Solvang, California, is known for its proud display of Danish cultural influences as well as for the hundreds of wineries that seem to be everywhere throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. The small town was established early in the 20th century by Danish teachers, and the Danish heritage is honored today, clearly evident in festivals, architecture and unique food. Seasonal celebrations are often free, and many museums, parks and wineries in Solvang or around the valley charge no admission. Solvang is about 125 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Stroll Through Town
- The architecture, landscape, interesting shops and friendliness of the people of this small town make for a pleasant stroll along the streets of Solvang. For a good overview, start your walk at the corner of Mission (Highway 246) and Alisal Road, head south on Alisal, turn west on Oak and north onto 5th, where you'll meet Mission again. Along the way look for the four windmills in the village, a tower and the half-timbered buildings and brick structures. If you decide to spend a little, stop in the downtown shops that sell both Danish and American goods, or visit a restaurant offering Danish specialties. Don't miss trying the ebelskivers at one of the bakeries in town; they're Danish-style filled pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Explore the Culture
- Explore the Danish heritage of Solvang with a visit to the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. Wander into the Book Loft, an independent bookstore downtown, and go to the third floor where you'll find the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Photos, memorabilia and stories describe the life of this famous author. At Old Mission Santa Ines in town there is an admission charge, but visitors can study the architecture of the mission, walk the surrounding grounds and attend the parish church for free. The site has life-sized stations of the cross, and the lush landscaping includes roses, cactus and mature palms with the valley, hills and mountain range in the distance.
Visit Surrounding Countryside
- Follow a babbling brook at Nojoqui Falls Park, up a short, gradual climb where you'll cross a bridge and come to a 100-foot waterfall that varies in flow -- from a trickle to a full waterfall -- depending on the season. It pools at the bottom at about 8 feet across in spring. Dogs are allowed on the path and in the park where you'll find ball fields, a playground, restrooms, barbecue grills and picnic tables. Follow Alisal Road south of town to the park. The country roads around Solvang are pleasant to drive and in spring you'll be treated to a native wildflower show. Try heading north out of Los Olivos -- a town about 5 miles north of Solvang on Highway 154 -- onto Figueroa Mountain Road. Fields of purple lupine and orange California poppies spread out across the valleys, surrounding massive, mature oak trees set against jutting red-rock formations.
Taste the Wine
- You don't have to pay a fee to visit the wine-tasting rooms or admire the art of wineries located near Solvang. Wander among ivy-covered bridges and rose-covered archways, enjoy the public lawns and gardens, then seek a picnic table where you can rest or have a bite to eat. At Buttonwood Farm Winery outside town, meandering gravel paths lead past lavender, a vegetable garden and a fruit orchard. Take time to appreciate the architecture of buildings that house tasting and production rooms. The Villa at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez adjacent to Solvang is worth a stop; the 8,500-square-foot Tuscan-inspired center is constructed of reclaimed limestone and artifacts from France. It's usually OK to take a quiet walk through winery vineyards as long as you don't disturb the vines.
