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Solvang Pictures: The Danish Villages of my Dreams

This post is full of Solvang pictures! Enjoy!

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When people in a town located more than 100 miles from your house start to recognize and call you by your name, I believe you have been to that town way too many times.

My husband likes to say we are already locals in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.  The area is not that far from home and while it can technically be visited as a day trip, we prefer to go for the weekend (or when we have three days free).

We like to use Solvang as a base. If you haven’t heard about this town, think about it as the “Danish Capital of the United States.”

Context

On 1911, a group of Danes (some of them educators) escaping the harsh Midwestern winters, founded the town on a land grant.  They wanted to maintain their heritage and spread Danish culture. And, you know what? They have accomplished their goal. In 2011, Solvang celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The city is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark.  Museums showcase history, art, and culture. Folk traditions are celebrated during annual festivals.  World famous plays are presented at the open air theater. Even the Queen of Denmark has visited!!!

Lately, the town has received an influx of new restaurants. And, let’s not forget about the many sweets enjoy in town (Danes are some of the biggest candy eaters in the world), from butter cookies to chocolates or from fruit tarts to aebleskivers.

Solvang Pictures

A lot of people we know despise Solvang.  They refer to the “cheesy” architecture, the hoards of people and the traffic in a place where traffic should not exist.

To be honest, this is a popular place. Go during the holidays and the mass of human souls resemble something you would see in Las Vegas.

On the contrary, visit during the week or on a slow weekend and you would have the place to yourself. You would be able to eat a good meal, talk to residents (some of them now friends) and check a recommendation in the valley.

Even when the crowds invade the town, we know where to find a respite.

But, I do not have to convince you about the virtues of Solvang. Well, maybe I want to convince you.  That is why I have put together this photo post. I’ll let you be the judge!

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Solvang Danish Town, Santa Barbara, California

Visitor Center

Solvang has an excellent visitor center located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive.  The staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and/or offer recommendations. I like to stop to pick up flyers offering dining, wine tasting and accommodation discounts.

Where to Eat

If you visit the Danish Capital of the United States, it is obligatory to try one of the many Danish delicacies found in town.

And, I am not ashamed to start the food section with dessert recommendations!

Solvang’s bakeries are one of the town main pulls.  They sell butter cookies, butter ring coffee cake, cinnamon swirl bread, kringles, strudel, Danish waffles and a large selection of pastries.  Olsen’s and Mortesen’s are good places to get your sugar fix. Other bakeries are located along Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive.

The aebleskivers (think about them as a round pancakes) deserve a special mention.  They are served in bakeries and restaurants. Also, a tube of butter cookies (3 pounds) is the perfect souvenir.

For breakfast, go to Paula’s Pancake House.  They serve scrumptious Danish pancakes, Belgian waffles, Danish sausages and classic American favorites.  This is a place I adore!

Other restaurants serve pickled herring, Swedish meatballs, Havarti cheese, open sandwiches, cured salmon, liver paste and sausages.

If you are not feeling the Danish vibe, you can stop by places such as Fresco Valley Cafe, Root 246 and Succulent Cafe.  In my opinion, the best food in the area can be had at Industrial Eats in nearby Buellton. I recommend visiting this restaurant if you are a food lover.

Solvang Location

Solvang is located 35 miles from Santa Barbara, 70 miles from San Luis Obispo and 128 miles from Los Angeles.

From Santa Barbara, it is faster to reach Solvang using CA-154.  This scenic route will take you through the San Marcos Pass and the Santa Ynez Mountains.  You can also reach Solvang using US-101 (the freeway). This route affords incredible views of the Gaviota Coast, one of the largest undeveloped coastal areas in California.

A good idea is to take CA-154 to go to the town and return through US-101.  If you are driving at night, I recommend taking the freeway.

Weather and Seasonality

As in other parts of California, the weather in Solvang is nearly perfect. During winter, high temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  Summers can get quite hot with maximum temperatures rounding the 90 degrees.

Keep in mind the minimum temperatures can be between 40-50 degrees.  It is a good idea to dress in layers or carry a good jacket on your luggage.

Solvang is open for business all year round.  Summers, the weekend after Thanksgiving and the period between Christmas and New Years are the busiest.  In addition, local festivities can bring hundreds of visitors to the area. I prefer to visit during spring or fall (which is wine harvest season).

Parking

There are two big parking lots along Mission Drive.  There is another lot on Oak Street. Street parking is widely available.  All parking is free.

Accommodation Tips

Prices in Solvang and nearby towns like Buellton and Los Olivos have increased in the last 10 years.  During the week, you should have no problem finding affordable accommodation. Now, everything goes up during weekends.  If you want to get the best price possible, you need to book several weeks before you arrive in town.

I save money by staying at Lompoc, a city located 20 miles from Solvang, on the opposite side of the Santa Ynez Valley.  Hotels are way cheaper in there. Once again, lock in a good rate by booking at least a week before your stay.

More of Solvang

Find more about Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley in my other posts

Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home

Solvang’s Sweet Treats Trail

Los Olivos: Tiny Town with a Big Heart

The Backroads of the Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez: Western Town Among Rolling Hills

More of Southern California

Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles

Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

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Things to do in #SantaBarbara, #California (Santa Ynez Valley) - Solvang (Sunny Meadows) has fairytale Danish architecture and a Scandinavian feel. It is the perfect weekend escape from Los Angeles area.

 

 

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There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Colorful building, trees and flowers in Downtown Santa BarbaraDowntown Santa Barbara: Things to Do, See and Eat

Comments

  1. Karilyn says

    we stayed in solvang on our trip down from SF to LA when we moved a few years ago. It was such a cute little town, I wish we would have had more time there.

