The Ultimate Guide to the Santa Ynez Valley: Things to Do + Tips for Your Visit

Where to Stay in the Santa Ynez Valley

There are some amazing stays throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. The towns are all within a quick drive of each other, so you can stay wherever fits your vibe and preferences.

Here are my top Santa Ynez Valley hotel recommendations: 

• The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern (Los Olivos) – a stunning 5-star resort right on the edge of town, within walking distance of the best shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants.
• Fess Parker Wine Country Inn (Los Olivos) – a beautifully designed 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Los Olivos.
• Hotel Ynez (Solvang) – a peaceful and trendy 3-star retreat with gorgeous gardens and firepits, located outside of the town of Solvang. I’ve personally stayed here and highly recommend it (read my Hotel Ynez review for more details)! 
• The Landsby (Solvang) – a charming and modern 4-star hotel located right in Solvang, within walking distance of all the attractions and restaurants in town. 
• The Genevieve Hotel (Santa Ynez) – an elegant, traditionally decorated 4-star bed-and-breakfast located in the town of Santa Ynez. 
• Skyview Los Alamos (Los Alamos) – a very cool, impeccably designed modern 4-star hotel that overlooks the town of Los Alamos. The property was once a motel, and the owners renovated it to maintain the mid-century modern charm while modernizing the amenities. 
• Alamo Motel (Los Alamos) – a trendy 2-star stay in the heart of Los Alamos, within walking distance of all the shops and eateries. 

The Garden at Hotel Ynez | Room at Hotel Ynez | Outdoor Space at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

Explore the Local Santa Ynez Valley Wineries

No surprise here – first on the list is to go wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley!

If you plan on visiting a few wineries during your trip, I highly recommend booking a guided wine tour so that you don’t have to worry about transportation. There are a few different highly-rated tours to choose from, including: 

• Private Santa Ynez Wine Tour – on this all-inclusive tour (which has pick-up options in both the SYV and Santa Barbara), you’ll have a chance to visit three local partner wineries. There is also an option to customize your tour to your preferences. All tasting fees are included in the price, and lunch and snacks are provided. 
• Santa Ynez Wine Tour – this all-inclusive experience (which has pick-up options in both the SYV and Santa Barbara) is similar to the above – it just isn’t private. You’ll visit three wineries (the fees are included in the price), and lunch and snacks are provided. 
• Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle – a more pared down experience, this tour includes pick up and drop off at a location in Santa Barbara or the SYV, and transportation to three different partner wineries. It also includes a stop in Los Olivos, where you can purchase your own lunch. Tasting fees are not included in the price, and lunch and snacks are not provided. 
• Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour – for a more unique experience, book this bike tour! This tour departs from Los Olivos, and you’ll have a chance to visit two wineries. You’ll also do an olive oil tasting, and will enjoy a gourmet lunch. The tasting fees and lunch are included in the price. 

If you want to put together your own wine tour, you have plenty of options to choose from! I have a few favorite vineyards from my many visits over the years, including: 

• Brave and Maiden Estate (Santa Ynez) – the tasting experience more of a splurge compared to many wineries in the region, but it’s worth it for the private guided tasting, amazing wine, and beautiful grounds! Reservations required. 
• Koehler Winery (Los Olivos) – a rustic spot (that’s located right next to an emu farm) with a beautiful outdoor space that is great for a casual, sun-soaked tasting. It’s a laid-back winery, so reservations aren’t required. 
• Roblar Vineyards (Santa Ynez) – one of my favorite wineries for a laid-back tasting or glass of wine. They also have a great food menu! Reservations are recommended. 
• Sunstone Winery (Santa Ynez) – a winery set on a gorgeous French villa-inspired property with an expansive outdoor space. Walk-ins are welcome, but I recommend reservations for weekends and busier seasons. 
• Andrew Murray Vineyards (Los Olivos) – a beautiful winery with a lovely oak tree-covered terrace. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made online.

