Solvang is famous for being the Golden State’s historic Danish town, with a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere that makes it a great holiday getaway. The unique local boasts lots of places to see and stuff to do. Not sure where to go in this charming and idyllic rustic village? That is why we are here to take you around the city.
22 Best & Fun Things To Do In Solvang, CA (2025)
1. Solvang Taxi and Wine Tours
Solvang Taxi and Wine Tours provide an excellent method to explore the Santa Ynez Valley and see a variety of wine-related tourist attractions.
It is locally operated and owned and offers only first-rate services, whether you are looking for private wine tours, taxis, delivery services, or even special wedding transportation.
Of course, the main draw of the Taxi and Wine Tours transportation concierge service is, well, the wine!
With professional knowledge of all the wine farms you should visit, as well as hotels, restaurants, and tourist hotspots, the company’s team will be delighted to assist you in reaching your selected destinations.
Address: 430 Alisal Road #312 Solvang, CA 93463, United States
2. Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery
Once again, one of the top things to do in Solvang, California, involves wine!
The Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery is located on Santa Ynez Valley’s Alamo Pintado Road.
Roger Wisted owns it, and the name refers to the winery’s origins.
Wisted supposedly won so much money in a blackjack game that he was able to fulfill his dreams of developing a winery and growing a vineyard!
Blackjack Ranch Vineyards & Winery produced its first vintage in 1997, and two years later, it launched a public tasting facility.
The award-winning vineyard now produces a wide range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, and Franc.
Address: 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
3. Eat At Restaurants
It may seem obvious, but this California town is full of amazing restaurants and cafes that should be on your gastronomic itinerary.
Here are some of the best options for different tastes, budgets, and atmospheres.
Bit O’Denmark is located in the oldest building in town.
It serves excellent Danish meals such as flaeskesteg and frikadeller.
Copenhagen Sausage Garden is a casual hangout that provides a variety of burgers and sausages, as well as nice wine and beer to drink it all down.
Leonardo’s serves delicious Italian cuisine, including the traditional pasta and pizza options as well as some more classic dishes like chicken marsala.
You should also look into their wines.
Mad & Vin is a posh restaurant inside the Landsby hotel.
It serves classic wine-country dishes, such as seafood hot pots and grilled fish, along with drinks and wine.
Paula’s Pancake House serves breakfast that combines American and Danish cuisine.
Their buttermilk pancakes and cinnamon apple-topped pancakes are both equally delicious choices. Solvang Restaurant provides Nordic fare with Danish-style meatballs, open-faced sandwiches, and creamed hearing, though they do offer burgers for more local meals.
4. Danish Bakeries
Solvang is a Danish town, so it’s a great place to find surprisingly authentic Danish cuisine right here in California.
Shopping for baked goods is one of the most enjoyable activities to engage in, particularly if you have a sweet tooth and are looking for something to do to pass the time.
There are countless bakeries all over town selling fruit, cheese, and other danishes, but there are plenty more options like stroopwafel, risalamande, butter cookies, cream puffs, almond ring cakes, and kringles galore.
One of the most loved options is undoubtedly the Solvang Bakery, which offers bear claws, honey almond tarts, gingerbread houses and men, and coffee. Other great Danish bakeries in town include Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, with strudels, kringle, butter cookies, and even souvenirs, and Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, with ring cakes, butter cookies, kringle, and Danish waffles. You can also try the Danish Mill Bakery and Birkholm’s Bakery and Cafe if you’re looking for even more choices!
5. Jule Hus
Are you visiting California before Christmas?
In this small hamlet, you’ll find the wonderful and quirky Jule Hus, which is stocked with all the magical Christmas stuff your heart could possibly want!
With a red facade and an extensive facade on a Danish building, it’s a great option for what to see for the festive season, even if all you’re doing is browsing.
Jule Hus is packed with gorgeous Old European Christmas and Scandinavian products, with ornaments, decorations, and more.
Nativity collections, wooden nutcrackers, Santa and angel figures, and other items provide an entertaining experience.
You don’t even need to wait till Christmas to enjoy everything it has to offer!
Address: 1580 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
6. Shoestring Winery
You get the picture: the majority of the fun things to do in Solvang, California involve drinking!
Bill and Roswitha Craig own and run Shoestring Winery, which is located at the entrance of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Shoestring Winery produces refreshing and tasty wines that are hand-farmed and handmade.
