Top Things to Do in Solvang, California

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A look at the best things to do during a dreamy Solvang getaway

The first time we visited Solvang, we were simply passing through on our scenic road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway. We had to go a little bit out of the way to see Solvang, but it was a place we really wanted to stop. And I am so glad we did. I quickly fell in love with this charming little town.

We recently visited again, this time with our kids and another family with us. We had fun trying a handful of different bakeries, sneaking in some wine tasting and of course getting the kids dessert at one of the many ice cream shoppes.

If you’re dreaming of a getaway that combines storybook charm, good food, and wine-country relaxation, Solvang, California, is exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked into the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, this little Danish-themed village is famous for its windmills, half-timbered buildings, and old-world bakeries that make you feel like you’ve hopped across the Atlantic.

It’s the kind of destination that works for just about any kind of trip — a cozy couples’ weekend full of wine tasting and strolls, a family adventure with easy attractions and sweet treats around every corner, or even a laid-back girls’ getaway with good food, good shops, and lots of charm. Whether you’re here for the pastries, the history, the scenery, or simply the slower pace, Solvang offers a refreshing escape that feels worlds away without needing to travel far.

What Makes Solvang Special

• A taste of Denmark — without the long flight. Solvang’s downtown feels more like a little Danish village than a California small town. Expect half-timbered buildings, windmills, cobblestone-vibe streets, and even a bronze replica of the The Little Mermaid statue (yes, like Copenhagen’s).
• A walkable, relaxing pace. The core of Solvang is small and easy to explore by foot (or by bike/ surrey). A stroll through downtown can take you past Danish-style shops, art galleries, bakeries, wine-tasting rooms — all without needing a car.
• Wine-country vibes, minus the hustle. You’re in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, with dozens of tasting rooms nearby. These are perfect for tasting local wines, often within walking distance.

What to See & Do: Best Things to do in Solvang

There are so many fun things you can do in Solvang. We did a little bit of everything when we went with the kids. We let them throw a football around in the grass, we popped into several bakeries, and we saw the ostriches just on the edge of town.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Solvang. It’s a small town, so nothing is too far away once you’re there.

• Mission Santa Inés — Founded in 1804, this historic mission offers a gentle, beautiful sightseeing experience. Wander the gardens, view the old church and artifacts, and appreciate the views of the surrounding valley.
• Elverhøj Museum of History & Art — A lovely museum dedicated to Danish-American history and local art, housed in a building inspired by traditional Danish farmhouses. Great for a quiet dose of culture and heritage.
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum — If you like bikes, old engines, or just something a little unexpected, this collection includes rare motorcycles. It’s a fun detour from pastries and wine.
• Get into nature: If you want to stretch your legs, there are nearby natural escapes. A short drive from town, Nojoqui Falls offers an easy (~0.7 mile) round-trip hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. It’s a peaceful contrast to downtown’s bustle.
• Wine tasting & strolls — With 15–20+ tasting rooms just in town (and many more in the surrounding vineyards), it’s easy to enjoy a relaxed wine-tasting crawl. And there’s no need to drive if you stay central or hop on the bus. There are also several biking and wine tasting tours you can choose from.
• OstrichLand USA — Just a couple minutes outside of town, this fun roadside stop lets you feed real ostriches and emus. It’s a quick, family-friendly activity that’s perfect for photos and a memorable break between wine tastings and sightseeing.

Where to Eat (and Snack!)

We had all kinds of recommendations of the best things to see, do and eat leading into our most recent Solvang trip. But what we discovered is you really can’t go wrong with anything therel A handful of places we were told to go to were closed on the day we were there. So we popped into other tasting rooms and bakeries, and we enjoyed them just fine.

• Danish pastries to start the day — Don’t miss breakfast at a local bakery. Spots like Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery or Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe serve up classics. You’ll find aebleskivers, kringles, cardamom bread and more. Perfect fuel for a day of wandering. Go early to beat the lines.
• Paula’s Pancake House – Be sure to get the pancakes. They’re famous for a reason!
• Casual bites & lunch vibes — For something more down-to-earth, an outdoor-style lunch at Copenhagen Sausage Garden gives you generous sandwiches or sausages, pretzels and a fun, relaxed vibe. We ordered a sausage sample platter and enjoyed getting to try a variety of flavors.
• Wine + good food — Since the area is wine-friendly, many restaurants pair nicely with a glass from a nearby tasting room. Locals suggest you can spend the afternoon hopping between shops, wine rooms, and then settle in for a nice dinner.

Cheese tastings and chocolate tastings are also available, if you want to pair those with your wine. There are also an abundance of candy and ice cream shops through town. We had fun sampling a little bit of everything rather than having one large meal.

Where to Stay

Since Solvang is small and walkable, staying anywhere near the center — or a quick shuttle/trolley ride from it — means easy access to shops, food, and tasting rooms.

• There are a number of cozy inns and lodges that lean into the Danish-village vibe — think charming rooms, easy walking access to downtown, and a sense of “stay-a-while.” Many recommend booking early, especially if you’re visiting during busy times (holidays, festivals, weekends).
• For a more wine-country feel, you could also stay just outside the core — giving you peace and a bit more space, while still being a short drive from town attractions. The surrounding valley is peaceful and scenic, which makes for a nice contrast to downtown’s buzz.
• We stayed at the Flying Flags RV Resort when we went recently. There bus stop is right in front of the RV resort and was an easy 10-minute ride into Solvang.

When to Go & How to Make the Most of It

• Go early in the morning if you plan on visiting bakeries or popular pastry shops — that’s when they’re freshest and lines are shortest.
• Stay at least one full day (or overnight). There’s enough variety — pastries + sightseeing + wine + a bit of nature — that an overnight gives you time to really slow down, enjoy, and soak in the vibe.
• Mix it up. Combine a little history (mission + museum), a little indulgence (pastries + wine + cozy dinner), and a little outdoorsy adventure (falls, hiking, maybe explore the valley beyond).

Looking for more inspiration for a fun little getaway? Check out these other popular posts:

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