14 Fun Things To Do in Solvang

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Solvang is one of the quirkiest towns on the West Coast. Located in Santa Barbara County, this town is known as the “Danish capital of America.” It is entirely Danish-themed, from its architecture to its food to the year-round activities that it hosts. 

While it may be small, with a population of only about 6000, it draws in thousands of tourists each year, as there are no shortage of places to eat, great activities, and fun things to do in Solvang.

Solvang, California, fun things to do in Solvang

The wine industry also brings in a lot of visitors. If you’ve seen the movie Sideways, you know that Solvang appears prominently in the film as a central park of the wine industry in the area. There are quite a few winery tasting rooms in town, as well as the surrounding area.

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.

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Fun Things To Do In Solvang

Mission Santa Ines

Mission Santa Ines

Location: 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA

Mission Santa Ines is one of the 21 historic Catholic missions that span up and down the California coast. This particular mission has a history that stretches over two centuries. 

Overlooking the Santa Ynez River and the two nearest mountain ranges, the mission is one of Solvang’s most visited tourist attractions. Not only is it a sight for tourists to take in, but there is also a rich history behind it. 

Visit the mission’s museum or book a guided tour throughout its grounds to make the most of the experience and hone your knowledge of the area’s history. 

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Hans Christian Anderson Museum
Hans Christian Anderson Museum (Photo by GTC)

Location: 1680 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA

If you are looking for an authentic introduction to one of the most notable aspects of Danish culture, there is no better place to visit than the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. It is located on the second story of a bookshop in downtown Solvang and is dedicated to the famous Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen. 

Andersen is famous throughout the world for many forms of writing, but most notably, his fairytale works based on long-existing folklore. Some of his works include The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, The Princess, and the Pea, and many more beloved stories.

Wine Tasting in Town

Dascomb Cellars
Dascomb Cellars in Solvang (photo by GTC)

Solvang has a wide variety of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the fruits of Santa Barbara County’s many vineyards. The area’s climate is ideally suited for making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among other cool-weather varietals, and lovers of wine travel far and wide for a taste. 

Some local wineries that you’ll find inside the town of Solvang are Dascomb Cellars, Alma Rosa, and Crawford Family Wines, among many others. You can just walk around on the main street, Mission Drive, or Copenhagen Street, and you’ll fun into almost a dozen tasting rooms. Pop into any one that looks fun. Expect to pay around $25 for a tasting.

Wine tours are also available and are a great way to experience more wineries on each visit without worrying about transportation between them. 

» Tour to enjoy: Private Guided Pedicab Tour of Solvang with Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting Outside of Town

Brick Barn Wine Estate
Brick Barn Wine Estate (photo by GTC)

Surrounding Solvang are a number of great wineries you can visit that will take you outside the typical tasting room you’ll find in town and into the large estates, surrounding by vines, where you can enjoy the sun and have a relaxing tasting.

Two of the closest, and best, wineries to Solvang are Brick Barn Wine Estate (795 West Highway 246, Buellton, CA) and Folded Hills Winery (2323 Old Coast Hwy, Gaviota, CA 93117). Both of these are fantastic, with great wine, and lovely outdoor areas to enjoy. We loved Brick Barn’s wine so much that we joined their club and have thoroughly enjoyed their parties and events.

Authentic Danish Bakeries

Olsen's Bakery
Olsen’s Bakery
Danishes at Olsen's
Danishes at Olsen’s

The town’s assortment of authentic Danish bakeries is a huge draw for those looking to spend their time enjoying the sweeter side of Solvang. It’s a nearly impossible feat to wander the streets downtown without stopping to enjoy a mouthwatering danish or bearclaw. 

Because of just how amazing they are, the bakeries can see pretty long lines throughout the day. If you take your pastries seriously, it is recommended to visit them early in the morning for the best assortment and shortest wait times. 

Some of the most popular spots include Mortensen’s Bakery, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Solvang Bakery, and Danish Mill Bakery.

Solvang Farmers’ Market

Solvang Farmer's Market

If you find yourself in town on a Wednesday afternoon, the Solvang farmers’ market is an incredible way to get a taste of what the town offers while supporting local vendors and growers. You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, nuts, cheeses, breads, and much more. 

One fun way to incorporate the farmers’ market into your visit is by stocking up on everything you could need for a delicious picnic and setting up in the nearby Hans Christian Andersen Park to enjoy your goods. While you savor the local flavors, the children can play on playgrounds and participate in the park’s many activities. 

Solvang Festival Theater

Solvang Festival Theater
Solvang Festival Theater (photo by GTC)

Location: 420 2nd St, Solvang, CA

The Solvang Festival Theater has been on a mission to support performance art in California since 1974. The arena, seating 700 people, has seen hundreds of performances, including those from well-known performers such as Jim Messina, Crosby and Nash, Tommy Castro, and Bonnie Raitt.

Most plays now take place in the summer, but some events happen more regularly, such as Sunday Jazz in the Garden and Family Night at the Theater. A day at the theater is an excellent choice for those visiting with older relatives or those who may be less equipped to walk longer distances around the town. 

Danish Days

Danish Days festival
Photo via Flickr by Klaus Nahr

When: Late September

Danish Days is an annual  2-day festival held in September that celebrates Solvang’s Danish heritage. This year’s celebration was the 85th festival, marking a long-standing and well-loved tradition. 

