Danish Delights: Solvang Travel Guide for the Perfect Weekend Day Trip
- Emma Hamrick
- Oct 19, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: Mar 3
As a former suburbanite, the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles gets old quickly. One of my favorite escapes is just two hours north on the 101 but it feels like a nine-hour flight away. The town of Solvang offers a slice of Danish culture tucked in the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast. With delicious bakeries, charming architecture, and copious wine-tasting opportunities, Solvang is the perfect destination for a quick weekend away.
My partner and I spent our last two anniversaries visiting Solvang; once as a day trip and once as an overnighter. We’ve concocted the perfect itinerary of can’t-miss stops along the way. Check out our one-day and two-day itineraries, a complete packing list, and some helpful tips and tricks in this ultimate Solvang travel guide.
Solvang Travel Guide: The Basics
Where Is Solvang
Solvang is a quaint town located on California’s Central Coast. Just a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara and around 2 and a half hours from Downtown LA, this Danish Village is the perfect pit stop during a Pacific Coast Highway drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Weather in Solvang
Weather in Solvang is fairly temperate with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 40s to upper 60s in the winter and the upper 60s to low 90s in the summer. Summers are generally dry while precipitation is more frequent between January and April. Rarely do temperatures dip below the 40s or rise into the triple digits.
Where to Stay in Solvang
Solvang offers a variety of charming motor inns and motels along the main drag within walking distance of all the major sites. Most of the accommodations are boutique hotels without major chain affiliations.
The Lansby is considered the most luxurious accommodation in town and houses one of the more popular restaurants, Mad & Vin. Expect to pay around $250 per night here.
The Hadsten was recently acquired by Hilton as a part of the Curio Collection of hotels. We stayed here on hotel points (50,000 points/per night), though you can expect to pay around $140 per night. We and loved the upscale décor, insanely comfortable beds, and cozy hotel robes. I highly recommend this spot. Check out our photos below:
Other popular locations include the Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, The Winston, and Croque Hotel.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Solvang
Free Parking in Solvang
There are a few large and free parking lots in the heart of Solvang. Our favorite is the lot on Park Blvd right behind Solvang Park for convenient access to public restrooms and the central location within town. Other parking options include a lot off Mission St. next to The Lansby and parking off of Alisal Rd near the Mission. We’ve never had an issue finding parking in the mornings during our visits, but expect parking to fill up by mid-morning on high-traffic days (long weekends, the holiday season, and Danish Days).
Check out the city of Solvang’s website for more parking details.
Solvang Two-for-One Wine Tasting Deals
Overnight guests at some of Solvang’s hotels offer two-for-one tastings to hotel guests. Hotels participating in the promotion include The Hadsten, The Lansby, Atterdag Inn, and Croque Hotel. During our stay at The Hadsten, we received a packet that provided two-for-one tastings at notable wineries including McClain Cellars, Arrowsmith’s, Dana V. Wines, Lucas & Lewellen, and more. If you’re not staying overnight, there are still opportunities for discounts. Check out the Twism app for discounts including BOGO glasses of wine at Sunstone and two-for-one tastings at Hitching Post Wines or Crawford Family Wines.
How to Avoid the Crowds While Visiting Solvang
Solvang’s proximity to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo makes it the perfect weekend getaway. This also means the town gets exceptionally crowded on holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. Likewise, the annual Danish Days Festival in late September draws massive crowds, as does the holiday season (Solvang was nominated as one of America’s “Best Christmas Towns” in 2024).
To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting on non-holiday weekends in the Spring, or the weekends following holiday weekends when travel subsides. We’ve always visited the weekend after Labor Day and have never had issues with crowds (though it does get a little toasty).
How to Celebrate the Holidays in Solvang
If you do decide to brave the crowds, Solvang is the place to be during the holiday season, and for the annual Danish Days festival.
Julefest Christmas Celebration: November to Early January
Solvang, California, transforms into a Danish-inspired winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it a magical destination to celebrate. Julefest features festive parades, traditional Danish food, and a charming Nisse Adventure scavenger hunt. Stroll through the streets adorned with twinkling lights, visit the Danish bakeries for seasonal treats, and enjoy live performances that bring holiday cheer. Whether you're exploring the town's European-style shops or taking part in unique traditions, Solvang offers a cozy and enchanting holiday experience.
Danish Days Festival: Every September
This annual Danish Days festival offers parades, folk dancers, and live music, giving visitors a taste of authentic Danish culture. Enjoy traditional foods like aebleskivers, explore artisan crafts, and take part in family-friendly activities such as the Viking Encampment. Whether you're drawn by the historical reenactments or the festive atmosphere, Danish Days in Solvang offers a unique cultural experience filled with Scandinavian charm.
