Updated: September 29, 2023 | Has affiliate links

8 Best Things to Do in Solvang California (with Map)

Admiring Danish architecture is one of the best things to do in Solvang

Solvang is a quiet little town, with an European reputation even though it is located in the heart of California. There are many small towns scattered all over California, but Solvang is much different than all other small towns. Danish and Dutch early settlers in California were determined to maintain their heritage in everything they did and most of all in everything they built. From shops and restaurants to office building have all been built in Danish style. Come along with me and explore the best things to do in Solvang, California.

Solvang is a small touristy village located in Santa Barbara County, about one hour drive North from the city of Santa Barbara. Solvang's main attraction is the town's European heritage and architecture as it gives you a taste of Europe in the heart of California. Also known as the “Danish Capital of America”, Solvang will give you a different feeling as you wander the small streets and alleys between small shops and ice cream parlors. Put on some comfortable shoes and let me show you the best things to do in Solvang California.

What to Expect when Visiting Solvang

Taking a town tour by horse drawn carriage is one of the best things to do in Solvang
Taking a town tour by horse drawn carriage is one of the fun things to do in Solvang
See my photos of Solvang

Surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of Santa Inez Valley, Solvang is a gem for the tourist and the Los Angeles weekend traveler. Solvang has also become one of my favorite day trips from Santa Barbara. You can easily walk through Solvang within two to three hours, depending how much time you spend visiting the many souvenir and antique shops.

Tourism is the town’s largest revenue source, and the whole town is geared towards the weekend tourist. This becomes very obvious if you visit during the weekend. On Saturdays especially, this small village is filled with people walking the small streets and browsing the many shops. It is a relaxing place to go visit especially on a sunny day which abound in California.

It is best to allocate at least 5 or 6 hours for visiting, in order for you to enjoy this beautiful village as there are many things to do in Solvang, especially for the first time visitor.

My Favorite Things to Do in Solvang

What is there to do in Solvang for a day trip? Well, there is plenty to do, and based on my experience, here is my list of favorite things to do in Solvang:

  • Simply walk around. There are only a few main streets with lots of small shops. There are souvenir shops, candle shops, bakeries and lots of restaurants.
  • Visit during special events. Several weekends out of the year, Solvang is host to classic car shows as well as the famous Solvang Christmas Parade.
  • Try some Danish food. There are a few small restaurants with delicious food with European influence.
  • Checkout the small local museums. There are a couple of local museums that will give you a glimpse into Solvang's European roots.
  • Visit the old Santa Ines Mission. Located right next to the main tourist parts of Solvang, Santa Ines Mission takes you back in time.

Walking tour map of Solvang.
Walking tour map of Solvang. Green: walk, Red: see
See my photos of Solvang

With our Solvang walking map in hand, let's put on some comfortable shoes on, and come along with me as we explore the best things to do in Solvang.

Stay in Solvang. For a more quiet location and still budget friendly, but a bit further from the center of town, I like New Haven Inn for a charming and authentic Solvang experience. You can also book a room Atterdag Inn, my favorite budget hotel for its excellent location and value.If you prefer something fancier and charming, try the beautiful Wine Valley Inn, which has beautiful ambiance and excellent location. If you're looking for more options, simply search for best hotel prices in Solvang.

1. Walk Around Town

Walking slowly is my favorite thing to do in Solvang
Walking the beautiful streets of Solvang
See my photos of Solvang

Walking around town is my favorite of all the things to do in Solvang. Like any small touristy towns, Solvang is best enjoyed by walking even though there are also horse driven carriages that can take you around town. Once you have found parking in Solvang you can pretty much follow the crowds and you will most likely end up on one of the main tourist streets.

Cozy Wine Valley Inn in the heart of Solvang
The cozy Wine Valley Inn building is part of Solvang’s European feel
See my photos of Solvang

There are essentially two parallel streets (Copenhagen and Park) that run the length of the town and everything interesting to see is along these two streets and about ten cross streets.