Whether you’re looking for oak-barreled Merlot, light Pinot Grigio, award-winning Sangiovese, or classic French-style Rosé, they have something delightful for everyone.
If you’re in Solvang, visit the Shoestring Winery for wine tastings or purchasing.
If it’s relevant, you can even arrange special events here, and the winery will provide a western-style barbecue for them!
Address: 800 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Planning a road trip around California? Here are some fun things to do in Long Beach, some of the best things to do in Pasadena, and some cool things to do in Palm Springs!
7. Nojoqui Falls Park
The Nojoqui Falls Park is conveniently located near the village and is well worth the journey off Highway 101 this weekend.
Expansive green spaces and picnic tables enhance the value of the activities available here, but the main draw remains the Nojoqui waterfall itself.
With a track that is only around 0.65 miles long and has an elevation of 175 feet, Nojoqui Falls Park provides instant gratification for a short trek.
After walking up the trail, you’ll reach a viewing platform with a breathtaking view of the rushing Nojoqui Falls, which rise 80 feet above the ground and fall onto some moss-covered stone beneath.
The falls are at their fullest in the winter, but they are still beautiful in their thinner state during the summer and fall.
Entry to the park is free and the playground onsite gives kids something to do on the way down.
All in all, if you’re fine with leaving Solvang for just a little while, this is one of the places to visit that isn’t to be missed.
Address: 3250 Alisal Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
8. Olive Oil Tasting
We are all aware of the numerous wine tasting opportunities in California, but what about olive oil tastings?
Believe it or not, this is a popular and equally luxury way to spend your time, especially if you enjoy the stuff!
One of your weekend activities should be to visit all of the tourist spots known for their olive oil!
If you’ve never been to an olive oil tasting, expect to sample a variety of oils infused with flavors such as jalapeño, rosemary, and even lemon.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you might be able to attempt some vinegar tastes on the same websites.
Don’t be afraid to try different oils, and if you find one you really like, you might buy a bottle to take home!
Address: 463 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
9. Solvang Wind Harp
The Solvang Wind Harp is one of this town’s more unique things to see, and it’s the oldest wind harp in all of California.
It was designed to look like a certain part of the St. Nikolai Church in Copenhagen, namely the tidskugle, or time ball, that sat at its paramount.
When the wind rushes through it, it lets out a series of lovely musical notes.
The wind harp, also known as an Aeolian harp, was originally installed at the top of a Danish Pavilion tower built for the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in 1915.
The exposition came to an end in 1915, and the wind harp was scheduled to be dismantled alongside the other structures, but it was salvaged.
The wind harp was brought to this town, which was only recently settled.
The wind harp was initially made of bamboo and wood, but it has been restored and is now fully metal.
Perhaps the most startling aspect of it is its current position – directly behind a nursing home, quietly singing its small tunes as the weather changes.
Address: 636 Atterdag Road, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
10. Rideau Vineyard
What can we say? There are so many outstanding vineyards in Solvang, California, that we’d be negligent if we didn’t include Rideau Vineyard!
Iris Rideau, a New Orleans native, created the vineyard in 1997, and it has since grown into an award-winning estate producing only the finest wine.
It is specifically built to grow solely Rhône grape varietals, and it excels at perfecting its specialty!
Rideau Vineyard is located on Alamo Pintado Road and is stunning with its oak-surrounded lush green grounds that have been meticulously manicured to complement the estate’s elegant French Victorian buildings.
It’s even more unique because Rideau Vineyard exclusively produces wine rather than distributing it, making tastes at the vineyard much more enjoyable.
You can also attend one of the vineyard’s renowned Creole-inspired dinners, which are coupled with their exquisite wine.
11. Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch
If you’re looking for unlikely things to do in California, you can’t go wrong with the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch!
Sitting in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley and flanked by hills and oak trees, it’s so famous that it’s often referred to as the Kentucky of the West!
The ranch is owned by Aleck and Louise Stribling, who use the ranch to breed all sorts of miniature horses – particularly ones of show quality.
Many of them have gone on to become national champions.
The horses are all adorable in their little size and are wonderful to watch and interact with, making this one of the ideal Solvang attractions for kids.
Though they are small, these miniature horses can be pretty strong and powerful.
