Location: Solvang
Top Things to do in Solvang
What to do and see in Solvang, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Solvang (/ˈsɒlvæŋ/; Danish: [ˈsoːlvɑŋˀ]; Danish for 'sunny field') is a city in Santa Barbara County, California. It is located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The population was 5,245 at the 2010 census, down from 5,332 at the 2000 census. Solvang was incorporated as a city on May 1, 1985.
Restaurants in Solvang
1. Solvang Festival Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By John F
If you live on the Central Coast or visiting anywhere between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo you must immediately stop working and buy tickets to this outdoor theater. As a long time resident in San Luis Obispo county we had never experienced this magical place with great acting, food, atmosphere, and entertainment. From the greeters, to the concessions, to the show, the entire experience was top notch. We saw Beauty and the Beast and it was simply spectacular. During the song "be our guest" Lumiere at one point was near our seats and turned and welcomed my daughter to the dinner and that was moment PCPA and the Solvang theater became a place we will continue to support by going to show after show for many years to come. In fact the actor in full character looked at her and said "why hello, when did you get here, welcome." The ability to reach out and engage the audience in this way without missing a beat was absolutely powerful for my daughter and family to experience. So with that said here is the breakdown of the venue;
-Bring warm cloths, hats, gloves and cushions to sit on. (they rent cushions for $2)
-Blankets are also a great idea. (they rent those as well)
-Seats are stadium style with backs and are surprisingly well suited for larger guests and children can see over people in front of them easily
-Gates open at 6:30pm (8pm show) so you can eat the concessions food or picnic in their nice lawn area or patio seating
-Solvang bakery does the food and desserts. Amazing. Appears to be wine available as well.
-Photos with Gaston with the kids after the show was just great
I'm in the hospitality business and have been for years. When you can get volunteers, actors/actresses, and basically everyone on the ground working in harmony you can create magic. That is what is happening in Solvang with this theater company. Kudos to management and directors for bringing in such amazing actors and actresses, staff, and volunteers to support your operation and be a part of this community.
If your reading this.......buy tickets......go have a picnic with your family......buy some hot cocoa and cookies at intermission.....and make local theater and the arts a part of how you live. I know we will for many years to come.
2. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Sunstone Vineyards, Winery and Villa is an organic vineyard retreat, located just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy Sunstone wines in our Provençal French courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves or picnic grounds, and enjoy our flight of 6 wines for $18 per person. We are open from 11am - 5pm daily, with last pour occurring at 4:30pm. Groups of 8 or more must make a private tasting reservation online, or call.
Reviewed By Nkechi N - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I visited Sunstone with a friend in December. For $50 per person we received an extensive tasting and a private tour of the wine-making plant. Our guide was Josue and he was extremely friendly, patient and knowledgeable about the history of the property and the...MoreHello! I am glad you enjoyed one of our Signature Experiences at the estate! More so, very happy you enjoyed your time with our staff. Thank you for visiting and we hope to welcome you back soon! Cheers, Bryan M.
3. Rusack Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
We are a boutique winery and vineyard, nestled among the oak-studded rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Our mission is to create world-class, handcrafted wines that reflect our commitment to excellence and our love for this region. That commitment begins in our Estate Vineyard, which we re-planted in 2003 in order to capture the true character of Ballard Canyon, and which we meticulously farm in small lots. It extends to the winemaking process, during which we go to every possible length to achieve the delicate balance of "elegance & power" (Robert Parker, August 2010) for which our wines have become known around the world. Finally, it extends to our label, a Catalina tile, a family legacy symbol of our belief in the beauty of what arises from blending craft, earth, art and family.
Reviewed By viaggiox - Sonoma, California
A visit to Rusack Vineyards will leave you with a Santa Ynez wine experience that you'll remember forever. It's great on so many fronts. The location is lovely and quintessential Santa Ynez valley wine country. Rolling hills, wind blown oaks and patches of dark green vineyards. A beautiful blend of wine and horse country. The drive along narrow country roads affords great views and the vineyard offers a a gorgeous picnic area under the oak trees. Your palate will be as pleased as your eyes, with great sauv blanc, chard and pinot. The whole vibe is relaxed and casual. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Some of the best wineries in the area are out in the country so don't expect to slam through the tasting. Take the time, you'll enjoy it.
4. Old Mission Santa Ines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 431 reviews
Reviewed By Jeanne B
This is a low key lovely visit to a place way out of the past.
The mission is well preserved, though under key, and a fine tribute to the past.
It is no overwhelming, but historical, and we are glad we enjoyed this historic site.
Gift shop is lovely, very reasonably priced and clerks helpful and welcoming.
I recommend going, especially since it is so close to town.
5. Hans Christian Andersen Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Maggers - Los Osos, California
The picnic area is the highlight of the park. Some walking trails take you through a gulley-like valley with an all-natural setting (business district on one side and suburban housing on the other, but raised above you so you can't see or hear much noise). Peaceful and conveniently located near the middle of Solvang. Picnic area has reservable tables, some covered, and a few reservable BBQ pits (Santa Maria style). Look out for wildlife if you are walking early or at dusk.
6. Elverhoj Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 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 Batmom7 - Spring Hill, Florida
Sometimes you find something interesting where you least expect it. I enjoyed visiting this museum so much more than I thought I would. There was so much to see and learn about the town. Every room offered something new and different. Then there was the building in the back with the storks on the roof and a replica of the town. The docents were so nice and made you feel welcome. Don't leave Solvang without a visit here.
7. Rideau Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Gene H - Los Osos, California
We were fortunate enough to have a tour with Reza. We learned the history, how this winery operates, walk through the vineyard, visit the fermenting area and have tapas and wine with extensive Q&A at the end. The grounds are so relaxing and the wines are exceptional and only available at the winery. This is a must stop for wineries in this area.
8. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
OPEN SAT/SUN 11-5 AND WEEKDAYS from 11:00 - 3:30 by calling ahead. The L.A. Times just voted the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum as one of the 5 Best Places to Visit in California for $10 or less http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-tip-sheet-things-under-10-htmlstory.html The Vintage Motorcycle Museum houses a private collection of more than 95 of the worlds' most rare classic and vintage racing motorcycles. 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 Hot-Tati - Arizona
I wanted to visit this place so badly. Was pleasantly surprised that it was right next door to our accommodations. I emailed Jill via the website and she responded with good dire tions and was able to accomodate our time.
We paid $10. Ea. And took a look at several very cool and crazy unique pieces. Some are one of amd some are one of 5. Great pieces that show how creative you can get with just two wheels.
She was super knowledgeable and friendly. We chatted about several bikes and she was a good resource.
9. Sunny Fields Park
10. Quicksilver Ranch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By John S - California
I've been to the Quicksilver Ranch a couple of times now and it's, overall, interesting to see the miniature horses. The kids, especially like it. It's seems to be a relatively "self-guided" place. In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone working there the last two times I've been there.
There are a few signs to be aware of. One is a "no dogs" sign and another is a "don't feed the horses your fingers" sign. Presumably, they bite. Most likely, you're not suppose to feed them at all. I will admit, however, a few times they've come to the fence and have allowed us to pet their heads and snouts. Usually they just graze quietly. This is a show in itself as you marvel at their small stature and attempt to pick a favorite.
This is usually a quick stop to make and will satisfy the curious. The good thing is, it's very close to downtown Solvang, as well as many other stops on Alamo Pintado Road including: a park, nut and berry farm, olive oil stand, apple farm, lavender farm, wineries, etc. Indeed, you can probably spend a whole afternoon off this one little stretch of country road.
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