What to Wear and What to Pack for a Trip to Solvang
What to Wear in Solvang:
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Solvang is all about window shopping and taking in the architecture around town. I live and die by my Hoka Clifton 9’s as my ultimate walking shoe.
In Summer, Breezy and Breathable Clothing: If you’re visiting in the summer months, prepare for warm temperatures. We visited during a 100-degree heat wave and I can confirm that a breezy romper or sundress was the perfect outfit choice. If you’re planning to visit the wineries, a more “elevated” look may be preferred. Otherwise, comfortable shorts and T-shirts would suffice.
In Winter, Cozy Layers: While the central coast of California is fairly temperate, the mornings and evenings do get chilly. For winter visits, jeans and sweaters with a jacket might be the best bet.
What to Bring to Solvang:
Water Bottle: A refillable water bottle will come in handy during your visit to Solvang. We noticed that some of the wine-tasting rooms weren’t quick to provide water and enjoyed having our own bottles to sip on as needed. I’ve been loving this bottle from Simple Modern (available at Target and Amazon).
Sunscreen: Expect to catch plenty of rays while walking around town and plan to apply sunscreen before spending time in town. I love SunBum sunscreen, available on Amazon.
The Best Things to See and Do in Solvang
OstrichLand USA
If you’re a fan of tacky tourist stops, you can’t miss OstrichLand USA, located just outside the Solvang city limit. For $8, you get admission into the farm to get up close and in person with ostriches and emus, as well as a bowl of feed. Additional feed bowls are only $1 (and trust me, these feed bowls empty quickly in the morning because these birds are hungry!).
This stop is great for families, though children under four may find these large birds intimidating. It’s also a great stop for boyfriends (just ask my partner who purchased four feed bowls by himself). We were surprised by how much fun we had seeing the animals up close. The ostriches in particular were very animated.
The farm opens at 9 am and crowds picked up around 10:30 am. I’d recommend arriving early when the birds are hungry and the sun isn’t too hot. Expect to spend around an hour feeding the birds and exploring the farm.
Window Shopping & Windmill Viewing in Solvang
Part of the charm of Solvang is strolling through the streets and window shopping at the countless stores in the area. The best part about this activity is that it’s completely free (unless you buy something, of course). Plan to spend three hours or so exploring town. Below are some of my favorite stores to visit:
Jule Hus: It’s Christmas all year round at this precious store specializing in holiday decorations. This is the place to go to pick up an ornament to commemorate your visit.
Pieces of the Past Vintage and Antique: I love this shop for its robust selection of antique and vintage goods. There’s always a solid stock of vinyl, stunning crystal, old cameras, and leather goods.
Pebble People: Stop by this store to check out a wall of cuckoo clocks. If you’re lucky, the employees will give you a demo of some of the larger ones.
First Street Leather Solvang: This is a fun spot to check out boots, jackets, and other leather goods.
Solvang Olive Press: Swing by for free olive oil samples in between your wine tastings.
Thomas Kincade Gallery: Explore paintings by Thomas Kincade, the “Painter of Light.” As huge fans of Kincade’s art, we always visit this shop. Last time, we purchased a canvas of his painting of the town of Solvang to add to our gallery wall!
While window shopping, make a point to see the seven windmills scattered throughout the town of Solvang. Five of the windmills are located walkable in town with two located further out at the Sideways Inn in Buellton and the Wulff Windmill further out of town on Fredensborg Canyon Road. The windmills can be enjoyed in passing and offer a fun photo opportunity to commemorate your trip to Solvang. Addresses for the windmills are below:
Wulff Windmill: 1245 Fredensborg Canyon Road, Solvang, California 93463
Sorenson Windwill: Between 1816 and 1818 Old Mill Road, Solvang, Califronia 93463
Solvang Windmill/Paaske Windmill: Mariposa Drive and Alisal Road, Solvang, California 93463
Blue Windmill: 1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California 93463
Kronborg Inn: 1440 Mission Drive, Solvang, California 93463
Solvang Brewing Co. Windmill: 1547 Mission Drive, Solvang, California 93463
Sideways Inn: 114 East Highway 246, Buellton, California 93427
Hans Christian Anderson Museum & Little Mermaid Statue
Tucked inconspicuously on the top floor of the Book Loft bookstore, the Hans Christian Anderson Museum offers a peek into the prominent Danish author’s life and legacy. Posterboards and artifacts detail Anderson’s inspirations, craft, and lasting impression on pop culture. The museum is a quick stop; 20 minutes is sufficient. There is no admissions fee, though donations are encouraged.
