Solvang Travel Guide: How to Have the Most Magical Weekend

Time of Year

Like much of Central California, Solvang is pleasant year-round. However, some summer days can get up to 90°F or higher, which can make outdoor exploring slightly uncomfortable. Summer is also the time of year that sees the largest influx of weekenders.

Instead, I recommend planning your visit in Fall or Winter around one of Solvang’s three signature festivals: Danish Days, Grape Stomp or Julefest.

On one September weekend every year, Solvang hosts its annual Danish Days. This heritage festival includes three parades, Danish music and folk dance performances and themed events like rock concerts and Aebleskiver Breakfasts.

Like the name suggests, Grape Stomp is a harvest festival where visitors have the opportunity to stomp grapes, receive a souvenir wine glass and, of course, sample some amazing local delicacies and wine. This annual tradition typically takes place in mid-October and is great option if you had previously missed out on Danish Days the month prior!

With picturesque buildings, amazing restaurants, diverse wineries and adorable shops, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and book your Solvang hotel for a magical weekend you won’t soon forget:

Hotels

The Landsby – $$$

Hotel Ynez – $$-$$$

Sideways Inn – $

Vinland Hotel & Lounge – $

Wineries

Here’s a list of my favorite wineries, all of which have organic or biodynamic wines and are within 15 minutes driving-distance from Solvang:

Coquelicot Estate – 100% Certified Organic

Larner – 100% Organic

Solminer – Austrian-focused and Certified Biodynamic & Organic

Sunstone Vineyards – Celebrity Favorite. Their estate-grown wines are organic.

Tasting Rooms

If you’re looking for something in-town, check out one of these local Solvang tasting rooms:

Casa Cassara – 1607 Mission Drive

Dana V. Wines – 1588 Mission Drive

Royal Oaks – 1687 Mission Drive

Sanger Wines – 1584 Mission Drive

Toccata – 1650 Copenhagen Drive

Alisal Road

Solvang’s main street, Alisal Road, is lined with a variety of shops that offer everything from Danish imports to handmade crafts to designer clothing.

The Book Loft – Bookstore with a wide selection of new, used and Nordic books.

Hanson’s Clock Shop Jewelers – Souvenir Shop with some incredible Danish charm, offering beer steins, cuckoo clocks and other bespoke collectibles.

Solvang Olive Press – Olive Oil Shop offering tastings of flavored oils, maple syrup and more.

Copenhagen Drive

Another fun spot to peruse is Copenhagen Drive, especially if you’re an art fan as most of Solvang’s galleries are located here:

Ingeborg’s Chocolates – Gourmet Chocolate Shop

Pavlov – Art Gallery

Pebble People – Souvenir Shop selling kitschy gifts Christmas ornaments and Disney figurines and watches.

Thomas Kinkade – Art Gallery

ZFolio – Art Gallery

Honorary Mention: The Solvang Spice Merchant

Shopping in Solvang isn’t just limited to Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive. One of my favorite shops in the whole town is The Solvang Spice Merchant.

Offering a large and affordable collection of salts, spices and teas, the Spice Merchant has something for everyone. My recommendations? Sample a few blended spices. My favorites are the Brewpub Garlic Fries, the Spicy Thai Blend and the Tuscan Bread Dip.

Restaurants

If you have any food restrictions or are generally just looking for something a little less sweet, there are also many other casual and fine dining spots around town to choose from:

Mad & Vin – Traditional Viennese Bakery and Salon

• Located in The Landsby Hotel, this spot has my favorite food and drinks in all of Solvang!

Leonardo’s – Italian Cuisine and Pizzeria

peasants FEAST – New American

Santa Barbara, California

Located along the California coast, Santa Barbara is a wonderful spot to explore. See the Cactus Garden at Ganna Walska Lotusland, walk Stearns Wharf or visit Mission Santa Barbara. And for something a little more low-key, try shopping on State Street or renting bikes to explore the town.

Distance from Solvang: 1 Hour

Ojai

Don’t let the small town escape end! Take a trip to Ojai for a host of wonderful beer and wine tasting opportunities, cute hotels and trendy boutiques.

Perhaps the number one reason to visit Ojai, however, and number one place I recommend, is Bart’s Books. Originally inspired by Parisian book carts on the banks of the Seine, Bart’s is not only the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, but a eye-catching spot to spend a few hours exploring.

Distance from Solvang: 1.5 Hours

Paso Robles

Why not continue your California wine adventure at one of the best wine regions in the state? Unlike Napa and Sonoma, Paso Robles has still managed to be one of California’s best kept secrets to all but locals and those in the industry.

While in Paso, make sure to stop at wineries such as L’Aventure, Broken Earth and Robert Hall. For more ideas on what to do while visiting, visit my blog post: How To Spend One Day in Paso Robles – My Favorite Spots.

Distance from Solvang: 1.5 Hours