Things to Do in Solvang: A Charming Danish Village Near Santa Barbara
Last updated on October 31, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Solvang, California? This charming town offers everything from historic sites and museums to delicious pastries, wine tasting, shopping and plenty of small-town charm.
Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, about 35 miles from Santa Barbara, Solvang is a picturesque small town that feels like a slice of Denmark in California. Often referred to as the Danish Capital of America, Solvang is filled with Danish-style architecture, windmills, bakeries, restaurants, tasting rooms and shops that make strolling through downtown feel a little like you’ve landed in Europe.
I live in Southern California and have visited Solvang several times over the years, both with my family and on a girls trip. On our most recent visit, my husband and I spent two days exploring the town, which gave us more time to experience some of the museums, historic sites, food and local traditions I had missed on day trips.
One of the things I love most about Solvang is that you really don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it. Wandering the pedestrian-friendly downtown, stopping for a pastry, browsing the shops, and taking photos in front of the windmills is a big part of the experience.
Whether you’re visiting Solvang with kids, planning a romantic weekend, or adding it as a stop on your California road trip, here are the best things to do in Solvang.
Things to Do in Solvang, California
1. Explore Downtown Solvang and Its Danish-Style Architecture
One of the best things to do in Solvang is also the simplest: wander around downtown and take in the sights.
To be perfectly honest, a good chunk of Solvang’s charm and the reason we like to visit is to wander the charming streets. Much of Solvang’s appeal comes from its distinctive Danish-inspired architecture, complete with half-timbered buildings, colorful facades, cobblestone-style courtyards, and of course those iconic windmills.
Copenhagen Drive is at the center of the action, but don’t limit yourself to a single street. Some of our favorite discoveries have come from simply wandering into the smaller courtyards and side streets.
You’ll also find several fun landmarks around town. Look for the Little Mermaid statue (modeled after the famous statue in Copenhagen), the Hans Christian Andersen statue, and the enormous red Danish clog that has become a popular photo spot.
Solvang is also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. You can browse the gift shops along Main Street and throughout town for Danish-inspired items, including handcrafted jewelry, traditional Danish clothing, wooden clogs, Christmas ornaments and more. You can also find beautiful Scandinavian home décor.
2. Indulge in Aebleskiver and Danish Pastries
You can’t visit Solvang without sampling some Danish treats!
The town is famous for its bakeries, and you’ll find cases filled with cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries that make it difficult to choose just one. Some of the best-known bakeries include Solvang Bakery, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery and Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe.
On our recent weekend visit, we literally existed on pastries for two days, just trying as many different treats from as many different spots as our stomachs could hold!
But there is one Solvang specialty you should definitely seek out: aebleskiver.
Aebleskiver are traditional, fluffy Danish pancake balls served hot with powdered sugar and raspberry jam. During Danish Days, they’re such an important part of the celebration that the festival holds dedicated Aebleskiver Breakfasts.
The best place to get them is at The Solvang Restaurant on Copenhagen Drive, and if you don’t want to sit inside the restaurant you can order them from a take-out window. In fact, when we were there on a busy weekend, the line to buy them was at least 20-people deep!
But we went back early the next morning and walked right up. I think (based on their looks) I was expecting more of a donut texture, but the aebleskiver balls were soft, doughy and absolutely delicious. These are 100% a must-try if you are visiting Solvang.
Top Tip: Popular bakeries can develop substantial lines, especially on weekends and during festivals. Going earlier in the morning can make for a much more relaxed experience. We like to pair them with a cup of coffee and relax at a table outside.
3. Visit Old Mission Santa Inés
Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of downtown, Old Mission Santa Inés offers a fascinating look at a very different chapter of the Santa Ynez Valley’s history.
Founded in 1804, Mission Santa Inés was established between Mission Santa Barbara and La Purisma Mission in Lompoc, California. It became the 19th of California’s 21 Spanish missions. The mission was built in an area inhabited by the Chumash people, whose complicated and often painful history with California’s mission system is an important part of the story told here.
Today, visitors can explore the historic mission complex and learn more about the people who lived there. Tours are self-guided and cost just $9 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6 through 12. It only took us about half an hour to wander through the mission.
One thing to note, the entrance for the tour is through the gift shop. You will buy your tickets there and enter the mission through a door next to the counter.
Even if you’re only spending one day in Solvang, I think the mission is worth making time for, particularly if, like me, you enjoy incorporating some local history into your travels.
The location itself is also beautiful. The mission sits on the edge of Solvang overlooking the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley, providing a striking contrast to the busy shops and restaurants just a few blocks away. You can wander through the gardens and see the chapel and bell tower even if you don’t want to purchase a ticket to go inside.
- 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang
- missionsantaines.org
4. Visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located in a historic hand-crafted house built in a style derived from the large farmhouses of 18th century Denmark. Since I really love learning the history of places that we visit, this museum was one of the first places we headed once arriving in Solvang!
