California’s Central Coast (aka California’s Elbow)

Written By swweirback .

Solvang, CA and surrounding areas.

Solvang is a charming Danish-style village in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. It’s compact, walkable, and built for short stays or as a base for exploring wineries, coastal towns, and nearby outdoor recreation. Here’s a practical guide to make the most of a visit.

Top things to do in Solvang

  • Stroll downtown: Walk the historic downtown streets to see windmills, half-timbered buildings, wooden storefronts, and Danish-style shops. Copenhagen- and Nordic-themed bakeries and boutiques line the main avenues. Mortensen’s Bakery is a favorite stop for me to get some Danish Waffles. The old bookstore and the Hans Christian Anderson Museum are hot stops.

  • Try Danish pastries: Sample aebleskiver (round pancake balls), kringle, butter cookies, and Danish pastry at local bakeries. Many bakeries offer coffee and takeaway breakfast perfect for exploring. Most locations don’t open until 7am. Hit up Paula’s Pancake House if you are craving extra-large hot cakes.

  • Visit Old Mission Santa Inés: Founded in 1804, the mission includes a church, museum exhibits, gardens, and cemetery. It’s one of the quieter, historically significant missions in California.

  • Tour the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art: Learn about Solvang’s Danish immigrant history, early town life, and local crafts. Rotating exhibits highlight region culture and art.

  • Climb the Solvang Windmill Tower: Great for photos and a quick vantage point of the village. Several decorative windmills are spread around downtown for iconic shots.

  • Bike the valley: Rent a bike and take quiet country roads through vineyards and ranchland. The flat valley offers easy cycling for most riders.

  • Attend seasonal events: Check for the Danish Days festival, Christmas celebrations with julefest decorations, and summer concerts. These are lively times to experience local culture.

  • Dine on local and Nordic-inspired fare: Restaurants range from casual Danish cafés to farm-to-table American bistros. Try open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) or seafood at places emphasizing local produce.

Wineries and tasting rooms

  • Taste local wines: Solvang sits in the Santa Ynez Valley wine region. Many wineries are within a short drive; downtown also hosts tasting rooms representing nearby estates.

  • Take a wine tour: Book a guided tasting shuttle or driver service to visit multiple wineries safely. Options include boutique family-run vineyards and larger producers.

  • Picnic at a vineyard: Several wineries offer scenic lawns or patios; bring or buy cheese and local bread for a relaxed afternoon.

Day trips and nearby places (within about 30–60 minutes)

  • Santa Ynez (10–15 minutes): A classic Western town with a courthouse square, small breweries, and equestrian culture. Great for antique shops, rodeo events, and horseback riding. Also stop in at Jim’s Service Station for some fuel (my Brother-in-Law and Father-In -Law’s station).

  • Los Olivos (10–15 minutes): Upscale tasting rooms, art galleries, and sidewalk cafes. Walkable and perfect for a leisurely wine-focused morning or afternoon.

  • Buellton (10 minutes): Practical stop for groceries, larger restaurants, and easy freeway access. It’s also home to the Solvang Festival Theater and several breweries. Also, between Buellton and Solvang is the ostrich farm where you can be up close and personal with the flightless birds.

  • Jalama Beach (45-60 minutes): Home of the world-famous Jalama Burger! Also a hot spot for RV parking and surfing. Nice beach for seashell hunters.

  • Santa Barbara (45–60 minutes): Coastal city with beaches, a historic mission, State Street shopping, dining, and a lively waterfront. Stop at Butterfly Beach or Stearns Wharf.

  • Pismo Beach and the Central Coast (about 90 minutes): If you’re driving farther, the beach towns offer pier access, sand dunes, and classic coastal activities. Pismo is also home to Old West Cinnamon Rolls. A must if you’re driving through.

Outdoor recreation

  • Hiking and nature: Explore nearby trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains and Los Padres National Forest for moderate hikes, views of the valley, and wildflower season in spring. Nojoqui Falls is a short hike, great for little ones and an easy 15-minute drive South of Solvang. If you can say it, you should hike to it. (No-ho-ee)

  • Horseback riding: Several local ranches and stables offer guided trail rides through vineyards and open fields—an iconic way to experience the valley.

  • Kayaking and beaches: Drive to the coast for kayaking, surfing, or beach walks if you want water-based activities. Lompoc, where Jaime and I met, has a couple beaches that also provide great vantage points for any SpaceX or Vandenberg SFB launches.

Practical info and tips

  • Best times to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. Summer can be busy and hotter; winter brings holiday events and fewer tourists.

  • Parking and walking: Downtown Solvang is small and walkable; free street parking is often available but can fill on weekends and during festivals. Arrive early for easier parking.

  • Getting around: A car is useful for visiting surrounding wineries, beaches, and towns. Local shuttles and wine tour services are good alternatives for tasting days.

  • Accommodation: Options include quaint inns, Danish-style hotels, and nearby countryside B&Bs. Book early during festivals and holiday weekends.

  • Dog-friendly: Many outdoor patios, parks, and some shops are dog-friendly, but check policies in advance.

If you get the chance to go, stop in and say hello to the locals. There is a surprising number of generational families that call the Solvang and its surrounding cities home.

swweirback .