    Reply

  2. Jen says

    What a great little treasure! It looks like it would be a ton of fun to visit and spend some time in! I’m going to have to let my mom & her husband know about it so they can plan a trip.

    Thank you for joining us again this week, and thank you for spreading the love to the other participants! I truly appreciate it!

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      Oh, yes!! It will be cool for your family to plan a trip to the area. I love participating in the weekly link up!

      Reply

  3. Jill says

    I love Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley! Such Beauty! Have you been to the Bavarian look alike town of Helen in Georgia?

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      I have not heard of Helen, Georgia. Thanks for mentioning. When I think about Bavarian towns in the US, I think about Leavenworth, Washington. I haven’t been but a lot of people say it is great.

      Reply

  5. Victoria @celebratetheweekend says

    We had such a whirlwind journey through California last August- left Solvang for next time but did try Danish sweets at Anderson Bakery in Santa Barbara.

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      I read about your California trip. Good to see you guys are already thinking about coming back.Hey, I didn’t know Anderson Bakery was in Santa Barbara too. I have to check it out.

      Reply

  6. Esther says

    This looks like an amazing place! I’d love to have a coffee there 🙂
    Found you through #weekendwanderlust

    Reply

  7. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says

    Oh I love Solvang too! It is a bit cheesy and touristy perhaps, but I love going on the off-season and spending a few days here. It is a great little town for a relaxing weekend – I’ve been a few times and am hoping to squeeze in one more trip before leaving California.

    Reply

  8. Anda says

    I love Solwang and I wanted to write about it for a while, but you beat me to it. This is such a lovely place to spend a day.

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      Anda,

      I would like to learn more about Solvang from your perspective. Let me know when you write your post. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  10. Laura says

    Ruth, thanks for visiting “California’s Little Denmark” and sharing your wonderful images of our village! Please return again soon–and let us know!
    Laura Kath, Media Relations Director
    Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      Hello Laura,
      Thanks for stopping by! It is my pleasure to share my experiences and photos of Solvang. As I mentioned in the post, the town and the surrounding areas are becoming my second home.

      Reply

  11. SJ says

    What a wonderful place – it’s the type of place my family and I would love to get to one day. Thanks for joining us for Sunday Traveler!

    Reply

  12. arabesque says

    I visited Solvang some 15 years ago!
    That was with my family and some relatives then…

    I guess some of the shops have changed already,
    but the structures and the colorful houses are still the same!

    Honestly, our 1 month vacation that year,
    this part of town was one of my favorites. ^0^

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      I can understand why you enjoyed this part of town so much. There is a lot of fun to have and there are a lot of things to eat. And the surrounding pastoral areas are beautiful.

      Reply

  13. Adelina // Pack MeTo says

    I passed through Solvang when I was a kid loads but I don’t really remember it. Such a cute town! I have a cup from there with my name on it though. That’s all I associate with the town haha!

    Reply

    • Ruth says

      Tami,

      In the budget to middle range range category, you have options like the Hamlet Inn (guests can use their bicycles), the Solvang Inn & Cottages and the King Frederick Inn. All these are in the center of town and usually give you a voucher to have breakfast at one of the Danish bakeries in town.

      For the boutique hotel experience, you can go to the Alisal Guest Ranch, Hotel Corque, Wine Valley Inn or Solvang Gardens.

      As expected, you can get really good rates during the week. Prices increase during the weekend.

      Reply

  16. Ruth says

    The town has lovely architecture, so, a walk around is a must (the town is small and you can walk it fast). The Santa Ynez Mission is in the city and you may want to stop by. Several restaurant sell Danish and Scandinavian food. On the sweet side, you may want to try the aebleskivers. The are tons of wine tasting rooms too. You may want to check Los Olivos if you are into wine tasting. What I love about the area is the opportunity it affords of talking to business owner, residents and other visitors. That makes me feel at home.

    Reply

  18. Amanda C Bowers says

    This was the best town ever when we were in California. We arrived too late to visit on our way to Santa Barbara so we actually took some time from our days in SB to drive back over to Solvang. It was worth it! Not only did we love the drive, but the town was great!! We were happy to find Olsen’s was able to accomodate our kids food allergies and everyone got an authentic Danish.

    Reply

  19. corina says

    hi, uh I would also be a frequent visitor of this town. there is nothing better then a good Danish pastry . Lovely and refreshing post.

    Reply

  21. Carol says

    The kitsch factor in Solvang is high and there’s nothing wrong with eating nothing but danish pastry for a long weekend getaway.

    Reply

  24. Sally says

    Wish I had known about this place when we were in the USA last year, I would have loved to have visited it with our kids. The food sounds amazing. We had a German town in South Australia & the history is very much the same. Gets a lot of tourists during the winter.

    Reply

  25. Sly O’Connor says

    Such a great post. My hubby and I just moved to the beautiful and peaceful city of Ventura 6mos Afi and I’ve been curious about the beautiful Danish city of Solvang which reminds us of Amsterdam and we’re Planning a trip out there I need the coming weeks. Maybe we can meet up and have lunch? We are definitely going to visit and thanks for all the tips!

    Reply

  26. Elaine Masters says

    Solvang is pretty cute and I think that people who call it cheesey are being shortsighted. It’s a Nordic town! I also love visiting Buellton and find it an affordable alternative. Then there’s the Ostrich Park in between and the beautiful Mission Church. Love that area of California.

    Reply

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