’re visiting during the summer, you might even have a chance to see the baby ostriches!
Adult tickets cost $7, and you can reserve them in advance online (although this isn’t necessary). You can also purchase a feed bowl for $1 to actually feed the ostriches and emus. This is 100% worth it. Check out my reel about OstrichLand for a closer look!
Explore the Town of Solvang
After exploring OstrichLand, head into the downtown area of Solvang. In addition to eating and drinking (more on that below), there are a ton of cool things to do in Solvang. You can pick and choose which activities and spots sound most interesting to you!
Check Out the Solvang Windmills
There are four windmills throughout the downtown area, but Solvang Windmill (also known as the Paaske Windmill) is the most iconic. It was built in the early 1960s, and was inspired by a mill near Copenhagen. Other windmills you’ll see around town include:
- The Hamlet Square Windmill
- The Solvang Brewing Windmill
- The Kronborg Inn Windmill (you’ll see it as you drive into town if you’re coming from the west)
Admire the Architecture of Solvang
Walking around Solvang and just taking in the views is an activity in itself! The town isn’t huge, so take your time strolling the streets, stopping in any shops that interest you, and simply enjoying the European-inspired architecture.
You’ll see plenty of cool architectural gems along Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive (which are two of the main roads in town), as well as along Mission Drive, particularly between 5th Street and Atterdag Road. It’s also worth following Atterdag Road down to Atterdag Square.
Check Out the Cool Shops in Town
There are a ton of fun shops throughout Solvang, particularly along the roads mentioned above. A few of my favorite Solvang shops include:
- Solvang Shoe Store – You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the giant red clog out front! In addition to your “standard” shoes, this store also sells a collection of Danish clogs.
- Hanson’s Clock Shop Jewelers – The intricately detailed clocks at this shop are incredible.
- Jule Hus Inc. – If you want to pick up an ornament to commemorate your visit, this Christmas shop is the place to do it.
Enjoy a Pastry from a Danish Bakery
You can’t leave Solvang without indulging in some Danish sweets! There are five Danish bakeries in Solvang, all of which are within five blocks of each other…so you have a lot to choose from.
I particularly love Birkholm’s Bakery and Cafe. They have a huge selection of delicious pastries, including a couple vegan options. The other options in town are Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Solvang Bakery, and Danish Mill Bakery.
In addition to the bakeries, it’s worth getting ebelskivers (a Danish treat that is essentially a round pancake ball) at Solvang Restaurant. Solvang restaurant has a to-go window in front, so you don’t need to dine-in if you don’t want to.
Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum
This free museum is super small, but worth a quick visit! It features a few exhibits about author Hans Christian Andersen, and is located on the top floor of The Book Loft.
Stop by the Little Mermaid Fountain
Located right across the street from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, this fountain is a smaller replica of The Little Mermaid statue in Denmark. It was installed in 1976, and was authorized by the heirs of the sculptor of the original Copenhagen statue.
Walk the Grounds at Old Mission Santa Ines
This Spanish mission dates back to 1804, and is located on the edge of town, within walking distance of the windmill. You can do a self-guided tour of the interior (there is a small fee), but I prefer to just walk the grounds and enjoy the view of the mission from the outside (which is free).
Visit the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art
I highly recommend stopping by Elverhøj (which is less than a 10-minute walk from the center of town) when you’re in town. It’s located in the former residence of a Solvang family, and is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of Solvang, the Danish-American experience, and Danish culture. There is no charge for admission, but there is a suggested donation of $5.
Do a Solvang Trolley Tour
This is one of the most popular Solvang tours! On this 25-minute narrated trolley tour, you’ll learn about Solvang’s history and check out the unique architecture in town. Tickets can be booked in advance online.
Explore Solvang with a Specialized Guided Tour
In addition to the trolley tour, there are plenty of other unique Solvang tours. Some options to consider include:
Eating & Drinking in Solvang
You can’t leave Solvang without enjoying some amazing food and drinks. Much of the food in Solvang is, as you’d guess, Danish-inspired – but there’s a surprisingly large variety of eateries in this small town. Here are some of the top spots I recommend checking out when you visit:
- Get Caffeinated at Good Seed Coffee: This coffee shop has a variety of high-quality drinks, as well as pastries and small bites (including many vegan and gluten-free options). I’m a big fan of the blue moon and beetroot lattes!
- Grab Lunch at Copenhagen Sausage Garden: This casual outdoor garden is definitely one of my favorite spots in Solvang! Sausage options include (but are certainly not limited to!) bratwurst, currywurst, hot Italian, and veggie. Be sure to order a pretzel to share (or not), and some beer if you’re up for it.
- Drink Beer at Solvang Brewing Company: If you want to relax after a busy day of exploring the town, make your way to Solvang Brewing Company. Solvang Brewing offers a wide range of beer options, including IPAs, pale ales, saisons, and more.
Do a Wine Tasting at One of the Solvang Wineries
Consider ending your day with a local wine tasting. There are a ton of great wineries in Solvang and the greater Santa Ynez Valley area. Two options that are less than a 10-minute drive outside of the center of town are Brave & Maiden Estate (which is by appointment only) and Sunstone Winery (which takes reservations and walk-ins).
Note: if you’re willing to drive a bit further, you’ll find a few more Santa Ynez Valley winery recommendations in the next section!
I highly recommend making the short drive out to one of these nearby vineyards or another winery in the greater Santa Ynez Valley area. That said, if you prefer to stay in town, I’d suggest stopping by one (or more) of these tasting rooms: McClain Cellars, Casa Cassara Winery and Vineyard, or Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards.