Something to note is that, while the towns are close together, some wineries are fairly far from the town centers. If you’re going wine tasting without a tour, be sure to plan accordingly and give yourself enough time between each winery visit. 

Brave & Maiden | Roblar Vineyards

Enjoy the Charm of Los Olivos (Tasting Rooms, Shops, Galleries, and More)

As mentioned above, Los Olivos is well-worth a visit during your Santa Ynez Valley trip. This town is home to around 35 wine tasting rooms, including popular options like Dreamcôte Wine Co., Future Perfect Wine, Terre et Sang Tasting Room, and Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Room.

Besides visiting the tasting rooms, one of the best things to do in Los Olivos is walk around the charming town and explore the local shops and galleries. I particularly love Los Olivos General Store, an eclectic shop with fun local goods, home decor, and gifts. I also recommend stopping by Gallery Los Olivos, a really cool gallery featuring works from more than 50 artists from the Central Coast.

I’ll share more details on restaurants and cafes in Los Olivos below, but two spots worth highlighting are Bar Le Côte (a very cute and very popular seafood restaurant, and a great stop for happy hour – their fries are amazing!) and The Bakery Farmstand (a bakery just outside of town that is open on Saturdays). 

Shop the Antique Stores and Boutiques in Los Alamos

Los Alamos is a must-visit, particularly if you want to do some shopping while in the valley. Some of my favorite Los Alamos stores include: 

• Sister’s Gift and Home – an antiques and gifts shop set in a historic home that is filled to the brim with goods for sale. 
• Campover – a really cute home goods and gifts store. During my last visit, I bought some earrings that I absolutely love! 
• Los Alamos Gallery – a very cool space featuring fine art, jewelry, and other wares made by more than 60 local artists. 

As you shop, you’ll also get a chance to see the fun, old West architecture (which can all be seen on Bell Street, the main road in town). 

In addition to shopping, Los Alamos is home to some excellent restaurants and tasting rooms. I share more in the where to eat and drink section below, but one spot worth highlighting is Bodega, a fun wine bar with a great outdoor patio. I also love Bob’s Well Bread and Bakery! 

Explore Solvang (the Danish Capital) 

Solvang is a fun town worth exploring while you’re in the Santa Ynez Valley. I recommend spending an hour or two walking around town to see the windmills (there are four in town!) and European-inspired architecture, as well as to stop in the local shops. 

When in Solvang, be sure to stop for a Danish sweet. There are five Danish bakeries within five blocks of each other, so you have plenty of options to choose from. I particularly love Birkholm’s Bakery and Cafe. You can also order ebelskivers (a Danish treat that is essentially a round pancake ball) at Solvang Restaurant. 

Some other ideas on things to do in town include:

• Visit the Hans Christen Anderson Museum or the Elverhøj Museum 
• Book a ghost hunting and history tour, or a wine and food tour
• Do the Solvang trolley tour
• Walk the grounds (or do a self-guided tour) of Old Mission Santa Ines

Read my guide on the best things to do in Solvang for a more comprehensive look at this charming Danish town. 

Feed the Ostriches at OstrichLand USA 

I always love stopping by OstrichLand USA when I’m in the area! This farm (which is about a 5-minute drive from the center of Solvang) is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus. If you’re there in the summer, you might even see baby ostriches!

Tickets can be purchased in person or in advance online (although I’ve never found it necessary to pre-buy tickets). I also recommend paying the extra dollar for a feed bowl so that you can feed the ostriches and emus. 

Visit a Local Farm Stand 

You’ll spot a variety of farm stands as you’re driving around the valley. It’s definitely worth stopping at one or two to pick up some produce and other local goods!

Here are a few worth checking out: 

• Summerset Farm – in addition to seasonal produce, they have tons of goods like olive oil, honey, and more. 
• Finley Farms – this is a great farm stand to check out for fresh, seasonal produce.
• Roblar Winery Farm Stand – there’s a tiny farm stand offering freshly picked produce right outside of the winery (definitely stop by before or after your tasting!).

