Best Things to Do in Solvang – The Danish Capital of America
Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Polly Dimitrova
As the Danish Capital of America, Solvang is one of the most quaint towns in California. Located in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, it perfectly blends old-world European charm with the laid-back California atmosphere. Strolling down the picturesque streets, admiring the remarkable architecture, and savoring Danish baked goods are some of the best things to do in Solvang. If you are looking for a peaceful weekend retreat that feels like a journey across the Atlantic to a quaint European village, Solvang is the ideal destination. Read on to discover some of the most unique things to do in Solvang California!
Explore Solvang Downtown
Begin your Solvang adventure at the heart of the city – the charming downtown area. Small quaint streets lined with beautiful half-timbered buildings, create a sense of being transported straight into the streets of Denmark. You do not need a map or navigation – allow yourself to get lost while soaking in the incredible Danish architecture. You might even stumble upon the small replica of the popular Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen. Exploring downtown is one of the best things to do in Solvang to experience the town’s whimsical atmosphere. You can also choose to do the Solvang city self-guided audio tour.
Visit the Windmills
Solvang is widely known for its iconic windmills. As an inseparable part of the traditional Danish architecture, visiting all four wooden windmills in town is among the best things to do in Solvang:
- 436 Alisal Rd.
- 1618 Copenhagen Drive
- 1547 Mission Drive
- 1440 Mission Drive
Stop by Mission Sante Ines
Founded in 1804, Mission Sante Ines is the 19th out of 21 Spanish missions established by Franciscan padres in California. Despite being much smaller compared to other missions in the area, it has a beautiful exterior with a picturesque fountain and unique artifacts inside worth taking your time to explore. The self-guided tour around Mission Sante Ines is one of the best things to do in Solvang to learn more about its history and heritage.
Have Family Fun at Hans Christian Andersen Park
You might have to head a few blocks away from the city center, but Hans Christian Andersen Park is the ideal location for families traveling with children. You will enter through a beautiful castle arch, and follow the road to large oak shaded park with plenty of grassy area to run around, a playground structure, picnic tables and even a skatepark. Spending a few fun hours in the outdoors, followed by a little picnic at Hans Christian Andersen Park is one of the best things to do in Solvang for families.
Indulge in Danish Goods
With five authentic Danish bakeries located within five blocks, it would be a shame not to indulge in some delicious Danish goods. The traditional aebleskivers are a must. This sphere-shaped pastry with a texture similar to pancakes, covered with powder sugar and raspberry jam is a popular Danish desert during the holiday season. Join a Solvang Food Tour or mark the below spots on your itinerary:
- Solvang Bakery
- Danish Mill Bakery
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
- Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe
- Mortersen’s Bakery
Sip the Wine
It is not just the baked goods that are worth trying, though. Santa Ynez Valley is known for its exceptional wines and one of the most popular wine destinations in California. There are a few great wineries in the downtown area, ideal for those only looking for a quick stop and sip of wine.
If you are a wine enthusiasts and want to fully experience the region and relax for a few hours, without having to worry about driving, choose this full-day wine tasting tour in Santa Ynez Valley.
To combine wine, fun and a bit of adventure, book the bike and wine tasting tour, which is also among the best things to do in Solvang for couples.
Additional Tip: My absolutely favorite spot to eat in Solvang is the Copenhagen Sausage Garden. It has a very simple outdoor garden to enjoy your meal and a wide range of sausages to choose from (including veggie and vegan options). A compulsory pretzel and beer accompanied our meal and we both truly enjoyed this hidden tucked-away gem in Solvang California.
Explore the Art Galleries
Finding a small local art gallery is one of my husband and I’s favorite activities when we travel “just the two of us” without our son. And Solvang does not disappoint with its wide range of contemporary, modern and older art pieces found throughout the small streets of the downtown area. Some of the ones that we enjoyed the most:
- Pavlov Art Gallery
- Gerlach Photography Gallery
- ZFolio
Go Souvenir Shopping
Solvang is a haven for boutique shopping, with a variety of stores offering everything from Danish-inspired home décor and handmade jewelry to specialty foods and artisanal goods. Some of the must visit ones are:
- Jule Hus – for Christmas decoration
- Spice Merchant – for spices and herbs
- Solvang Shoe Store – for Danish clogs
- Solvang Toyland – for vintage toys
- Solvang Antiques – for all kind of treasures
- Mole Hole Cottage – for glassware
Visit in September for the Danish Days Festival
There is no better way to get the full Danish experience than visiting in September and attending the annual Danish Days Festival. Join in for a weekend of festivities, celebrating the incredible heritage of Solvang. The city welcomes visitors with traditional music, folk dance performances, mouth-watering Danish foods, and an incredible colorful and fun parade perfect for the entire family!
Hike the Nojoqui Falls
We are always in search of new and intriguing hikes and we were super excited when we found the Nojoqui Falls only a 15-minute drive away from Solvang. Fairly flat and easy and only 1-mile round trip this is an excellent outdoor family-friendly activity. At the end you reach a stunning 80 feet tall waterfall tumbling down in a small natural pool from the high cliffs above. Unfortunately, similarly to many other waterfalls in California it is seasonal and only cascading during the winter and beginning of spring. When we visited it was almost completely dried out, but as usual we had fun finding a new hiking trail and spending some time in peace and quiet reconnecting back with nature.
Experience Ostrichland
Only 5 minutes away from downtown, you will find one of the most fun and unique things to do in Solvang – visiting Ostrichland. Home to over 100 emus and ostriches, the farm is an excellent spot for a family-friendly activity. Little ones (if not scared) would absolutely love feeding them, which is an additional $1 per bowl. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Getting to see these incredible birds is one of the best Solvang activities to add to your travel itinerary!
Where to Stay in Solvang
For a fairly small town with population of less than 6,000 people, Solvang has a wide range of hotels to choose from based on your preferences. During the summer months, Solvang is a popular tourist destination and prices increase tremendously due to the high demand. To get the best value for your money, it is best to visit on a week day. To get the most out of your trip, I suggest choosing a charming European inn walking distance away from the downtown area.
Mirabelle Inn
An upscale boutique hotel with only 12 rooms that combines old-world charm with modern amenities. One glance of the façade will make you feel like you have been transported to Denmark, while the cozy ambiance will provide you with the perfect intimate experience for a weekend getaway to Solvang.
The Landsby
Recently renovated, The Landsby is the ultimate modern and stylish destination in Solvang. Scandinavian-inspired design mixed with boho décor, create the perfect laid-back atmosphere for relaxation and tranquility. The Mad & Vin restaurant on site serves tasty Californian cuisine with a twist of many other different cultures.
The Genevieve
Formerly known as Santa Ynez Inn, The Genevieve is actually located in Santa Ynez, a short drive away from Solvang. The European-inspired architectural design is truly stunning and in unison with the sophisticated elegant interior décor. The serene and relaxing atmosphere make it the ideal choice for couples traveling to Solvang California.
How to Get to Solvang
Only 130 miles away from Los Angeles, Solvang California is fabulous choice for a peaceful weekend getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city life. We visited Solvang on our road trip along the scenic Highway 1 and was a great pit stop since we were making our way North all the way down from San Diego County. If you are coming out of state, Santa Barbara Airport is only a 45 minute drive away from Solvang with airlines such as United, Southwest and Delta offering frequent flights to and from the airport.
Solvang is extremely walkable, but you might need a car to get there. Renting a car will also allow you to experience and enjoy more of the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley region.
Rent an Electric Bike in Solvang
Have you been to Solvang, California? What are your favorite things to do in Solvang? What about the best Solvang activities? Let us know in the comments section below!
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