Southern California Ultimate Day Trip.
Scenic Drive,Sightseeing, and Wine Country.
Santa Barbara is a city on the central California coast, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as dramatic backdrop. Downtown, Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage.
The Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) is a wine region in Santa Barbara County, California known for its diverse climate, microclimates, soils, and elevations. The SYV is the largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California and has more wineries than any other county in Santa Barbara. The region’s climate allows for a longer growing season and a wide variety of grape varietals to thrive, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux.
Solvang has four wooden windmills within four blocks and five authentic Danish bakeries within five blocks. A 1/3 replica of Copenhagen’s famous Rundetårn (Round Tower) can be seen at 436 Alisal Road in Solvang. In 1974, dedicated community members built the 700-seat outdoor Solvang Festival Theater in 58 days.
Explore and Experience the Ultimate Day Trip.
Downtown Santa Barbara.
Lively Santa Barbara Downtown includes Paseo Nuevo, a shopping center with tiled courtyards, fountains, and chain retailers. Hip cafes, al fresco eateries, and airy wine bars line tree-shaded streets, while small vendors sell noodles, pizza, and gelato at Santa Barbara Public Market. The Mission-style Arlington Theatre offers live music, while the ornate 1924 Granada Theatre is home to Broadway musicals.
Santa Inez Valley.
The Santa Ynez Valley is Santa Barbara County wine country. Altogether, with 150+ wineries, 250+ boutique shops and 60+ restaurants including Italian, Asian, Fushion, Mexican, Mediteranean and California cuisine makes for a perfect Santa Ynez Valley getaway day trip.
Wine Country.
Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) is a wine region in Santa Barbara County, California that’s considered one of the top wine regions in the United States. It’s the largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, with over 76,000 acres of land and more than 150 wineries. The region’s diverse climate, soils, and elevations create a variety of microclimates that allow for a longer growing season and a wide range of grape varietals to thrive. For example, the cool air and fog near the Pacific is ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, while the hot and sunny climate inland at Happy Canyon is better for Bordeaux
Solvang Danish Village right here in California.
The Danish Capital of America since 1804.
1911 – Solvang was founded by three Danish immigrants who purchased nearly 10,000 acres of prime land in the Santa Ynez Valley. 1912 – Construction of irrigation systems and farms began, crops planted. Solvang has been described as “The Danish Capital of America“. Solvang’s origins date back to 1804, when Mission Santa Inés was founded by the Spanish under Esteban Tápis.
What to do in Solvang?
Learn about Danish culture and history at these museums:
- Elverhøj Museum of History & Art: A museum that focuses on Solvang’s history, Danish culture, and the Danish-American immigrant experience, as well as promoting fine art and artists
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum: Located in The Book Loft Building, this museum is run by the Ugly Duckling Foundation, a non-profit that aims to increase public understanding of Hans Christian Andersen and his work
- Wildling Museum: An art and nature museum with a library, classroom, and unique store
What to do in Santa Barbara?
Walk or Bike Around Downtown.
- Peruse the many shops.
- Get treats and drinks at CAJE Coffee Roasters.
- Play chess on a giant chessboard in Paseo Nuevo.
- Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
- Explore the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
- Tour Casa De La Guerra.
- Check out El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.
Plan Your Next Day Trip to Santa Barbara.
From the basketry and boat-building techniques of the Chumash Indians, to the Spanish Colonial influence that can be seen around every corner, and the first days of filmmaking, Santa Barbara’s history is vast and truly unique. With its dramatic coastline and rugged mountain backdrop, Santa Barbara is renowned for its unparalleled landscapes The city boasts scenic beaches such as East Beach and Arroyo Burro, lined with palm trees and lapped by the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Find things to do in Santa Barbara, including wine tasting, shopping, golfing, surfing, museums, dining and more.
The Many Wonders of Santa Barbara Scenic Day Trip, Wine Country and Solvang.
Wine Tasting.
Museums.
Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Santa Inez Downtown.
Wine Country Gastronomy at It´s Best.
Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, or Tapas with the Best View in Town, and Paired with Wine, or Beer.
Family Approved: Activities for All.
From Wine Tours, to Self-guided Yoga at the Beach.
Solvang, California has many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and touring:
Relax, Rejuvenate and Play in Blissful Paradise
- Nojoqui Falls Park: A peaceful park with waterfalls and greenery that’s great for nature lovers
- Sunny Fields Park: A recreation area with a unique wooden playground that’s fun for kids
- Solvang Trolley: A historic wooden streetcar pulled by draft horses that offers a tour of the town
- Wheel Fun Rentals: Four-wheeled surrey bikes that can be used to explore Solvang
- EVXP, My Electric Vehicle Experience: An eco-friendly way to tour Solvang
- ATV or jeep tours: Scenic hillside tours in an ATV or jeep
- Horseback riding: Horseback riding in the area
- Lake Cachuma: Renting a boat on Lake Cachuma