Explore the Local Hikes

I especially love hiking in the area in the winter and spring, when the region is lush and green! If you’re interested in enjoying a Santa Ynez Valley trail, here are a few recommendations: 

• Lover’s Loop via Grass Mountain Trail (3.9 miles, moderate)
• Green Gate Loop (2.8 miles, moderate)
• Sweetwater Trail to Cachuma Lake Overlook (0.9 miles, easy)
• Lake Cachuma Sweetwater Trail (5 miles, moderate)
• Refugio Road (3.6 miles, hard)

Go Horseback Riding 

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider booking a horseback riding tour with Vino Vaqueros. This popular company offers guided, private rides through the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley landscape. Reservations are required, and rides depart from Demetria Estate Winery in Los Olivos. 

Go on a Zipline or High Ropes Tour

Here are some additional options for the adventure-seekers! Enjoy the beauty of the valley from above with either a ziplining tour or a high ropes adventure course experience. This highly-rated adventure company operates out of Buellton, and guides will lead you through your experience. 

Visit the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center

The expansive Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center (which opened in 2025) showcases the history and culture of the Chumash people. The museum has around 20,000 pieces of historic and cultural artifacts on display. The architecture of the museum (designed by Johnpaul Jones, who was also behind the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian) is also incredible! Tickets can be purchased in person or in advance online. 

Where to Eat and Drink in the Santa Ynez Valley

There is an amazing dining scene in the area. I’ve highlighted a few eateries above, but here is a breakdown of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Los Olivos:

• Bar Le Côte – a super popular and very beautifully designed seafood restaurant (I said it once already, but I’ll say it again…their fries are incredible!).
• The Tavern – a California-ranch inspired restaurant at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Panino – a really great sandwich restaurant (I love their mixed veggie sandwich!) with a few locations in the valley. 
• Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe – a popular lunch and dinner spot serving pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. 
• Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – a great spot for a drink if you need a break from the wine! They also often have a food truck out in front. 
• The Bakery Farmstand – a well-loved limited-hours bakery stand that is just outside of town.
• Lefty’s Coffee Co. – a coffee shop in town with a really lovely back patio. 

Los Alamos:

• Bob’s Well Bread – a great stop for breakfast or lunch! Their avocado toast is especially delicious, and I love their pistachio croissant. There’s also a location in Ballard. 
• Bell’s – a very well-loved French bistro serving lunch and dinner.  
• Norman at the Skyview Los Alamos – a beautifully designed restaurant at the hotel serving lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on weekends.
• Clementine Carter – a charming, rustic wine bar.   
• Bodega – a super cute wine bar with a great outdoor patio. 

Santa Ynez: 

• The Baker’s Table – this charming bakery is another great breakfast and lunch stop. I’m a big fan of their vegan breakfast burrito, as well as their almond croissant. 
• Panino – this popular sandwich shop also has a location in Santa Ynez!
• The Lucky Hen Larder – this lunch spot has amazing sandwiches, as well as butcher boards. 
• S.Y. Kitchen – a popular Italian restaurant open for lunch and dinner. 
• Pony Cocktails and Kitchen – a sophisticated spot serving brunch and dinner every day. 

Solvang: 

• KANOK Thai Cuisine – a delicious Thai spot in town that is open for lunch and dinner (their green curry is great!).
• Panino  – this popular sandwich shop also has a location in Solvang!
• Copenhagen Sausage Garden – a casual outdoor restaurant serving lots of different sausages (including vegetarian options), as well as pretzels and beer.
• Good Seed Coffee – this coffee shop has classic coffee and tea drinks, as well as more unique creations (I get their blue moon latte every time I go!). They also have pastries and small bites, including many vegan and gluten-free options. 

Ballard: 

• Bob’s Well Bread – this popular bakery also has a location in Ballard.

Buellton: 

• Industrial Eats – a counter restaurant set in a repurposed warehouse serving pizzas, sandwiches, and more. It’s open for lunch and dinner. 
• Na Na Thai – a popular Thai restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. 

Bob’s Well Bread in Ballard | Bar Le Cote | The Baker’s Table