Visiting the Elverhøj Museum offers a glimpse into Solvang’s rich history and cultural heritage. The museum features exhibits on Danish immigration to the area, as well as local art and history.
We really enjoyed this small museum. Exhibits share the story of the Danish immigrants who founded the town, while rooms inside the historic home show what life was like for early residents. I especially loved seeing the traditional kitchen. So pretty!
The museum isn’t huge, so you don’t need to set aside a large portion of your day. We spent about 30 minutes here, making it an easy addition while exploring downtown.
It is located on the outskirts of town, so you will need to walk a few blocks through a residential area to get to the museum. Current museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is an easy $5 per adult, with kids 12 and under free.
- 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang
- elverhoj.org
5. Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum
This cute little museum is located upstairs in The Book Loft Building in downtown Solvang. It is operated by the Ugly Duckling Foundation, a non profit organization established to foster public understanding and enjoyment of Hans Christian Andersen and his work.
The Museum features books and exhibits about legendary author Hans Christian Andersen. One piece I really loved was the Princess and the Pea display case with the original story.
The museum also showcases lots of other pages and displays from the writer’s life and work.
- 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang
- bookloftsolvang.com
6. Take a Ride on the Solvang Trolley
A fun and unique way to see the town, the Solvang Trolley offers a charming ride around the village. It is not a super in-depth tour, just 25 minutes long. It is meant to be more of a novelty ride and give you an overview of the city and its history.
The Solvang Trolley operates both a Motorized Trolley Tour and a Horse-drawn Trolley.
To be very honest – I am personally not a fan of horse-drawn carriage rides, but if it’s something you’d enjoy trying, Solvang has one of the few remaining streetcars pulled by horses that are still operating in an open street in the world!
While the Motorized Trolley Tour operates daily, the Horse-drawn Trolley schedule varies based on weather conditions and the needs of the horses.
Kids will love the novelty of riding in an old-fashioned trolley, and it’s a great way for the whole family to take in the sights of Solvang, including its beautiful Danish architecture and iconic windmills.
7. Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is known for its world-class wineries, and Solvang is the ideal base for exploring the region’s vineyards. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, where you can sample exquisite local wines while taking in views of the rolling hills and grapevines.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the nearby tasting rooms, like those at the Solvang Wine Walk. Many wineries welcome families.
If you are visiting on a day trip and don’t have time, or simply prefer to stay in the downtown area, there are plenty of awesome wine bars and wine-tasting rooms right in the main part of town. My friend and I had a great day of wine tastings and shopping on a recent wine country weekend getaway to Solvang and Santa Barbara.
8. Visit the California Nature Art Museum
Formerly called the Wildling Museum, the California Nature Art Museum is a great stop for families, offering a chance to take in beautiful art inspired by the natural world.
The museum’s interactive exhibits are perfect for kids, and families can engage in hands-on activities and workshops. It’s an educational and fun stop that will spark creativity in children and adults alike. (There are lots of other art galleries in town to check out, as well.)
- 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang
- calnatureartmuseum.org
9. Visit a Park
There are two wonderful parks in Solvang for families to enjoy!
The first is Hans Christian Andersen Park, honoring the famous Danish author with a beautiful statue of the storyteller and a fountain. This park is a great place for a picnic or to relax while enjoying the serene surroundings, making it a perfect family-friendly spot.
The other is Sunny Fields Park.
Fun fact: Did you know “Solvang” literally translates to Sunny Field?
The first time I saw this park we were actually driving by and I thought it was an amusement park because all the giant colorful activities looked like rides!
The park features towers, swings, rope bars, rock-climbing, bridges, a slide, gingerbread house, and separate area for toddlers. It really is a bright, larger-than-life spot for younger kids to play!
10. Visit the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
For something a little different, check out the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum.
The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese, and European bikes and classic motorcycles from the 1920s to the 1970s. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of motorcycling and is a must-see for enthusiasts.
- 320 Alisal Road, Solvang
- motosolvang.com
11. Rent a Bike or Surrey
For a fun way to explore Solvang on wheels, rent a bike or one of the colorful multi-person surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals Solvang.
Located right in downtown Solvang on First Street, Wheel Fun Rentals offers traditional bikes, electric bikes, and its popular four-wheel surreys. The surreys come in several sizes, making them a particularly fun option for families or groups who want to pedal around town together.
If you’d rather venture beyond downtown, you can also rent a hybrid or electric bike and explore more of the Santa Ynez Valley. Half-day and full-day rentals include access to a self-guided bike tour that takes riders past parks, farms, vineyards, wineries, and other points of interest in the surrounding wine country.
Top Tip: Solvang itself is compact and very walkable, so I wouldn’t rent a bike simply to get from attraction to attraction. Instead, think of the bike or surrey ride as an activity in itself.
12. Catch a Show at the Solvang Festival Theater
If you’re in town during the summer, be sure to catch a performance at the Solvang Festival Theater.
This outdoor venue hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The intimate setting and beautiful surroundings make it a special way to spend an evening in Solvang. Unfortunately we visited in early spring so there wasn’t anything playing at this popular spot.