Nonetheless, they are friendly, good-natured, and even gentle, usually comfortable around children and eager to be fed and petted.
Amazingly, some are only the size of a dog!
If you’re here in the middle of the year, you may get to spot the newborns, all long limbs and clumsy, as they stick close to their grazing moms.
Address: 1555 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
12. Solvang Antiques
If you think digging for treasures is one of the best things to do in Solvang, you’ll love the rustic, fun, and distinctive Solvang Antiques in California.
It is the largest and most known store of its sort in the Santa Ynez Valley, offering a diverse selection of specialty, vintage, and antique things.
The antique shop is owned by Dwight and Arlene Steffensen, who have hand-curated its collection to cater to a wide range of customers, whether they are casual shoppers, window browsers, or serious collectors.
Silver, clocks, sculptures, furniture, fine art, cut glass, music boxes, jewelry, and more fill the inventory, which is organized via an inventory control system digitally.
This system allows the store to find the most reasonable prices for new items across the globe and have them delivered to their shop.
Staff at this lovely antique shop are highly knowledgeable and will be happy to help you find what you seek.
With over four decades of experience and operation, there’s no end to the treasure you’ll find.
Don’t forget to peak at the Solvang Antiques Fine Art Gallery on the premises, which spans more than one thousand feet and showcases a permanent antique art collection and rotating contemporary exhibits.
Address: 1683 Copenhagen Dr Suite B, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
13. Lincourt Vineyards
Lincourt Vineyards, another one of California’s well-known vineyards, is located in Santa Barbara County, between Lompoc and Buellton.
The Foley Family owns and runs the wine estate, which produces and distributes a wide range of handcrafted wines known for their quality and flavor.
It employs sustainable techniques and conscious business practices, resulting in more responsibly manufactured beverages.
Lincourt Vineyards overlooks Santa Ynez Valley’s Alamo Pintado Vineyard and is filled with ideal picnic and relaxing locations, including gardens, lawns, and, of course, vineyards.
The tasting room, which was previously part of the estate’s old dairy farm, is one of the most popular attractions.
The room’s rustic appeal makes for a lovely experience, and with a variety of tastes to choose from and plates of charcuterie or cheese available upon request, it’s an excellent way to indulge yourself.
Address: 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
14. Bethania Lutheran Church
In 1928, the Bethania Lutheran Church was finished, designed to appear just like a standard rural church in Denmark. It was made for Solvang’s new Danish-American Lutheran settlers, which congregated here. It was one of this California town’s first structures to bear this Danish appearance and inspired design. The architecture of the Bethania Lutheran Church is stunning, with gorgeous woodwork made by Wisconsin‘s Jes Smith. Today, you can witness its majesty with the glorious altar and its railings, pulpit, pastor’s chair, and baptismal font. Statues and religious art adorn the structure with meaning and regalness. The stained glass windows within the church are also wonderfully made.
Address: 603 Atterdag Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
15. Solvang Festival Theater
Looking for more places to go in California? The Solvang Festival Theater was opened in 1974 and is a community-based organization with the mission of supporting and promoting performance art in California. Each production is of high quality, dating all the way back to its first ever production of Once Upon A Mattress. Concerts, theater shows, and performances of all kinds have lit up this Festival Theater, both during the day and at night. Fundraising festivals and concerts for all sorts of charities and causes have been held here, including some featuring known names like Jim Messina, Crosby and Nash, Tommy Castro, and Bonnie Raitt.
Address: 420 2nd St, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
16. Hans Christian Andersen Park
Hans Christian Andersen Park is yet another one of the fun things to do in Solvang, California dedicated to this Danish fairytale author. Right near Mission Drive, the park sits on Chalk Hill Road, marked by a bust of the man himself as a centerpiece. The entrance to Hans Christian Andersen Park is marked by a large gate that resembles a castle from a fairytale, thematically beginning the whimsical journey into its lovely greenery. In the park, you’ll find different playgrounds for kids of different ages, a skate park, large shady oak trees, a machine that makes old-fashioned music, and even a climbing wall. Picnic tables allow for rest and recreation as you take in the relaxing Solvang air.
Address: 633 Chalk Hill Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
17. Rusack Vineyards
Solvang (and much of California) is well-known for its wine, and Rusack Vineyards is unquestionably one of the greatest locations to go if you’re looking for any in town.