Some of the celebration’s attractions include parades, folk dances, an Old World Artisans Marketplace, storytellers, a beer and wine garden, free concerts, and guided Solvang food and photo tours.

If there is any time of year to get the most immersive Solvang experience, Danish Days would be it. 

Solvang Brewing Co

Solvang Brewing Co
Solvang Brewing Co (photo by GTC)

Location: 1547 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA

For such a small town, Solvang has a really great craft brewery you can visit. Solvang Brewing Company is located in a completely restored windmill that’s very in keeping with the town theme. It’s located right within walking distance of all the other tasting rooms, so you can hop on over and try some beer.

The brewery does have food, so you can don’t have to worry about drinking on an empty stomach. You don’t want to miss the Tri Tip Sandwich or Sausage Sampler. Our favorite beers are the Solvang Pils and Brown Ale.

Nojoqui Falls Hike

Nojoqui Falls
Nojoqui Falls (photo by GTC)

Although not technically in Solvang, the Nojoqui Falls is another attraction many who visit the area choose to spend a day exploring. The hike and waterfall are just a short drive down Highway 101. 

A short 0.65-mile out and back hike makes the falls accessible to most, and the beautiful shady greenery and picnic table make it a fantastic spot for a picnic. You may even consider picking up some extra Danish pastries to bring along. 

The trail takes hikers to a viewing platform that looks out over the mossy and green 80-foot waterfall. If you’d like to see the falls in their heaviest flow, it is recommended to visit in the rainy Winter months. 

River Course on the Alisal

River Course on the Alisal
River Course on the Alisal (photo by GTC)

Location: 150 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA

For those looking for a day or a few enjoying nature out on the greens, Solvang is home to a stunning golf course. The River Course on the Alisal is a four-star championship golf course that offers four scenic lakes and views of the local mountain ranges. 

The course is relatively challenging, making it perfect for experienced golfers looking to try their hand. After a day in the sun, golfers can wind down and fill up at the River Grill, which offers California cuisine in the style of “Western ranch cooking.” 

While the small town of Solvang may appear sleepy from the outside, it is a bustling community, constantly offering fun events and attractions for visitors of all ages. 

Solvang Trolley and Horse Drawn Carriage

Horse Carriage Rides
Horse Carriage Rides (photo by GTC)

Location: 1618 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA

In true Danish fashion, you cantake a ride around town in this “carriage” known as a Honen, which is a Danish form of transportation that’s actually a horse-drawn streetcar. The trolley ride is a narrated tour through a few of the bigger streets in Solvang, going past shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants. It’s not a long ride, but it’s a fun and unique way to see the town.

The Vintage Motorcycle Museum

Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Vintage Motorcycle Museum (photo by GTC)

Location: 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, or even just enjoy looking at vintage bikes, you should stop by this museum. It’s a one-room showroom that features the extensive personal collection of Virgil Elings. We popped in recently and spoke to Virgil about some of the rare bikes on display, which include some of the most iconic models from brands such as Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, and many others.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of rare motorcycles, which includes some of the most sought-after models in the world. These include the 1914 Indian Model F, the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, and the 1950 Vincent Black Shadow, among others.

However, they change out their exhibited bikes on a monthly basis so they are always featuring new vehicles. The cost to tour the museum is $10.

Try Some Aebleskivers (Pancake balls)

Aebleskivers
Aebleskivers (photo by GTC)

Location: Solvang Restaurant, 1672 Copenhagen Dr #2759, Solvang, CA 93463

You can find these fluffy pancake balls – made fresh to order – at a number of different restaurants in Solvang, but you’ll find the biggest line for them at Solvang Restaurant. For me that means it’s the place to try them. On a weekday morning, we only stood in line for a few minutes, but on a busy afternoon you might be in line for 15 minutes.

Æbleskiver (pronounced “able-skeevers”) are a traditional Danish pastry that is similar to a pancake, but with a unique shape and texture. They are typically round, ball-shaped pastries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

They are traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of jam or preserves. They can also be served with a variety of other toppings, such as whipped cream, honey, or chocolate sauce.

How to Get to Solvang

If you’re planning a trip to Solvang, there are a few different transportation options available to you.

By Car: One of the easiest ways to get to Solvang is by car. The town is located just off of Highway 101, about 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. From Los Angeles, the drive takes about 2 hours, while from San Francisco, it takes about 4 hours.

By Plane: If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, which is about 35 miles southeast of Solvang. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle to Solvang.

By Train: Another option is to take the train to Solvang. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner runs daily between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with stops in nearby Goleta and Santa Barbara. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Solvang.

No matter how you choose to get to Solvang, once you’re there, you’ll be able to easily explore the town’s many wineries and vineyards.

Best Time to Visit Solvang for Wine Tasting

Overall, the best time to visit Solvang for wine tasting depends on your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for smaller crowds, cooler weather, or vibrant vineyards, there’s a season that will suit your needs.

If you prefer warmer weather, then the best time to visit Solvang is during the summer months from June to August. Just be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

The fall season is also an excellent time to visit Solvang for wine tasting, as the weather is mild, and the vineyards are at their most colorful.

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is the day of the week. Weekends tend to be busier, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the week.

Conclusion

It’s easy to spend a full day exploring this cute town and getting into all the quirky fun things to do, from wine tasting to shopping, and playing golf. It’s definitely worth it for a day trip or if you’re looking for a side trip from Santa Barbara.

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Down town Solvang
14 Fun Things To Do in Solvang

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