- 420 2nd Street, Solvang
- solvangtheaterfest.org
13. Attend Danish Days or Julefest
Solvang is charming throughout the year, but visiting during one of the town’s annual festivals can make the experience even more memorable.
We happened to be in town during Solvang Danish Days, an annual celebration of the town’s Danish heritage that has been taking place in some form since 1936. The festival began as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s 1911 founding and has since grown into a full weekend of Danish food, music, dancing, parades, cultural activities and entertainment.
It was very crowded, which is the one bad thing about this weekend! But it was fun to walk around town while everything was abuzz, filled with music, parades, food, and lots of activities for kids.
One thing you should know is that much of Danish Days is free, although some experiences, including the Aebleskiver Breakfast, required separate tickets.
Other Annual Events in Solvang
Danish Days isn’t the only fun time to visit.
The holiday season brings Solvang Julefest, when the town leans even further into its European atmosphere with holiday lights, a tree-lighting ceremony, parade, Santa’s Village, seasonal entertainment, and other activities. If you are looking for the best places in California to visit during Christmas, Solvang should be at the top of your list!
For the 2026 holiday season, Julefest runs from November 27 through January 3.
Throughout the year, Solvang also hosts concerts, cultural celebrations, food and wine events, and other community activities. Check the Solvang event calendar before your trip because a festival can add an entirely different dimension to your getaway.
14. Explore OstrichLand USA
Just a short drive from Solvang, OstrichLand USA is a must-visit for families who want to see and feed ostriches and emus.
This interactive attraction allows children to feed these fascinating birds while learning about their behavior and habitat. OstrichLand USA is a fun and educational experience that kids will remember. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, with prices subject to rise on the weekends and busy holidays.
- 610 East Hwy 246, Solvang
- ostrichlandusa.com
15. Get Adventurous at Highline Adventures
For something completely different from Solvang’s bakeries, museums, and tasting rooms, head just outside town to Highline Adventures.
Located along Highway 246 between Solvang and Buellton, Highline Adventures is an outdoor adventure park overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley. Its biggest attraction is its zipline course, featuring three dual ziplines stretching across more than 1.5 miles of cable. Riders can zip side-by-side over the hills and fields while taking in expansive views of the valley.
This is a really cool activity to try if you are visiting Solvang with teens!
Another option is the Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course with multiple routes and more than 80 elements spread across two levels. The courses range from easy to very challenging and include ladders, rope bridges, and other obstacles. The Adventure Park is recommended for ages 10 and older, although participants must also meet height, reach, and weight requirements.
- 700 E. Highway 246, Buellton
- highlineadventures.com
Where to Stay in Solvang
One of the things we discovered on our most recent visit is that spending the night in Solvang is a completely different experience from visiting on a day trip. Downtown becomes much quieter once the day-trippers leave, and staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the bakeries, shops, museums, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants without trying to squeeze everything into a few hours.
If you’re planning a Solvang weekend getaway, I recommend staying right in or near the walkable downtown area so you can leave your car parked for much of your visit.
📍 Best Budget-Friendly Hotel – King Frederik Inn
King Frederik Inn is a centrally located option right in the heart of Solvang. The Danish-inspired hotel puts you within easy walking distance of the town’s bakeries, restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms, making it a convenient choice if location is more important to you than luxury.
📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel – Vinland Hotel & Lounge
Vinland Hotel & Lounge combines a convenient Mission Drive location with contemporary accommodations and an on-site restaurant and lounge. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to be close to downtown while enjoying a few more hotel amenities.
📍 Best Luxury Hotel – Corque Hotel
Corque Hotel is an upscale, Marriott-brand hotel located on Alisal Road in downtown Solvang, and where we stayed during our recent visit. I loved how close this hotel was to everything! Rooms have been recently renovated, and some offer balconies or patios overlooking Solvang Village, the Santa Ynez Mountains, or Old Mission Santa Inés. There’s also an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
► Read this Corque Hotel Solvang review for complete details!
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Solvang
Solvang is located in Central California, about two hours north of Los Angeles. It is a bit closer to the Southern California side, but an easy stop if you are planning to drive up the coast to San Francisco.
Known for its unique European architecture, windmills, wine, and authentic Danish cuisine, Solvang offers a perfect blend of European charm and California warmth. It is an unexpected but lovely combination!
While I have visited many times on a day trip, this most recent visit was the first time spending the night. It gets very quiet after dark, but there is something really special about being outside once the crowds fade away.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Danish culture, enjoy local wines, or simply relax in a picturesque setting, Solvang has something wonderful to offer.
For more help planning your central coast vacation, check out some of these related articles:
- Fun Things to Do in Monterey with Kids & Teens
- Summer in Monterey: Weather, Tips & Things to Do
- Things to Do in Santa Barbara with Kids
- Weekend Getaway: Lompoc, California
Save These Things to Do in Solvang for Later!
Planning a visit to the Central Coast? Pin the image below for future reference.
