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Known as the “Danish Capital of America,” you will be spoiled for choice to do fun things in the charming village of Solvang. The temperate weather, the Stirling Danish architecture, bakeries offering authentic Danish treats, and numerous wine tasting rooms will make your trip worthwhile. Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, one of Central California’s most renowned wine regions, just 35 miles past Santa Barbara, Solvang, it is an easy trip to Solvang from Los Angeles.
There’s so much to do, see and eat in the charming, walkable town that we recommend you carve out a whole family weekend. Let’s dive into it.
Wander the village
Solvang is a small city that is perfect for walking or exploring by bike. As you stroll through its picturesque streets, you will want to take photos of colorful facades, ogle at the huge windmills, admire the pretty flower boxes filled with bright blooms, and keep an eye for Danish landmarks. Enjoy a calm pace in a quaint Danish village.
Visit the winery
Santa Ynez Valley is one of Central California’s most famous wine regions. So if you are a wine lover, visiting a winery must be on the top of your list. Enjoy a tasting inside our beautiful tasting room or outside on one of our two patios. Enjoy a tasting glass, or a bottle, inside our beautiful tasting room or outside on one of our two patios. There are several wine tasting rooms in the village, and you can also tour one of the beautiful vineyards. Here are some of the Solvang wine tasting experiences:
- Royal Oaks Winery Tasting Room, Famous for its sweet dessert wines, the lovely tasting room allows you to enjoy private moments of relaxation and serenity. Try their unique fruit wines: chilled fruity sweet goodness at its best!
- Sanger Wines Tasting Room: Enjoy a tasting inside the beautiful tasting room or outside on one of the two beautiful patios. They are also famous for their infused olive oils and vinegar!
If you would like to join a wine tasting tour, there are many highly-rated tours available in the area that include wine tastings, olive oil tasting, and a picnic lunch if you wish so.
Stop by a bakery
A weekend trip to Solvang is incomplete without stopping at the Santa Ynez restaurants and quaint little Danish bakeries. Walk around the quiet streets for a few minutes, and you will find that there are drool-worthy Danish bakeries to try. It is next to impossible to resist the lure of the sweet treats on display. Choose from butter rings, napoleons, traditional Danish pastries using original recipes, puff pastries, fruit-filled pastries, chocolate eclairs, or even a Danish sausage. Don’t forget to buy an assortment of lovely pastries to take home with you.
Shop for souvenirs
More than 150 lovely shops in the village sell wares ranging from beautiful lace and porcelain to music boxes and charming Christmas ornaments. In downtown Solvang, the elegant Jule Hus (Christmas House) building is a must-visit with its red facade. You can literally spend hours poring over all the Christmas treasures, admire beautiful Old European Christmas ornaments and scandinavian inspired decorations.
If you have kids tagging along with you, pay a visit to Solvang Toyland. It is a small but unique store that will make you nostalgic and remember the good, old days. The store carries everything from puzzles and wood toys to diecast cars and planes.
Spend the night at Mirabelle Inn
The Mirabelle Inn offers fancy hotel rooms with quiet elegance and posh surroundings. The sleek European architecture, a delicious restaurant, and a luxurious aestetic look, make it extremily popular for both tourists and locals. The attention to detail and well-trained staff will make you feel at home and utterly comfortable. The 12 guest rooms – each with distinctive decor and ambiance, furnished with luxury bedding and elegant antiques will instantly transform you into a quaint town in Europe. The First & Oak restaurant was awarded Michelin Plate in 2019 and in 2021. The restaurant offers exquisite wine country cuisine reminiscent of France, where fresh local products are easily procured.
What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to the lovely Solvang and spend a memorable holiday.