2. European Food

Delicious Danish donuts filled with jelly
Delicious Danish jelly filled donuts (Ableskiver)
See my photos from Solvang

Several European style restaurants give you a Scandinavian feel in the middle of California. Solvang Restaurant (1672 Copenhagen Street) is one of our favorites, as it is not expensive and provides a great setting for the different European food choices.
Our favorite places to eat in Solvang are the Solvang Restaurant, Paula's Pancakes and Olsen's Danish Village Bakery which has European style pastries and cakes.  Sampling local food is one of the best things to do in Solvang and has become one of our favorite things to do in Solvang with family.

3. Special Events

Datsun classic car show in Solvang
Classic Datsun cars show in Solvang, California
See my photos from Solvang

Next on my list of things to do in Solvang is to visit during special events. Solvang is host to many classic car shows as well as the famous Solvang Christmas Parade.
Usually scheduled for the second weekend in December, the Solvang Christmas Parade is a beautiful event, as the entire town is decorated for the holiday season. This is one of our favorite things to do in Solvang in December.

Special events like this street parade is one of my favorite things to do in Solvang
Marching band during a Solvang street parade
See my photos of Solvang

There are a few other street parades scheduled throughout the year. Each one is fun to attend and enjoy.
Checkout the Solvang special events calendar for planning your visit during a special event weekend.

4. Santa Ines Mission

A small graveyard at the Santa Inex Mission.
A small graveyard at the Santa Ines Mission.
See my photos from Solvang.

Any list of things to do in Solvang would not be complete without a visit to the old Santa Ines mission. If you’re not too tired after walking around you can just drive up the street a little distance and stop at the local Mission.
Established in 1804, the Santa Ines Mission is one of the newer missions in California. The gardens are filled with flowers and trees and benches to rest after all the walking you’ve done in Solvang. The Mission also has exhibits that outline the history of this area, from the native Indian tribes that inhabited these hills to the coming of the Catholic Missionaries and the establishment of the mission.

5. Wine Tasting

Wine cellar at Solvang wine tasting room
Wine cellar in a Solvang wine tasting room

The Santa Ynez Valley is world famous for its wineries, and Solvang is right in the middle of it.  Several local wineries setup wine tasting rooms right in the middle of town on Copenhagen Avenue.
Some of the top rated Solvang wine tasting rooms are Lucas & Lewellen Wineries, Lyons Peak Vineyards and Carivintas Winery.

6. Visit a Bakery

Mouth watering pastries at Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe
Mouth watering pastries at Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe
See my photos from Solvang.

I love bakeries!  They usually have local treats and they represent a great way to learn about a particular region you're visiting, since bakeries make fresh breads and pastries every day.  Solvang is blessed with having four local bakeries, each with its own special treats. Visiting at least one local bakery is one of my favorite things to do in Solvang.
Our favorite Bakery is Olsen's Danish Village Bakery right on Mission Dr, right next to Paula's Pancakes. We love Olsen's because, in addition to cookies and pastries they have some of our favorite European style cakes and a yummy apple strudel. Next on our list of favorite bakeries is Mortensen's, which is the larger of the four bakeries. Conveniently located in the middle of town on Atterdag Rd & Mission Dr, Mortensen's always has a long line of people waiting to buy their goodies, especially on weekends. The other two bakeries are located near the Santa Ines Mission: Solvang Bakery and Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe.

7. Visit a Winery

Solvang is the perfect place for exploring beautiful local wineries
Solvang is the perfect place for exploring beautiful local wineries

The Santa Ynez Valley is well known for its wineries. The mild climate with lots of sunny days makes this region perfect for growing grapes and making great wine. While you are in Solvang, you can easily plan a visit to one or more of the local Santa Ynez Valley wineries. The easiest way to visit wineries near Solvang is to take the road from Solvang to the quaint village of Los Olivos, about 15 minutes drive north of Solvang. This beautiful road winds its way between several wineries and it's one of my favorite things to do in Solvang.


I like driving the Alamo Pintado Road rather than getting back on the 154 and driving north. This way I pass by a couple of beautiful local wineries that you can easily visit. Local Solvang wineries include: Buttonwood Farm, Rideau and Lincourt.

