10 Best Things To Do In The Danish Village Of Solvang, California

1. Old Mission Santa Ines

This mission is one of Solvang’s top attractions since it is so beautifully restored. It is a Catholic Mission that is one of the 21 missions in California. Each and every mission has its own charm. This one is quite nice and it is great to see a part of history. In most California schools, 4th graders are given an assignment to make a replica of a mission in California. My son did not get this mission, but thanks to his project, we got to visit many missions. It is something we love to do as a family.

Old Mission Santa Ines

Address: 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, California

Website: Old Mission Santa Ines

2. Ostrich Land USA

This place is fun for everyone. It a family friendly place where you can see emus and ostriches up close. The most exciting part of this stop is that you can feed the emus and ostriches. Lots of people love that part the best. American actor Billy Bob Thornton stopped in for a visit here. Now it is your turn! They are open 9am-6pm daily.

Ostrich Land USA

Address: 610 E Highway 246, Solvang, California

Website: Ostrich Land USA

3. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

This is an exciting museum that is owned by Virgil Elings, and took twenty years to complete. All the motorcycles in the museum are from his private collection of rare and vintage motorcycles and European race bikes. Something interesting to see for sure. The museum is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. If you call the museum during the week, they will be more than happy to open it for you to explore.

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

Address: 320 Alisal Rd Ste 4F, Solvang, California

Website: Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

4. Hans Christian Anderson Park

All kids, especially girls, will love this park. The entrance to the park has a fairytale castle gate as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish writer of fairytales such at The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. I remember reading those books growing up, so I was amazed by this park that pays tribute to the author of the fairytales. I also saw lots of families holding picnics here. It is a great park to do so in since there are huge live oak trees here, picnic areas, a skate park and a huge playground. It is great for people of all ages.

Hans Christian Anderson Park

Address: 633 Chalk Hill Road, Solvang, California 93463

Website: Hans Christian Anderson Park

5. Solvang Trolley & Carriage

This is a ride through the cute Danish town of Solvang in a trolley, pulled by two teams of healthy Belgian horses named Rita, Claire, Stella, and Coco. This was one of my favorite things to do since you get a tour of the town and its history. You will see these trolleys pass by as you walk around town. It is a tour worth taking to see the sights and explore Solvang. They are only open Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm and Monday 12pm-5:30pm, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Solvang Trolley & Carriage

Address: 1618 Copenhagen Dr Ste 3, Solvang, California

Website: Solvang Trolley & Carriage

6. Solvang Antiques

This antique store, located in the heart of downtown Solvang, is known as Santa Ynez Valley’s largest and most prestigious art shop. It features a variety of hand-curated antiques and vintage, decorative and specialty items as well as the Solvang Antiques Fine Art Gallery, which is located inside this shop. Congratulations to this shop, which just celebrated 40 years in business!!! This is a true gem in Solvang that deserves to be acknowledged and visited.

Solvang Antiques

Address: 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California

Website: Solvang Antiques

7. Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch

I took one look at the miniature horses here and was awed. They are just so cute. It is adorable to see the small horses enjoying the outdoors and life. Wouldn’t it be nice to be admired while living a worry free life? As for the ranch, it is basically a breeding facility for miniature horses. They are open to the public for free Monday to Saturday, 10am-3pm. The ranch is closed to the public on Sundays. You can go up close to the horses here and even take some home, for a fee, of course. The horses are well cared for and that is why people enjoy stopping and visiting the ranch and the horses. I am sure you will fall in love with the horses, as everyone does.

Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch

Address: 1555 Alamo Pintado Rd 918 D Ave, Solvang, California

8. Solvang Festival Theater

Catch a play or event at Solvang Festival Theater - a 700-seat outdoor amphitheater! This unique theater has been providing dazzling performances, concerts and theaters to the community since opening in 1974. Visit their website to check what’s on and book tickets.

Solvang Festival Theater

Address: 420 2nd Street, Solvang

Website: Solvang Festival Theater

9. Rusack Vineyards

If you’re looking for things to do in the Solvang area - add this spot to your list. End the day with a glass (or two) of local wine at Rusack Vineyards. Located in the gorgeous hills of Ballard Canyon, the boutique vineyard offers wine tastings for visitors. For those less inclined to try wine (or if you’re driving), you can also have a picnic on the scenic vineyard, making it a perfect place for a pitstop.

Rusack Vineyards

Address: 1819 Ballard Canyon Road, Solvang, California 93463

Website: Rusack Vineyards

10. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

Once home to one of Solvang’s most artistic families, the museum is dedicated to curating and preserving Solvang’s history. If you’re pressed for time, you can simply stop by to admire the building, which incorporates Scandinavian architecture. Pay particular attention to the front door, which has remarkable ironwork and wood carvings.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

Address: 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, CA 93463

Website: Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

One of my favorite towns: Solvang

The first time I visited Solvang I fell in love with the cute Danish town. I love being here, sightseeing and eating Danish pasteries. It is a town like no other. You really feel like you are in a different country when you are here. Bring your family or any guests for a weekend visit and show them all the interesting things to do in town. They’ll enjoy it as much as we do and I am sure you will too.