16 Top Things to do in Solvang, CA
One of my favorite small towns in California is Solvang, a Danish town near Santa Barbara. This charming destination (which is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, within Santa Barbara County) brings a bit of Denmark to the US, and is the perfect spot for a fun getaway. Despite how small it is, there is a great range of things to do in and around the town for people of all ages and interests. If you’re considering planning a visit, I’ve created the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Solvang.
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The Best Things to do in Solvang
As you’re planning your visit to the Danish capital of the US, here are the top activities worth adding to your itinerary.
Planning a day trip? Take a look at my Solvang day trip itinerary, which includes the must-do activities in the area!
1. Snap a Photo of the Solvang Windmill
The most recognizable Solvang attraction is the Solvang Windmill, which is also known as the Paaske Windmill. This windmill (which is located in the heart of town, on the corner of Alisal Road and Mariposa Drive) dates back to 1963, and was inspired by a windmill near Copenhagen.
2. Admire the Danish-Inspired Architecture in the Village of Solvang
While visiting Solvang, one of the best things to do is stroll through town to take in the unique architecture. The whole downtown area is picturesque, but you’ll see some of the coolest buildings on Alisal Road, Copenhagen Drive, and Mission Drive, which are the main drags in town. This is also where most of the small boutiques and shops are located, as well as some great eateries (which I’ll touch on in more detail below!).
3. Check Out the Little Mermaid Fountain
As you walk through town, be sure to make a stop at the Little Mermaid Fountain, located on the corner of Alisal Road and Mission Drive (right across the street from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum – more on that in a moment!). This is a small replica of the Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen.
4. Visit a Local Museum
Despite how small it is, Solvang is home to some amazing museums. One of the best museums is the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. It is designed to educate visitors on the founding and evolution of Solvang over the decades, as well as Danish culture and the Danish-American experience. It’s free to visit, although there is a suggested donation of $5.
I also recommend stopping by the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, located on the top floor of The Book Loft. This free museum is super small, but well worth a quick visit! You’ll find a selection of exhibits highlighting the work and life of Hans Christian Andersen.
Last but certainly not least, there is the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. This museum displays a wide range of motorcycles, including vintage and rare bikes, as well as European race bikes.
5. Tour Old Mission Santa Ines
Old Mission Santa Ines is located in the downtown Solvang area. The 1804 mission was the eighth Spanish mission to be built in California, and is open daily (except for Wednesdays) for self-guided tours. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for children.
Those that would prefer to skip the tour can still enjoy the grounds and view the outside of the mission for free. Even if you aren’t interested in touring, I do recommend making the stop – it’s incredibly beautiful!
6. Feed the Ostriches at OstrichLand USA
This is hands down one of the most unique activities you can enjoy in Solvang, and I can’t recommend it enough! OstrichLand is located just about 5 minutes from downtown Solvang, and is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus. It’s a ton of fun to walk around the property and admire the birds – and if you’re up for it, you can feed them! It’s a little bit scary at first, but totally fun. Adult tickets cost $7, and a feed bowl is $1.
7. Enjoy a Solvang Trolley Tour
The Solvang Trolley and Carriage Company (which has been serving the town since the 1960s!) offers a unique way to explore town. On the 25-minute narrated trolley tour, you’ll learn about Solvang’s history while checking out the town’s architecture. Tickets can be booked in advance online.
8. Eat Lunch at Copenhagen Sausage Garden
In my opinion, one of the best places to eat in Solvang (especially if you’re looking for something casual but festive) is Copenhagen Sausage Garden. The outdoor eatery has a wide selection of sausages, including veggie options. They also offer a ton of different garnishes, including an impressive variety of mustards. I highly recommend rounding out your meal with a pretzel and beer.
9. Enjoy a Sweet Treat a One of the Danish Bakeries
You can’t visit Solvang without enjoying a Danish pastry from one of the local bakeries. There’s certainly no shortage of options – there are five different Danish bakeries in Solvang within five blocks of each other. I particularly love Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, which has an incredibly wide variety of pastries, as well as sandwiches, salads, and drinks. Other options in town include Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, The Solvang Bakery, and Danish Mill Bakery.
10. Indulge in Ebelskivers at Solvang Restaurant
Another indulgence that anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy are ebelskivers (also spelled “aebleskivers”). These fluffy treats have a similar texture to pancakes or waffles, and can be enjoyed with powdered sugar and jam. They are served at Solvang Restaurant – both inside the dining room and at the to-go window in front of the restaurant.
11. Take Part in the Wine Scene at a Local Winery
The Santa Ynez Valley wine industry is booming, and it’s well-worth taking some time to stop at a winery or two for a tasting while you’re in the area. A few vineyards in and just outside of Solvang I recommend checking out include Rusack Vineyards, Lincourt Vineyards, Brave & Maiden Estate, Sunstone Winery, and Roblar Winery and Vineyards. Note that some wineries require advanced reservations.
12. Visit One of the Tasting Rooms in Solvang
Prefer to stay in town? There are plenty of great tasting rooms right in downtown Solvang – no need to drive if you don’t want to! Some excellent Solvang tasting rooms serving up local wine are Casa Cassara Winery and Vineyard, McClain Cellars, and Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards.
13. Hike on a Local Trail
If you want to get some movement in, spend some time out in nature enjoying one of the hiking trails in Solvang. One great option is the Nojoqui Falls Trail, a short and sweet out-and-back trail that is just under a mile long. This trail takes you through a tree-covered area, and eventually ends at a waterfall. Note that it may be dried up depending on the season, but you can check the comments on the AllTrails link above for current reports.
For those looking for a longer hike, a great option is the Tunnel View Loop Trail, which is located in Gaviota State Park. The moderately-rated loop trail is just under five miles long, and takes you through the picturesque mountains. You’ll also get great ocean views! The trailhead is about a 20-minute drive from the heart of Solvang.
14. Soak Up the Sun at Sunny Fields Park
If the weather is particularly nice (which it often is in the area!), I recommend taking some time to relax at Sunny Fields Park. There’s a playground and picnic tables on-site (as well as a spacious grassy field), so this is an especially great spot for families to hang out.
15. Celebrate Danish Days in September
Danish Days – Solvang’s Danish heritage festival – is hosted annually on a weekend in the middle of September. The festival includes a variety of different events celebrating Danish culture. There are musical and folk dance performances, as well as parades. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in Danish food and drink! Note that some events related to the festival do require tickets.
16. Get in the Holiday Spirit with Julefest
If you’re looking for things to do in Solvang in December, you’re in luck. From late November to early January, the town hosts Julefest, a fun and festive holiday celebration. There are a wide variety of events and performances throughout the celebration, including light and music shows, candlelight tours of the town, a trolley holiday light tour, and more.
I hope you have an incredible time visiting the charming town of Solvang! Here are some additional guides to help you plan your vacation in the area:
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