Just across the street from the museum at the corner of Mission Dr and Alisal Rd. is the Little Mermaid statue. The bronze statue is a ½ size replica of Copenhagen, Denmark’s famous statue of the same name. The statue is small, but provides a nice photo opp along with a small plaque describing Anderson’s lasting legacy.
Solvang Trolley Tour
If walking isn’t your style, hop on a Solvang Trolley Tour to enjoy a 25-minute guided drive through town. While I haven’t done this myself, I can attest that it looks like a lot of fun. Prices are a bit steep at $18 per rider, but this does look like a fun way to see the city and learn some history along the way.
Old Mission Santa Inés
The Old Mission Santa Inés in Solvang is a historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into California’s early mission history. Founded in 1804, this Spanish mission is one of the 21 original missions and features beautiful gardens, religious art, and well-preserved architecture. Visitors can explore the mission’s tranquil grounds, learn about its role in shaping the region, and admire stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley. We enjoyed visiting and walking the grounds for around 45 minutes as we strolled the town's streets. For $8 per person, you can take a self-guided tour inside as well.
Best Places for Wine Tasting in Solvang
Sunstone Winery – This is BY FAR my favorite wine experience that we’ve tried in the Solvang area. Located a five-minute drive outside of town, this stunning Italian-inspired villa hosts the perfect venue for $25 tasting flights of premiere Santa Ynez Valley wines. The rosé and Pino Noir were standouts (we took home a bottle of the latter). We also enjoyed their on-site shop of olive oils and vinegars with free tastings. The grounds are gorgeous; bask in the sunny garden on a cooler day or escape into the wine cave for some sweet air conditioning. We had the grounds to ourselves when we arrived at 11 am for opening. The venue filled up quite a bit around noon. Sunstone takes reservations, and I’d recommend making one in advance.
Lucas & Lewellen – This tasting room in the heart of Solvang specializes in French-style wines. Explore four flight options ranging from $20-$30 (BOGO if you’re staying at a local hotel or if you’ve already visited their sister tasting room Toccata – more on that one below!). We were adventurous and tried the “Fun Wines” tasting menu which comprised a range of dessert pours. I'm not sure this flight is for everyone, but it was a fun change of pace. Seating is limited to stools around wine barrels and there is no public restroom available at this tasting room. The nearest restroom is available in the adjacent parking lot.
Toccata – If Italian-style wine is more your speed, consider stopping at Toccata. Located directly across from Lucas & Lewellen, this location is styled similar to your mom’s Italian-inspired kitchen from 2002 and offers four tasting menus from $20-$30 (BOGO if you’re staying at a local hotel or if you’ve already visited their sister tasting room, the aforementioned Lucas & Lewellen). We did their traditional tasting of a white, a rose and several reds and generally enjoyed our experience. This location has a mix of outdoor patio seating and a few high-top tables inside. As with its sister room, there is no public restroom available at this tasting room. The nearest restroom is available in the parking lot across the street.
Arrowsmith's Wine Bar – This low-key tasting room is a stone’s throw from the popular Paula’s Pancake House and offers a smattering of local wines for tasting and $20 flights. Arrowsmith also participates in BOGO flights for local hotel guests. We found this tasting to be focused on reds and we enjoyed a few stand-out red blends. This is a solid option for a nightcap location as it is quiet and cozy.
McClain Cellars – This is our favorite tasting room in Solvang proper! Located along Mission Drive towards the end of the lane, McClain offers four tastings, including a white-only wine flight which we enjoyed on our first trip to Solvang. The indoor tasting room is sleek with table games and amazing A/C in the summer months. A comfy patio right on the main street offers a perfect place for people-watching during the cooler temperatures. We’ve yet to leave this place without a bottle in hand. Our favorites include Helton’s Heroes red blend, Quiet Storm red blend, and Cloud Nine chardonnay. McClain participates in the hotel guest BOGO with flights ranging in price from $25 to $40.
Where to Eat in Solvang
Paula’s Pancake House – As the name implies, this is THE breakfast institution in Solvang, and for good reason. A robust menu of everything from burgers to biscuits is enough to entice any traveler, but the “World Famous Danish Pancakes” are the real winner. These extra-large, thin, and cakey pancakes are served with a variety of accouterments (Though fresh strawberries and whipped cream are THE elite way to enjoy). The combo comes with bacon, regular sausage, or Polish sausage (which are smaller and, in my opinion, more bland wieners). With this being the breakfast crown jewel in town, it pays to arrive early. We walked in with immediate seating on the adorable outdoor patio around 7:45 am on a Saturday but waited 45 minutes for counter seating indoors when we arrived at 9:30 am the year before. Expect to spend around $25 per person and around an hour here for breakfast.