Additional Things to Do Near Solvang
If you’ll be spending a bit of extra time in the area, there’s definitely no shortage of things to do! Here’s how I suggest spending your time in the greater Solvang area.
Explore the Small Town of Los Olivos
Los Olivos is another one of the cute towns in the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s incredibly charming, and has tons of tasting rooms, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Bar Le Côte is a great restaurant if you’re looking for a nice lunch or dinner spot, and I also love Lefty’s Coffee.
Go Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley (which includes the towns of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton, and Ballard) has over 120 wineries – so you have a lot to choose from! Here are some of my favorite wineries in the area that I recommend stopping by:
- Rusack Vineyards (Solvang): This is one of my favorite wineries in Solvang (for the vibes, the incredible views, and the wine!), but unfortunately they’ve recently greatly limited their tasting openings. That said, it’s worth getting in contact to see if they have any openings during your visit! They are by reservation only.
- Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez): Roblar has a really lovely outdoor space, and the local vineyards produce a wide range of wines, including sauvignon blanc, sangiovese, syrah, merlot, and much more. Reservations can be made online.
- Andrew Murray Vineyards (Los Olivos): The oak tree-covered terrace at Andrew Murray Vineyards is the perfect spot to enjoy some wine tasting on a nice day! Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made online.
- Koehler Winery (Los Olivos): This laid-back winery is one of my favorite spots in the Santa Ynez Valley. It has an expansive and very pretty outdoor space, where you’ll likely spot some emus (don’t worry, they’re on the other side of the fence)! You can make a reservation online.
Want an expert to guide you through the wine tasting experience? Consider booking a wine tour of the Santa Ynez Valley. Bonus: no need to worry about driving!
Get Outside and Hike
The Santa Ynez Valley and the greater Santa Barbara County is such a naturally beautiful place. It’s the perfect area to go for a hike! There are two trails near Solvang that I recommend checking out.
The first is Nojoqui Falls Trail, which is just under a mile long, and located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Solvang. This tree-covered out-and-back trail leads you to (you guessed it) beautiful falls. Keep in mind that the falls don’t always have water, so check the AllTrails reviews for the most up-to-date info! Even if the falls aren’t flowing, it’s a really nice area for a short and easy hike.
The second trail I recommend is the moderately-rated Tunnel View Loop Trail, which is just about a 20-minute drive from Solvang. This 4.7-mile loop trail takes you through the picturesque mountains, and offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Visit Santa Barbara
The drive from Solvang to Santa Barbara is only about 45-minutes long. It’s definitely worth spending a day in Santa Barbara if you have the time! When visiting, be sure to walk through The Funk Zone, which is the city’s arts and culture district. You’ll find galleries and shops, as well as bars, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms.
I also suggest strolling down State Street – which is the main shopping and dining street in town – and making your way to the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is also a gorgeous spot to explore!
I hope you have an amazing time in Solvang! If you’re looking for more day trip-worthy destinations in California, be sure to check out my other posts. My Day Trips from Los Angeles Guide is a great place to start! Here are some other guides you’ll like:
I’ve been wanting to go to Solvang! And SLO and Santa Barbara. Love the little European charm with all the coffee shops and such. Would love to see those ostriches too! I have to share this post with my husband (we live in NorCal), and he doesn’t want to visit the SLO/Santa Barbara area because he thinks that if we’re going to drive that far, we might as well go to LA. And I’m like, we go to LA alot already!
Hope you’re able to convince him! I love LA (I live here, after all!), but it’s SO different than Solvang/SLO/SB – you’ll have a totally different experience!
How have I never heard of Solvang before!? It looks so incredibly charming. And I love that there’s so many vegan options! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow we were just in the area and we missed it! Thank you for sharing all of those fun recommendations, I would love to visit some Emus and Ostriches or grab a bite to eat.
Solvang looks charming! I get what you mean that it’s un-California. What a great day or weekens destination!
I have always wanted to visit California. Hopefully one day I will. There are so many lovely places, like this one.
So charming.
Thank you for your wonderful and very detailed article!
I really need to visit Solvang, its always appealed but I’ve never got the chance.
Looks like a beautiful place to visit! Would definitely have to check out the wine tasting, although I think I would skip out the ostriches as they freak me out a bit 😂 Thanks for sharing.
Solvang looks like such a charming little town! My husband and I were going to stop there on a trip to Santa Barbara, but we ran out of time. I’ll definitely be back, so I’ll save this for when we finally get to visit. I’d love to go wine tasting and explore the European architecture. Thanks for sharing!
I totally want to visit Solvang. I love being able to feel as if you are far away when you aren’t able to actually go far away! And my kids would love seeing the ostriches!
What an interesting place! I’d never heard of Solvang before, but it sounds lovely – and the perfect place to go wine tasting!
Solvang looks like such a quaint, back-in-time town! Love your photos as well. The wine tasting definitely sounds super interesting – would love to pay this part of the world a visit sometime soon. Thanks for this guide!
I would love to visit Solvang and this guide covers it all! Great work, so thank you for putting this together 🙂
Solvang looks so cute and charming! I would love to wander around, check out the windmill and go hiking in the area. This looks like a fantastic place to spend a day.
Not heard of Solvang, looks such a cute place, I’d be interested in the wine tasting, and hiking trails.
Solvang looks so quaint and cute! I’ve never heard of it, but I think I would prefer this quieter getaway to one of the bigger cities in CA, thank you for sharing!
Looks like Solvang has changed a lot since I’ve been there! Can’t wait to go back!