Day Trip to Solvang, California “An Itinerary for a Fun Day”

Solvang, California, is a significant tourist destination and jumping-off point for visitors exploring the Santa Barbara wine country. The town boasts Danish windmills, half-timbered houses, Danish bakeries, restaurants, antique stores, museums, and friendly shopkeepers dressed in authentic Danish costumes. The picture-perfect village of Solvang is a fun destination for day-trippers to enjoy Danish culture along California’s Central Coast region.

Once you arrive at Solvang, there are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. You can start by visiting one of the Danish bakeries or checking into your hotel if you plan on staying for a day or two. You can then explore the town and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley. Below are some fun spots to put on your Solvang Day Trip Itinerary.

Paula’s Pancake House Solvang, CA

Breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House is a great place to start your day at Solving. The best time to arrive is when they open at 7:00 am. There will be only a short wait to be seated. Even if you sleep in, the Danish pancakes are the best in town and well worth the wait for a table. Other popular items on the menu include whole wheat and honey pancakes, eggs benedict, fresh baked waffles, french toast, and omelets. If you travel with your four-legged friend, there is a dog-friendly outdoor patio. 1531 Mission Drive Solvang, California. Website.

Mortensen’s Danish Bakery

Mortensen’s Danish bakery had one of the best selections of fresh pastries in Solvang. Danish Butter Cookies, Strudel, Bear Claws, Pistachio Squares, Owl-Eye Cookies, and buttery shortbread are just a few of the treats available at Mortensen’s. We recommend buying an entire strudel instead of just a slice. The price is only a few dollars more and worth every penny. While Mortensen’s Danish bakery is worth visiting, plenty of other local bakeries are worth checking out. 1588 Mission Dr, Solvang, California. Website.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Solvang

If you’re a chocolate lover, visit Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in downtown Solvang. They offer 300 varieties of chocolate that you can watch them create right before your eyes. There are many caramel apples to choose from, including classic options like caramel, chocolate-covered, and sprinkles, as well as more creative options like s’mores, cheesecake, and peanut butter. Mouthwatering samples will make you want to visit this shop whenever you visit Solvang. The address of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is 1655 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California.

Visit a Solvang Musuem

Solvang has several museums showcasing its history, including the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the Solvang Amber Museum, the Solvang Viking Museum, and the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. In our opinion, the motorcycle museum is the most fascinating. The museum is open on weekends and showcases a private collection of motorcycles of all types. You can explore the museum at your own pace and admire the motorcycles as much as you like. Admission fee is $10.00. The motorcycle museum is at 320 Alisal Rd Ste 202 in Solvang, California.

Mission Santa Inés Solvang

Mission Santa Inés Solvang is situated on the outskirts of Solvang, California. It is the midpoint between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima. The Mission is an active parish, a National Historic Landmark, and one of the best-preserved Spanish missions in the United States. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the Mission, which is open daily. Additionally, there is a small museum and gift shop on the premises. The address of the Mission is 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, California.

Ostrich Land USA

Ostrich Land USA on Hwy 246, just west of Solvang, is one of the must-do attractions in the area. The ostriches and emus are giant, but feeding them is fun. Just be aware they can be a little aggressive. Seeing these big birds in person is a remarkable experience. Visitors can take photos with an interactive mural that creates the illusion of riding an ostrich or attempting to snap a picture with a live ostrich without getting pecked. About 100 of these giant birds and a small shop selling collectibles, OstrichLand USA 610 E. Highway 246, Buellton, California, are on the property.

Solvang Danish Days Festival

Every September, Solvang hosts its Danish Days festival, where visitors and locals celebrate Solvang’s Danish heritage with authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment, and family activities. Solvang Park hosts live music and bands on many evenings and weekends throughout the year. It’s a great place to take a break, relax, and enjoy your lunch while listening to great tunes. The atmosphere in Solvang is always cheerful and carefree, making it the perfect spot to unwind.

Neverland Ranch Gate

If you’re in the area, a fun little excursion would be a visit to Neverland Ranch, which used to be the home of the late pop star Michael Jackson. The walls and gate of the ranch are adorned with messages from Michael Jackson fans worldwide. While you’re there, stop by the charming town of Los Olivos for lunch. You won’t be disappointed!

The Town of Los Olivos, California

Located just a short six-mile drive from Solvang, the beautiful town of Los Olivos is an artist colony boasts a downtown filled with art galleries, boutiques, wine stores, and a landmark stagecoach stop housing. In the town, visitors can indulge in mouth-watering delicacies served by old-world restaurants and bakeries. The surrounding countryside boasts vineyards, lavender farms, orchards, ranches, and horse trails.

The Town of Santa Ynez, California

Just a short drive from Solvang, you can find the downtown area of Santa Ynez located along Sagunto Street. Visitors can enjoy coffee, croissants, and baked goods at Baker’s Table. The Carriage House Museum and The Genevieve Santa Ynez Hotel are also on Sagunto Street. Another point of interest in Santa Ynez is the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, where visitors can learn about the history of the Santa Ynez Valley and its original occupants.

Getting To Solvang

To reach Solvang, take the Highway 246 turnoff in Buellton from Highway 101, or Santa Barbara, take Highway 154 to the Highway 246 turnoff. The area has numerous hotels for those who want to spend more than one and explore the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.

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