Solvang, California travel guide
Solvang is a little Denmark in the heart of California.
Solvang is a unique Danish-style village located in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. It was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish immigrants who sought to settle in a place where they could preserve their culture. The Santa Ynez Valley was chosen for its climate and geography, which reminded them of Denmark.
The town was designed to resemble a traditional Danish village, complete with Danish-style architecture, windmills, and other features. The buildings are brightly painted and many have thatched roofs, half-timbered walls, and decorative flourishes such as shutters and balconies.
In addition to its distinctive architecture, Solvang is known for its Danish bakeries, restaurants, and shops that offer traditional Danish pastries, crafts, and souvenirs. The town has a strong sense of community and takes pride in its Danish heritage, which is celebrated through festivals and events throughout the year.
Overall, Solvang’s unique blend of Danish culture, architecture, and cuisine, combined with its scenic location in the Santa Ynez Valley, make it a one-of-a-kind destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Tourists who visit Solvang, California often feel a sense of enchantment and wonder as they explore the charming Danish-style village.
People often feel a sense of excitement and adventure as they try new foods and explore the town’s shops and boutiques.
Solvang has a rich Danish heritage, authentic architecture and traditional windmills.
“Danish capital of America” is one of my favorite cities in CA, if not the most favorite.
You can visit the city for a single day or stay for a weekend.
Though, I’ve been to Solvang twice, both times were during the Covid 19 pandemic , so there weren’t that much activities that you can find in a normal conditions.
So we couldn’t visit the must see places in the city. For example, The Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, Solvang Amber Museum or just taking a town tour by horse drawn carriage.
Solvang is 2.5 hours south of Los Angeles and 4.5 hours north of San Francisco.
Usually people traveling to this city combine the trip with Santa Barbara.
This small city has more than 35 restaurants and 18 hotels.
Wineries are also well-known here. If you enjoy wine, Santa Barbara County is the place to visit. Despite the fact that Santa Barbara County has around 300 wineries, this Danish city made it easy for us to limit ourselves to only 20.
A number of Danish icons can be seen while wandering down Mission Drive, the town’s main boulevard. For example, Little Mermaid Fountain, Five Windmills, the Giant Red Clog & Round Tower.
From cobblers selling colorful boots to handmade Christmas castles, the village of Solvang seemed to have everything you could possibly need.
Buildings have Danish architecture, eateries provide Danish food, businesses sell Danish style items, a few huge sandals can be spotted in town, fake birds hang out around chimney, and there are, of course, multiple windmills all across the area, making it the Danish Capital of California.
As soon as you arrive at Solvang, you will be transported to another world.
From the Los Angeles region, this city is a great day excursion. Solvang is one of our favorite Southern California spots, with so much to see and so many places to try.
Solvang is loved by shopping lovers too, because there are about 150 boutique shops waiting for you.
Here are some things you can do in Solvang:
- Check out the unique Danish-style buildings: Solvang has a special look, with buildings, windmills, and other sights that you can explore at your leisure.
- Visit the Old Mission Santa Inés: Founded in 1804, this mission is still an active church. You can learn about its history and see the museum and gardens.
- Shop for cool souvenirs and gifts: Solvang has some really neat shops and boutiques, where you can find handmade crafts, souvenirs, and Danish pastries.
- Try Danish pastries and food: Solvang is known for its Danish-style bakeries and restaurants. You won’t want to miss traditional Danish pastries like kringle, which is a sweet pastry filled with almond paste, or aebleskiver, a type of pancake ball.
- Visit nearby wineries: There are many wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, and you can explore them on a wine-tasting tour.
- Bike around the pretty countryside: Rent a bike and enjoy the scenic countryside around Solvang. You’ll find lots of bike paths and trails, including the Solvang Century, which is a popular cycling event.
- Enjoy outdoor activities: The area around Solvang is great for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. You can also fish, boat, and camp at nearby Lake Cachuma.
- Go to festivals and events: Solvang hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as the Danish Days Festival, Solvang Julefest (Christmas festival), and Taste of Solvang food and wine festival.
Where to eat in Solvang
Here are the most popular and loved eateries of the town.
- Cafe Dolce: 475 First St, Solvang, CA
- Belgian Cafe: 1671 Copenhagen Dr.
- Birkholm’s Bakery&Cafe: 460 Alisal Road
- Bit O’ Denmark: 473 Alisal Road
- Copenhagen Sausage Garden: 1660 Copenhagen Dr