The Dutch town of Solvang, California, United States, is located 35 miles (56 km) from the South facing beaches of Santa Barbara. It is one of my favorite places to visit since it is so cute and is so much fun. What to do in Solvang, you ask? Learn about all the fun activities you can add to your itinerary with this article. When you enter the town you will see all kinds of shops and windmills, which I love. There are a number of Danish bakeries as well, offering delicious cream puffs and other Danish desserts for foodie travelers. In addition to cheap hotels and Danish-styled hotels, there are also some amazing Airbnb vacation rentals and Vrbo vacation rentals in Solvang for when you decide to visit. It is a town like no other and one that is certainly worth checking out. Here are some of the best things to do in Solvang, California!
1. Rusack Vineyards (from USD 160.0)
If you’re looking for things to do in the Solvang area - add this boutique winery to your list. End the day with a glass (or two) of delicious wine at Rusack Vineyards. Located in the gorgeous hills of Ballard Canyon, this popular vineyard offers wine tours and wine tastings for visitors. For those less inclined to try a glass of wine (or if you’re driving), you can also have a picnic in the scenic vineyard with beautiful surroundings, making it a perfect place for a pitstop.
Rusack Vineyards
Address: 1819 Ballard Canyon Road, Solvang, California 93463
Website: Rusack Vineyards
Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour
Duration 5 hours
2. 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
3. Solvang Antiques
This antique shop, 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!!! Solvang Antiques is a true gem in the town that deserves to be acknowledged and visited.
Solvang Antiques
Address: 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California
Website: Solvang Antiques
Santa Barbara, Solvang, Hearst Castle Tour from Los Angeles
Duration 11 to 13 hours
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4. Wildling Museum
Develop a different perspective of nature when you visit this museum in Solvang. Through the exhibits, you will understand the value of conserving our natural heritage, which is the initial mission of Wildling Museum. Gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife through participating in the creative workshops that are offered here. See the beauty of different characters of nature by observing the sculptures and paintings made by extremely talented artists. Enjoy the educational wholesome fun you will be having here at Wildling Museum.
Wildling Museum
Address: 1511-B Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Website: Wildling Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 5 USD
5. Lincourt Vineyards
Visit Lincourt Vineyards to try different types of refreshing wines. The shop itself maintains a simple interior, but the view outside will definitely take your breath away. Have a comfortable seat on the patio and witness the beauty of the vast vineyard where the fruits are harvested. You can then decide if you want a taste of several flavors or you can pick your favorite one and enjoy a bottle of the fruity wine you chose. A plate of cheese and charcuterie plate can also be served upon request.
Lincourt Vineyards
Address: 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Website: Lincourt Vineyards
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
6. Bethania Lutheran Church
Visit the historic Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang and witness its beautiful Danish architecture. Take a look around this active church and see the wood carvings designed to promote the fascinating culture of Denmark. You can also find stained glass windows inside that are worth taking a look at. The center of the church features a hanging wooden boat display, which you will definitely find captivating. Come see its unique beauty with your family.
Bethania Lutheran Church
Address: 603 Atterdag Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Website: Bethania Lutheran Church
7. Solvang Restaurant
Located in the downtown area of Solvang, this Danish restaurant is known for its aebleskiver (Danish dessert). Solvang Restaurant features plenty of breakfast items such as waffles and omelets. There are even vegetarian options, so foodie travelers who do not eat meat need not worry. Other products such as different kinds of jam, aebleskiver equipment, and cookbooks, and even the restaurant’s own famous aebleskiver mix are all available for sale. It opens at 7 am every day, so scan through their enticing menu of Danish food and have a lovely meal.
Solvang Restaurant
Address: 1672 Copenhagen Dr #2759, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Website: Solvang Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 5pm
8. Root 246
Experience delicious meals made with only the freshest ingredients at Root 246. Everything this restaurant serves is organic and healthy, so you definitely won’t have to worry about where your food comes from. Pair your delectable steak dinner with a glass of their refreshing red wine of the month. You can also try their signature cocktails for a more interesting evening. A great dining experience is surely the best way to end a long day.
Root 246
Address: 420 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Website: Root 246
9. Old Mission Santa Ines
This mission is one of the top Solvang tourist 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
10. 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
11. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum 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
12. 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 author of fairytales such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. I remember reading the books of that famous author 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
13. Solvang Trolley & Carriage
This is a ride through the cute Dutch town in California. Cruise by in a Solvang 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 charming town and its rich 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
14. 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. While horseback rides are not allowed, you can still get close and personal 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
15. 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
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, joining wine tours, and eating Danish pastries. It is a town like no other. With all the unique Solvang activities you really feel like you are in a different country when you are here. Bring your family or any guests for a day trip or weekend visit and show them all the interesting things to do in town. Be sure to check out the incredible wineries and gift shops! They’ll enjoy it as much as we do and I am sure you will too.