14 Fantastic and Fun Things to Do in Solvang, California

Originally published April 2022. Updated September 2024.

I recently had the chance to explore the charming village of Solvang as part of a Central California road trip. If you’re longing for a trip to Europe, you don’t have to go across the pond to get your Danish village fix. Solvang, California is also known as the “The Danish Capital of America.” This town in California’s Santa Ynez Valley will make you feel as though you’ve just stepped foot into Denmark.

Thanks to its convenient location, this quaint destination makes the perfect stop on a road trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles or a fun day or half-day trip from Santa Barbara. And it’s easy to combine with other destinations in the Santa Ynez Valley, such as Santa Ynez or Los Olivos.

Between its charming shops, mouth-watering bakeries, and authentic architecture, Solvang will truly transport you to another place. And as you’ll see below, there’s so much to do in Solvang despite its small size.

Discover my favorite activities in Solvang and why you’ll enjoy exploring this charming European-inspired town.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top 3 Picks of Hotels and Things to Do in Solvang:

Hotels

1. The Landsby, for a contemporary stay
2. Mirabelle Inn, for a boutique fairytale stay
3. Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, for a dose of old-world charm

Things To Do

1. Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with transportation (transfers, 3 wineries + lunch included!)
2. The Self-Guided Audio Tour of Solvang to learn about the history and architecture
3. A Guided Foodie Tour in Solvang that includes all of the must-eats

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Santa Ynez Valley is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.

14 Things to Do in Solvang, California

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1. Go on a Tour Through Mission Santa Ines

Explore Mission Santa Ines, a 214-year-old Spanish mission, to learn about history and culture. See paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts on a self-guided tour. The mission also has a museum to explore, as well as a gift shop.

2. Soak in the Danish Architecture

Solvang’s authentic Danish heritage and architecture is a big part of what gives the town, which Danish immigrants founded in 1911, its unique charm. Solvang has a unique style with thatched roofs, old-fashioned skills, and windmills that make it stand out in California. The best way to experience the architecture is to take a stroll down Copenhagen drive. If you’re looking for a self-guided tour, this Solvang Audio tour can be purchased and downloaded to your phone!

3. Pop into a Wine-Tasting Room in Solvang Square

Solvang has over 20 wine-tasting rooms featuring producers from the Santa Barbara County wine country. It’s easy to walk around and spend half a day visiting them. Take a self-guided tour and pop into Solvang’s many boutiques, restaurants, and bakeries between tasting experiences.

Some of my favorites include Alma Rosa Winery, Royal Oaks Winery, and Dana V. Wines. Be sure to call ahead to reserve, especially on weekends.

4. Visit Wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is one of California’s most celebrated wine regions, and it’s easy to see why. One of the best ways to visit the wineries is on a small group tour with a hired driver. It allows you to kick back, not worry about who is driving afterward, and enjoy a more private experience. This small group tour includes (3) wineries and lunch from one of my favorite Santa Ynez spots!

Several varieties thrive in this area, from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Black to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Visiting wineries is a fun way to taste the local wines and simultaneously take in the area’s gorgeous scenery.

Another fun way to experience the wineries in Solvang is by doing a biking and wine-tasting tour. You’ll be in a small group, riding bikes through the local wineries with a stop for a gourmet lunch. And if you like, you can request an e-bike as well. This is the highest-rated Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine tasting tour!

5. Eat Your Way Through the Danish Bakeries

With so many bakeries to try—and so many pastry types to sample—hitting them all is an all-day affair. There are many sweet treats like Danish rolls, waffles, cream puffs, and butter cookies. Aebleskivers are also available, which are dough balls shaped like tennis balls and covered in powdered sugar and raspberry sauce.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’d jump on this Solvang Food tour that takes you to all of the best spots to get baked goods. You’ll learn about the history of Solvang while eating the food you can’t miss.

6. Explore the Village of Solvang

There are a number of ways to explore Solvang. It’s incredibly walkable, with most main sights within a mile of one another. Biking is another great option. For something a little more unique, try the Solvang Trolley, an old-fashioned replica streetcar drawn by Belgian draft horses.

7. Visit the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art

Elverhoj in Solvang has three objectives: To document Solvang’s history. To recognize Danish culture and the Danish-American immigrant experience. To promote fine art and artists. Admission is free, and the museum also hosts special events.