Tour Solvang Wineries

The Santa Ynez wine country is vast and beautiful. If you are in the Santa Barbara area and have an extra day for exploring Solvang and the beautiful surrounding area, consider taking a beautiful private tour that will highlight this area's local wineries and scenery.

For a more in-depth wine country tour from Santa Barbara book a Santa Ynez Wine Country Shuttle. Explore the breadth and diversity of the Santa Ynez Valley without the restrictions of specified tastings. Benefit from transfers between a selection of wineries and points of interest with lunch included.

8. Nojoqui Falls

Nojoqui Falls is tall and impressive for Southern California even though it is only trickling during the summer
Nojoqui Falls is tall and impressive for Southern California even though it is only trickling during the summer
See my photos from Solvang.

Nojoqui Falls Park is locates about 10 minutes drive South of Solvang. The pretty drive winds it's way through fields and cattle ranches until you reach the park. The shaded trail takes you in a nicely shaded forest all the way to the tall waterfall. Nojoqui Falls Trail takes about 30 minutes of easy walking until you reach the waterfall. We loved taking a break in the shady forest and listening to the waterfall. Nojoqui Falls quickly made the list of best things to do in Solvang and it comes on top of my list for my favorite things to do in Solvang with family.

Here is the address for the Nojoqui Falls trailhead: 3190 Alisal Rd, Gaviota, CA 93117.

Plan Your Trip to Solvang

Watch my video about planning a trip to Solvang. This is a simple video that walks you through my custom maps and routes for planning a great trip to Solvang, California.

Stay in Solvang

If you are planning to stay in Solvang overnight, you can book a room at Atterdag (budget friendly and central location).

For a more quiet location & authentic experience but still budget friendly, consider going a bit further from the center of town and stay at New Haven for a charming and authentic Solvang experience.

If you prefer a bit more charm try Wine Valley (beautiful ambiance & central location but pricier). Or just look for more budget hotels in Solvang.

If you want to explore the Santa Barbara wine country area, you can search my list of hotels in the Santa Barbara wine country area.

Getting to Solvang

Driving is the easiest and best way for getting to Solvang. Find a budget rental car and enjoy the beautiful backroads leading into Solvang.

Driving into Solvang the back way on the Old Coast Highway, you can witness beautiful changing fall colors Driving into Solvang the back way on the Old Coast Highway, you can witness beautiful changing fall colors

My favorite way to come into Solvang, especially with the fall colors in November and December, is to take the Old Coast Highway Road right off the 101 freeway into Alisal Road, and come into Solvang the back way. This way will take you by Nojoqui Falls Park and continues through beautiful farmland. Coming to Solvang via Old Coast Highway Road has become one of our favorite things to do in Solvang.

The easiest way to get to Solvang is by car via the 101 California Freeway or the 154 Highway if you’re coming from the Los Angeles area. If you’re coming from the north, the 101 Freeway will be your best bet.

However, when driving to Solvang from the Los Angeles area, I prefer to drive the 154 highway. This scenic Highway goes over the mountains surrounding the city of Santa Barbara, along the Old Stagecoach Road and it passes by Cachuma lake and reservoir and then it takes you through many beautiful rolling hills into the Santa Ynez valley where Solvang is. This route to Solvang is one of the 15 Best Drives in California in my experience. Signs pointing you to Solvang, abound both on the 101 Freeway and 154 Highway. The car ride lasts around two hours from the Los Angeles area and the very scenic vistas will make the drive appear short.

Parking in Solvang

My favorite parking spot in Solvang is right behind the Santa Ines Mission, right on the edge of town. Use this address for your navigation system: 482 Alisal Rd.

Another great spot for parking in Solvang on the Western side of town at this address: 1556 Mission Dr.

Is Solvang Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Solvang is a delightful day trip from the Los Angeles area. With so many things to see and so many restaurants to try, Solvang is one of our favorite destinations in Southern California. The somewhat long car ride is well worth the effort and the picturesque landscape along the way will surely make the ride go by very fast. You can also combine your visit to Solvang with visiting Santa Barbara as part of your Los Angeles area tour.

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