Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
Top 6 Specialty Museums in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, Mendenhall's Museum, Elverhoj Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House, Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
100% cotton fabric and flannel. All displayed within an environment of fun and funky displays, reusing anything we can find in a way that just ain't natural people. You really need to see it to believe it. We invite and hope you'll come to see us! You don't have to sew or quilt. You don't even have to buy anything (but we hope you will). We appreciate ALL VISITORS! Hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By nadinemU3699ZW
I am a daily sewer and sell my artistic design weekly. When ever I need a special theme or color the Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop always surprises me with the current selection of fabrics and always inspires me. Pleased to have them in my area! Fabric shops are fading away and I want to always support the small shops that are independent and relay upon us to keep on being in business. This shop is fun and owners are kind and happy to assist your fabric needs.
2. Mendenhall's Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Jim_Abney - Los Angeles, United States
It is no surprise to me that this place has such a high rating. It is only open for tours by reservation, so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, give them a call a set up a time to tour this fabulous collection. There is so much to see, it boggles the mind and brings back great memories of your childhood. There were 6 of us that signed up and the tour was private. The guide was the daughter-in-law of Jack Mendenhall, who amassed the collection and she gave us a wonderful tour. She never rushed us and gave us all the time we needed to fully appreciate the collection, while supplying great anecdotes and interesting information. The cost is $15.00 per person and worth every penny. My only regret was that they were out of my size in a souvenir T-Shirt that I had my eye on.
3. Elverhoj Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Housed in the former home of a Solvang family, this musuem is devoted solely to Danish culture and the Danish-American experience.
Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States
This charming small museum is located in what was the home of a local artist. The artist built the house 1949-53 and lived there for several decades until his death. The house was built in Danish style and has many interesting details, such as the hand painted cabinets in the former kitchen. The museum features the history of Solvang, which was founded in 1911. A real highlight is a very large scale model of the Solvang village as it was shortly after founding, circa 1914. Another highlight is video reminisces of local people telling stories about Solvang. The backyard and exterior is also very pretty. The museum asks for a donation of $5 for the visit.
4. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is home to the an impressive collection of Horse drawn conveyances and Western Saddles as well additional rooms of exhibits depicting western life, art and fashion. The Valley Room houses the history of the Santa Ynez Valley with artifacts of the pioneer life as well as a working scale model of the train which ran through the Santa Ynez Valley. The Jeanette Lyons Room has a new exhibit opening March 19, 2017 called "If the Shoe Fits.... displaying footwear over the ages, from whimsical to functional.
5. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
OPEN SAT/SUN 10-4 AND WEEKDAYS from 11:00 - 3:00 by calling ahead and making an appointment. If there's no answer on the main line during normal business hours, chances are I am already in the Museum and you should call the cell phone number as directed on the message machine. The L.A. Times voted the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum as one of the 5 Best Places to Visit in California for $10 or less. A private collection of more than 95 of the most extraordinary historical vintage and classic Factory Racers and road motorcycles from all over the world. There are several one-of-a-kind motorcycles that you may never have seen and some that you may never see again anywhere else.
Reviewed By Musclebearnz
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. I had read about this extensive collection of American, Japanese and European motorcycles in the quaint Danish town of Solvang 130 miles north of LA, so I made the trip from LA especially to visit this collection. As a proud Kiwi, my main reason to visit was to see the amazing Britten, designed by my fellow countryman John Britten. This Britten was something special. It was the last one of ten that were ever made and also this one had never been raced. It was an honour to see this motorcycle and was quite an emotional experience. Along with the Britten there was a wide selection of vintage models and for me it was good to see a big collection of classic Japanese bikes. There is even what is believed to be the last Norton ever produced, a brand new Norton Rotary. Words can’t explain, how extensive and special this collection of motorcycles is. You could easily spend hours looking at the bikes and what makes it special is the brief story associated with each bike that details some history and interesting facts about each model. One of the Museums best assets is Jill, who is so welcoming and kind. Jill has an interesting story and offers some history about every bike in the museum. I am a bike nut, but even if you weren’t you would find this museum so interesting. There is a $10 entrance fee which is nothing compared to the amount of enjoyment it brings and the privilege it was to visit. I will be coming back and will make sure I tell my friends that a visit here is compulsory if you are ever in the area. Best regards from New Zealand !
6. Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States
This location is a book store and includes a free Hans Christian Andersen museum upstairs. The book store is good, and the museum includes pictures of Hans Christian Andersen, a model of his boyhood home, and a lot of old books. It is well worth a half hour visit after shopping in the book store.