Rusack Vineyards, located in the slopes of Ballard Canyon and surrounded by oak trees, is well-known for making world-class beverages that are offered at its small vineyard.
Steven Garbac manages Rusack Vineyards, which is owned by Gregg and Alison Rusack, and has a credo that includes family, craft, art, and earth – at least according to their label.
The site is breathtaking and well worth a visit just for the scenery.
Rusack Vineyards’ tasting area has a magnificent redwood balcony that looks out over the gorgeous vineyard and beyond, with four great oaks in the background.
The wines here are award-winning, and you can even order a homemade picnic if you want to extend your visit!
They are best recognized for their Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, but all of their wines are excellent!
Address: 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
18. OstrichLand USA
OstrichLand USA is a great choice for entertaining tourist attractions in Solvang, California!
Aviary aficionados, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a good time can enjoy the large birds that live here.
This “zoo” of sorts houses ostriches and emus, which are eager to be viewed and, if you’re lucky, fed by hand!
If you’re looking for ostrich-themed stuff, visit the gift store.
Aside from souvenirs, OstrichLand sells ostrich eggs and ostrich meat, albeit none of its own birds are kept for meat.
Address: 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
19. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art
The Elverhoj Museum of past and Art has a simple mission: to conserve, collect, and present significant characteristics of Solvang, California’s rich past as well as the town’s Danish culture – and the arts and crafts that evolved as a result.
It is a community-based center dedicated to presenting the true legacy of Danish-American pioneers, Denmark’s past, and the Danish people’s colorful, passionate artistic devotion.
The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is housed in the former home of one of the town’s most well-known artistic families.
Viggo Brandt-Erichsen built the stunning tower by hand, using ornate ironwork, handmade and hand-painted sculptures and panels, and the best of Scandinavian architectural influences.
Though it’s modest in size and look, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is one of the town’s premier institutions of its kind.
It organizes several exhibitions, workshops, classes, and children’s events every year, with many things to see within!
Address: 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
20. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is one of the numerous entertaining attractions in this California town.
It is located in what was originally the Solvang Designer Outlet Center and took over two decades to complete.
Virgil Elings owns the museum and each of the motorcycles on display as part of his private collection.
The Vintage Motorcycle Museum displays a wide variety of vintage motorcycles, race bikes from Europe, and other rare automobiles.
Rotating exhibits mean there’s always a diverse variety to explore, ranging from vehicles from the 1900s and more modern bikes.
Address: 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
21. Solvang Trolley & Carriage
Do you want to travel to the past?
The Solvang Trolley & Carriage is an excellent way to accomplish both of these goals while also seeing some of Solvang’s key attractions.
This tour company employs horse-drawn trolleys to show you around this small California town.
The “carriage” in question is a Honen, a type of Danish conveyance.
To transport people, the one-of-a-kind trolley employs two teams of Belgian horses, each affectionately named.
The local Orona family owns the Trolley & Carriage business, and they all dress in classic Danish garb when transporting their clients around the streets.
Address: 1618 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
22. Wildling Museum of Art & Nature
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is one of the best sites to visit in the United States!
The Wildling Museum of Art & Nature of Solvang, California was built by Patti Jacquemain, a conservation campaigner and artist, in 1997.
It was founded to encourage the enjoyment, conservation, and appreciation of nature and wildlife via the use of art.
Over the span of its existence, the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature has hosted over 40 distinct events, including extremely successful education programs, art exhibitions, creative workshops, tours, fun trips, and more.
Its mission is to motivate others to care for wildlife and natural areas, and most believe it has succeeded!
The museum holds a small collection of art, but that collection’s diversity makes up for its size. Expect to see brilliant photographs taken by Richard Salas, Jeff Jones, Roger Craton, and Ines Roberts, oil paintings by John Fery, and delightful works of all kinds by Ray Strong, Lockwood de Forest, Everett Ruess, and Russell Chatham. It’s one of the best things to do in Solvang!
Address: 1511-B Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, United States
Start Planning Your Trip To Solvang
There are numerous attractions in Solvang, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore, visit, and enjoy.
Whether you want to shop, dine well, visit one of the numerous vineyards, connect with nature, or discover more historical sites, the tiny community of Solvang, California, is sure to captivate your heart!
I hope this list has helped you narrow down some of your possibilities!