8. Shop Christmas Year-Round at Jule Hus

Also known as the “Christmas Store,” Jule Hus brings holiday cheer all year round. Inside, you’ll find traditional decorations, including blown glass ornaments, wooden nutcrackers, nativities, and other Scandinavian handcrafts. It’s a great place to snap a few photos and get excited for the holiday season.

9. Don’t Miss the Farmer’s Markets

Every Wednesday, a farmer’s market happens on Solvang’s First Street. Local farmers sell their fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, cheeses, breads, and other products. It runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine.

10. Explore the Art Galleries

For a small town, Solvang is home to a number of art galleries selling one-of-a-kind pieces. You can find different kinds of art in town, like prints, jewelry, and puzzles. You can spend an afternoon visiting different places to see what they have for sale.

11. Go Souvenir Shopping

Forget the tacky magnets and keychains that abound in other tourist destinations. In Solvang, the shopping is unique to the locale. Fancy stores like The Mole Hole sell nice dishes and glassware that show the Danish style of the town.

12. See Hans Christian Andersen Park

There are tons to do in Hans Christian Andersen Park. This park has music, two playgrounds for young kids, and a rock-climbing wall and skate park for older kids. It’s a good spot for families with children of different ages. There are also picnic tables scattered throughout the park, making it an ideal place to eat outside.

13. Come for the Danish Days Festival in September

To get the full Danish experience, visit Solvang during the Danish Days Festival. To celebrate the town’s heritage, you can enjoy traditional food, music, dancing, parades, and more. The festival is free to enter, and it’s a family-friendly event with lots for little ones to do.

14. Visit the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

If you’re into motorsport history, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum houses an expansive collection of vintage and rare motorcycles and European race bikes. The museum rotates its collection monthly, so something new is displayed each time you visit.

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Things to Do Near Solvang

Visit the Small Town of Los Olivos

Tiny Los Olivos packs a big punch. Start your day with coffee at Lefty’s for a great start. Afterward, explore the wine-tasting experience at Epiphany, The Bubble Shack, and Saarloos + Sons. Take a break to shop at Los Olivos General Store and Global Eye Art.

Visit Santa Barbara

From Solvang, it’s an easy drive to Santa Barbara, which has so much to do and so many phenomenal places to eat. Santa Barbara offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy hiking, nature, wineries, breweries, culture, history, art, or architecture. It’s also a gorgeous city, earning it the nickname of “The American Riviera.”

Stop into Bob’s Well Bread in Los Alamos

Bob’s Well Bread is a popular spot in Los Alamos, a growing place for food and wine. It’s worth the drive over for its selection of homemade pastries and a special, rotating list of daily bread.

Shop Local at Santa Ynez General

The Santa Ynez Valley is full of incredible artisan shops, and Santa Ynez General is one of my absolute favorites. It features curated home goods and apparel for both women and men. Be warned— it’s almost impossible to leave without bringing home a purchase or two!

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Where to Stay in Solvang

Solvang has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from modern to quintessential European inns. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Solvang.

Best Hotels in Solvang

1. The Landsby — “Modern” may not be the first word you think of when you think of Solvang, but The Landsby is just that. It stands out in Solvang for its contemporary exterior and boho décor, and it has a very stylish feel overall. Visit Mad & Vins, the restaurant on-site, for a great dinner in Solvang. They serve delicious coastal California cuisine and farm-to-table dishes.
2. Mirabelle Inn — If you’d rather keep with the spirit of Solvang, try the Mirabelle Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. The building looks like it belongs in Denmark and feels like a fairytale when you enter. The hotel features just 12 rooms, making for an intimate experience. And its on-site restaurant, First & Oak, is another solid option for fine dining.
3. Wine Valley Inn & Cottages — You’ll get a good dose of Old-World charm at Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, which describes itself as a “quaint chateau nestled in windmills.” The rooms and cottages have modern comforts and design, and the grounds are nice for walking. On-site bike rentals provide the perfect way to explore all the things to do in Solvang.

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What to Know Before Visiting Solvang

How to Get to Solvang

Solvang is drivable from several major cities. Just 35 miles from Santa Barbara, 125 miles from Los Angeles, 300 miles from San Francisco, and 384 miles from Las Vegas. It’s the perfect stop to make on a trip down Highway 101, as it’s just a quick detour off the Pacific coast.

Do You Need a Car to Visit Solvang

While the town itself is walkable, I’d definitely recommend renting a car to get there and explore the rest of the Santa Ynez Valley region.

Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

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