Good Seed Coffee Boutique: While this spot isn’t particularly “Danish,” it is delicious! Good Seed is the new kid on the block in this traditional town offering modern coffee favorites (i.e. Flavored oat milk lattes and vegan baked goods). We didn’t partake in the baked goods, but I can confirm the lattes are on point and the aesthetic is immaculate. This seemed to be the local’s coffee of choice.
Aebleskivers – Pronounced “able-skeev-ers” these cakey dough balls covered in powered sugar with raspberry jam are a Solvang staple (They even have a contest to see who can eat the most during the annual Danish Days event). While many of the local bakeries serve them, I recommend picking up and ordering from the window at Solvang Restaurant for around $4 per order. The three pastries served in an order are perfect for two people to enjoy a small taste. These are definitely one of those touristy treats you pick up out of obligation, but I found them to be tasty without being overly sweet.
Our first taste of Aebleskivers Hitching Post II – If you’re into cinema from the early 2000’s, you may recognize the bar at Hitching Post II from Academy Award Best Picture nominee, Sideways. The wood-paneled walls of this throwback establishment mesh well with the menu of BBQ entrees offered. The restaurant offers larger plates during dinner service, but operates off a limited lunch menu. We enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich, a side salad, and fries. I’ll confess the service was so/so and the food wasn’t my favorite of the trip, but if you’re getting tired of sticky sweets, this is a solid option. Expect to spend around $30 per person for lunch and budget around an hour’s worth of time.
Mad & Vin– For a finer dining experience in Solvang, head to The Lansby Hotel’s Mad & Vin. This place serves California meets Danish decor vibes along with a farm-fresh-inspired menu. The secret to this place is to go BEFORE you drink too much; During both of our visits, we couldn’t enjoy our meals to the fullest with tummies already filled with wine. That said, I can confirm the flavors on the Farmer's and Short Rib are delicious. This is the perfect romantic dining location for special couple’s trips. With three courses and alcohol, this dinner will run you around $120 per person. Take it slow and plan to spend around two hours enjoying this meal.
Solvang Brewing Co. – Sausages, beer, and windmills? Sign me up! Solvang Brewing Co. is the perfect place to enjoy classic bar bites with a Danish twist and a pint of your favorite brew. There’s a super cute patio in the shadow of one of Solvang’s biggest windmills, along with ample indoor seating. I’d expect this to be the spot to catch a big sports game. As someone mildly obsessed with corn, loved my Elote Street Corn Nachos and my partner seemed to enjoy his Pastrami Ruben. You can cover lunch and drinks for $40 here with around an hour time commitment.
Solvang Day Trip and Overnight Itineraries
So you’re ready to visit Solvang but want an hour-by-hour itinerary? I got you! Here’s how I’d spend my time in Solvang on a day trip or an overnight stay.
Solvang Day Trip Itinerary
9am - Arrive in Town (So leave LA by 6:45am if that’s your originating location)
9am – Visit Ostrich Land
10:30am – Pick Up Ableskeevers, Danishes and Coffee
11am - Head to Sunstone Winery for a Tasting
1pm – Hit Solvang Brewing Co. for Lunch
2:30pm – Solvang Trolley Tour
3pm – Window Shopping in Town
5pm – Dinner at Mad & Vin
7pm – Begin Return Drive Home
Solvang Overnight Itinerary
9am – Plan to Arrive in Town Around 9am
9am – Visit Ostrich Land
10:30am – Pick Up Ableskeevers, Danishes and Coffee
11am – Head to Sunstone Winery for a Tasting
1pm – Hit Solvang Brewing Co. for Lunch
2pm – Check into Your Hotel (Drop off bags with front desk if your room isn’t ready and collect your “wine tasting BOGO guide”
2:30pm – Window Shop in Town
4pm – Swing by a Tasting Room (or four)
7pm – Dinner at Mad & Vin
9pm – Night Cap at the Hotel Lobby Bar and Head to bed
8am – Breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House
9am – Window Shopping in Town
10am – Visit the Hans Christian Anderson Museum
11am – Coffee at Good Seed Coffee
11:30am – Why Not Enjoy Some More Wine? Or a Trolley Tour
2pm – Late Lunch at Hitching Post II
3:30pm – Begin Return Drive Home
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