Solvang
A fairy-tale town founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, known for its windmills, half-timbered houses and Danish pastries.
Solvang lies in the Santa Ynez Valley, about 50 km from Santa Barbara. The drive takes about 50 minutes via Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass. The town has windmills, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a replica of the Little Mermaid statue and numerous Danish bakeries. Its signature treat is the aebleskiver, a round Danish pancake. Nearby are the Mission Santa Inés and many wineries with tasting rooms, and it is often combined with a wine country day trip.
Opening hours
All day (shops about 10:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Mission Santa Inés
- Santa Ynez Valley
- Lake Cachuma
- El Capitán State Beach
- Cold Spring Arch Bridge
- Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
- Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's)
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History