Solvang is such a vibe if you’re looking for a fun day trip (or even a weekend getaway!) from Los Angeles, San Diego, or anywhere along the California coast. This little Danish-inspired town in Santa Barbara County is one of the most charming towns in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, and it’s packed with cute shops, fairy tale touches, and yes—plenty of wine tasting options.
So if you’re planning a road trip along the Central Coast or just want to escape the hustle for a while, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Solvang, California—from skate parks to wine-tasting rooms, Danish bakeries, and everything in between.
First Things First: Baked Goods and Coffee Shops
When you roll into Solvang, the smell of fresh pastries is the first thing you’ll probably notice (besides the Solvang windmill and unique architecture). Danish bakeries are a thing here, and you cannot go wrong with a stop at Solvang Bakery or Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Grab a flaky Danish, maybe a cinnamon roll the size of your head, and a coffee from a local coffee shop for a great start to your day.
Main Street + Copenhagen Drive
You’ll want to wander Main Street, Copenhagen Drive, and Mission Drive, where you’ll find everything from a gift shop that only sells Christmas decor (hi, Jule Hus) to boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and local artisan spots. The Copenhagen House is perfect if you’re into design-y gifts, and there are many cute places to snap a pic with your crew.
Wine Tasting in Solvang (It’s What the Grown-Ups Deserve)
Solvang is part of the California wine country; you don’t have to go far to enjoy a wide range of wines. There are so many tasting rooms within walking distance, which makes it a fun way to explore (and also means you don’t have to drive—win). Check out:
- Casa Cassara Winery
- McClain Cellars
- Alma Rosa Winery
- Rusack Vineyards (just a short drive from downtown)
And while wine tasting may be the grown-up highlight, there’s something so charming about sipping vino while your kids munch on cookies from a nearby bakery.
Fairy Tales, Museums, and a Little Mermaid Statue
Solvang leans hard into its Danish culture, and it’s adorable. Be sure to visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (yep, it’s free!) to learn about the author behind The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Little Mermaid. There’s even a Little Mermaid statue in town if you’re up for a scavenger hunt.
Also worth visiting:
- Elverhøj Museum of History (also known as the Elverhoj Museum of History—it just depends on who’s spelling it 😂)
- Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, if you have a motorcycle-loving person in your life
- Wildling Museum of Art for nature-inspired exhibitions (and AC in the summer months, let’s be honest)
Hans Christian Andersen Park + Skate Park
Don’t skip Hans Christian Andersen Park if you’re traveling with kids. It’s tucked just off Alisal Road, and it’s got a playground, a skate park, and all the shady trees and vibrant flowers you need to chill for a bit. It’s such a great place to let the kids run wild while you regroup.
Old Mission Santa Inés
One of the oldest missions in California, the Old Mission Santa Inés, is right in town and worth a visit. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and steeped in history. Plus, it’s right by a parking lot, so it’s easy to visit without dragging the kids too far.
Bonus Fun: Solvang Trolley + Ostrichland, USA
If you’re up for quirky fun, hop on the Solvang Trolley for a horse-drawn tour of the little town.
Just outside town, on your way to Los Olivos, you’ll find Ostrichland USA, which is exactly what it sounds like. Feed some ostriches, take silly pictures, and say you’ve been. It’s an extra cost but a fun place to stop.
Where to Eat in Solvang
Try Solvang Restaurant for classic Danish eats (and aebleskivers, basically magical pancake balls). Copenhagen Sausage Garden has outdoor seating and tasty bratwurst if you want a more casual vibe.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Solvang?
Solvang is cute all year, but the best time depends on your personality. Spring brings wildflowers, fall has Solvang Danish Days (a fun festival that celebrates the town’s heritage), and the holiday season turns the place into a Christmas village straight out of a Hallmark movie. Summers are popular but can be warm and crowded, so bring water and sunscreen if you plan a day trip.
Getting There + Where to Stay
Solvang is about:
- 2 hours from Los Angeles
- 4.5 hours from San Francisco
- 40 minutes from Santa Barbara
- Close to Isla Vista, Los Olivos, and other cute Santa Ynez Valley towns
There are many charming places to stay, but The Landsby Hotel and Wine Valley Inn are solid picks in downtown Solvang.
My husband and I stayed at the Sideways Inn the last time we took a weekend getaway to Solvang. It’s located in Buellton, just outside of Solvang.
Final Thoughts
Solvang is perfect for a girls’ trip, a family day out, or a romantic weekend. Whether you’re chasing fairy tales with your kids or sipping wine with your besties, this quaint Danish village in Southern California is a total gem.
And hey, some of the links above might be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you shop through them (at no extra cost). It helps support the blog and keeps me caffeinated.
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