Introduction
There’s a special kind of charm that greeted me when I first arrived in Solvang, California. I had planned a short stop‑off in the Santa Ynez Valley, expecting a quaint town—but what I found was something more: a Danish‑style village tucked into California sunshine, complete with windmills, pastries, wine tasting rooms, and hidden outdoor gems. As I wandered its cobblestone‑style walkways, sampled aebleskiver (those delightful Danish pancake balls), and strolled past a windmill over a boutique, I realized this was a getaway that offered both relaxation and discovery.
So if you’re looking for a destination that blends storybook architecture, good food, nature and fun, here are the 12 best & fun things to do in Solvang, CA—from the must‑see sights to the quirky side trips that made my visit unforgettable.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Solvang, CA (Things You Will Love!)
1. Stroll the Danish‑style Village and Windmills
One of the first things I did was simply wander through downtown Solvang and soak in the architecture: half‑timbered buildings, colorful facades, and yes—a windmill perched above the street. This little village was established to recreate Danish heritage in California, and you can feel it in every shop front and decorative detail. According to local guides, the town was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants and deliberately reflects Danish design.
Tip: Start early in the day to avoid crowds, grab coffee at an outdoor table, and take in the windmills at their most photogenic.
2. Indulge in Danish Pastries & Bakeries
I can’t recommend this enough—make a stop at one of the classic Danish bakeries. I sampled aebleskiver (those round pancake balls with powdered sugar), kringles and almond‑filled pastries, and let’s just say I left with a grin and maybe one too many sweets. The local tourism info highlights Danish bakeries as key stops.
Tip: Bring some to a picnic spot (see #5) for a mid‑morning treat.
See Also: 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fresno, CA
3. Visit the Old Mission Santa Inés
For a change of pace from the fairytale‑village feel, I visited the Mission Santa Inés, a Spanish mission founded in 1804 near Solvang. It offers a quieter, more reflective side to the region. The mission grounds provide lovely views over the valley and a sense of history preceding the Danish settlement.
Tip: Take a moment in the church garden and soak in the views over the valley—great for a peaceful pause.
4. Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
Surrounding Solvang is the lovely Santa Ynez Valley—home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. On my visit, I spent an afternoon wandering from tasting room to tasting room, sipping local wines and chatting with vintners about the region’s grapes and landscape. Local guides say Solvang itself has more than 20 tasting rooms in town.
Tip: Choose 2–3 wineries with unique style (say, a sustainable or biodynamic producer) and make a small picnic to enjoy between stops.
5. Hike to Nojoqui Falls or Explore Outdoor Nature
If I needed fresh air, I found it by heading out of town to Nojoqui Falls County Park (about 15 minutes away). It’s a lovely, fairly easy trail to a waterfall—perfect for a brief outing. The region also offers parks and valleys for relaxing nature time.
Tip: Take a change of clothes if you might want to dip your toes in the stream, and pack water—there’s little shade in spots.
6. Rent a Surrey Bike or Ride the Trolley
For fun (and a bit of nostalgia), I rented a four‑wheeled surrey bike in Solvang and pedaled around the village. Alternatively, the horse‑drawn trolley offers a relaxed way to see the town. It’s a playful activity that adds an active twist to your visit.
Tip: Bring sunscreen and maybe a small cooler for snacks—bike rides make you thirsty!
7. Check Out the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
One of the more unexpected delights was the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, focused on Danish‑American culture and art. While visiting I appreciated the historic details and artful displays that connect Solvang’s roots to its present.
Tip: Look for special exhibitions or cultural events during your stay for an extra layer of interest.
8. Take a Side Trip to OstrichLand USA
For a fun and quirky stop, I drove a few minutes outside Solvang to Ostrichland USA where you can feed ostriches and emus. It was a surprising and entertaining break from the village stroll, especially for families or anyone who loves oddball photo ops.
Tip: Bring quarters or small bills to buy feed buckets; the birds are eager and you’ll want to keep a safe distance anyway!
9. Shop Boutique‑style & Taste Local Treats
Besides the main sights, I found great joy wandering local shops in Solvang—artisan crafts, Danish‑themed souvenirs, specialty chocolates, and more. Indoor shopping is also a go‑to on cooler or rainy days. Keep an eye out for gingerbread houses during the holidays too.
Tip: Bring space in your luggage (or car) for a few special finds—local goods tend to surprise.
10. Join a Festival or Seasonal Event
I stumbled into a lively parade during Danish Days, and that experience gave the trip an extra spark. Solvang hosts several signature events—like Danish Days in September, Julefest in winter, and grape stomps in the fall.
Tip: If you have flexibility, plan your visit around a festival weekend for more energy and themed activities.
11. Visit the Vintage Motorcycle Museum
One of the hidden gems was the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, a small but impressive collection of rare motorcycles. I found it a cool contrast to the Danish village vibe—a different kind of fascination.
Tip: Spend about 30–45 minutes here—it’s compact, but well worth it if you appreciate unique collections.
12. Relax in the Santa Ynez Valley Countryside & Sunset Views
Finally, one of my favorite moments in Solvang happened just outside town—driving a quiet back road at sunset, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. The Santa Ynez Valley countryside offers a perfect escape from the “town” component and invites you to slow down and breathe in the views.
Tip: End a day with a picnic among vineyards or on a hill overlooking the valley—simple, peaceful, and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Solvang felt like stepping into a storybook—one where Danish charm, California sunshine, good food, nature, and wine all converge in a delightful little village. The 12 experiences above reflect that blend: architecture, pastries, nature, culture, and fun.
Here are a few take‑aways from my trip:
- Go early each morning to explore downtown before it gets busy—enjoy the architecture and the pastries in peace.
- Balance active and relaxed: stroll the village, then pick a hike or a bike ride—then wind down with wine or a sweet treat.
- Allow for the unexpected: One of my favorite stops was feeding ostriches. It wasn’t on the “top list” initially, but it turned into a standout.
- Pack for weather: Even though it’s sunny, evenings in the valley can be cool, and some outdoor trails have limited shade.
- Stay flexible with dining & tasting: If a winery or bakery has a long line, pivot to another nearby—they’re plenty.
- Bring space in your schedule: Half a day is good, a full day better; there’s so much charm you’ll want time to linger.
When I drove away from Solvang, I felt like I’d visited a place that blends simplicity with enchantment. It wasn’t just a stop; it felt like a mini‑escape. If you’re looking for a destination that’s easy to reach, fun to explore, and full of surprises, Solvang might just be your next favorite getaway.