This submit was written by Chelsea Loren, considered one of our Skilled Journey Contributors!
Tucked away within the Santa Ynez Valley, nearly an hour above Santa Barbara is without doubt one of the loveliest hidden gems of California.
Whereas you might have heard of Solvang — also called the Little Danish City, do you know that scattered across the space are a lot of small cities with a number of the finest wine tasting rooms?
In the event you’re in search of a calming getaway the place you’ll be able to unwind, breathe within the contemporary air, and see part of California that probably doesn’t come up on the radar — Santa Ynez Valley, positioned on the Central Coast is for you!
Pattern delights on the native eating places (they’re huge on the whole lot being native), spend a day wandering the Danish-inspired streets of Solvang, or pattern wine from one of many 40+ tasting rooms in Los Olivos!
Right here’s a 3-day information — meant to be taken at a gradual and leisurely tempo — of the Santa Ynez Valley, positioned on California’s Central Coast!
In regards to the Santa Ynez Valley
Whereas Napa and Sonoma often take the cake for the go-to wine spots in California, the Santa Ynez Valley shouldn’t be ignored!
Plus, the area delivers attraction in SPADES.
A lot of the world was constructed within the late 1800s; the valley was a part of a 40-mile lengthy route that stagecoaches adopted from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos.
Of us thought the railroad was going to chop inland and convey enterprise to the world. That didn’t find yourself occurring, nor did the locations develop from their meager beginnings, so the cities are small with lovely previous structure — it’s like taking a step again in time.
Olive Department Farm
The place to Keep
The valley has a number of completely different small cities — whereas a few of them are inside biking distance, others you’ll probably need to have a automobile to get back and forth.
So far as selecting a spot to put your head, we discovered a gorgeous VRBO — and I couldn’t advocate it sufficient! In the event you’re touring with household or a gaggle of associates, this contemporary farmhouse is extraordinarily charming, plus it’s acquired a beautiful pool and jacuzzi.
I extremely advocate testing Olive Branch Farm.
As a result of this journey is geared towards stress-free and taking time to essentially chill, I’d extremely advocate discovering a stunning short-term rental or inn to remain at. Someplace charming to put your head!
Right here’s a fast rundown of the completely different cities within the space:
Los Olivos
You would possibly acknowledge this place from Sideways. The 40+ tasting rooms that dot the primary avenue of city have turned Los Olivos right into a wine lover’s mecca.
Los Alamos
Well-known for being an Outdated West stagecoach cease, this city provides you with a glimpse into life again within the nineteenth century. And, that’s what I like about California! You’ll be able to hop from a flowery wine tasting over to an Outdated West saloon very quickly.
Ballard
Amongst the fields of wildflowers, you’ll discover the tiny city. With fewer than 500 folks, it’s not precisely hopping, nevertheless it’s acquired that small-town attraction.
Cease to seize a chew at Gathering Desk or Bob’s Properly Bread to mingle with the locals.
Advisable Keep: Olive Branch Farm or Ballard Inn
Solvang
With slightly below 6,000 folks, Solvang is the most important city in Santa Ynez Valley. Well-known for its Danish heritage, this beautiful little spot is stuffed with distinctive retailers and European-inspired structure.
Santa Ynez
Like many locations on this Central Californian area, Santa Ynez Wine Nation is legendary for its homegrown vintages. And, whereas the vino tends to steal the limelight, the native craft beers are nicely price sampling as nicely.
Buellton
Residence to the well-known Andersen’s Pea Soup Place, this small city packs a robust punch in terms of artisanal eateries and craft beers.
First Night time: Gathering Desk for Dinner
I implore you to spend the time and take the scenic route.
In the event you’re coming in from Southern California, you’ll be able to take Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH) the entire means and take within the beautiful views.
Planning Tip: Earlier than you go, seize these tips about the highest stops alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway.
No matter the place you’re coming from, I’d advocate getting in early to keep away from the site visitors in case you can swing it.
As soon as you might be settled in, head to Gathering Table in Ballard for dinner. Be warned this place is hopping although!
Guide prematurely to ensure you get a desk
Day 1: Los Alamos
Head to Los Alamos to soak within the Outdated West vibe. Discover the western city then cease by then 1800 Saloon. Linger over lunch or simply seize a drink and some pictures.
In the event you booked a spot with a pool — that is the right time to unwind with an area bottle of wine.
As soon as time for supper rolls round, go for upscale Italian at S.Y. Kitchen. Like many native hotspots, you’ll undoubtedly desire a reservation right here so plan forward.
Egg-In-a-Jar with Toast Troopers
Day 2: Bike Tour & Los Olivos
Breakfast at Bob’s Properly Bread
In the event you’re up early, recover from to Bob’s Well Bread for breakfast. It’s simply throughout from the Gathering Desk and it’s the right spot to gas up for the day.
Nevertheless, in case you’re in a rush — seize one thing fast to go and head off to the bike tour.
Bike Tour
Starting in Solvang, a wine country bike tour is a dreamy solution to spend a sunny afternoon. You’ll observe the meandering paths via the scenic wineries then cease off in Los Olivos.
In the event you like biking (or don’t thoughts it for the surroundings), I’d extremely advocate this journey. It was one of many key highlights of the journey and my whole household cherished it.
Our information shared all of the ins and outs of the valley, highlighting completely different spots, and took it at our tempo. In the event you’re not into scaling hills or need to take it simpler, e-bikes can be found, too!
We completed off our tour with a wine flight and an alfresco lunch. It was completely pleasant.
After all, you probably have little ones alongside or aren’t into the entire biking and wine factor, there are different instructions you can go along with your day.
Book a Biking Tour of Wine Country Here
Los Olivos
One other fab decide is olive oil tasting in Los Olivos at Olive Hill Farm.
There was a big selection of choices and it was nice to attempt completely different pairing concepts. I particularly love discovering native specialty gadgets like this as a result of I can carry them dwelling as souvenirs and really use them.
These olive oils at the moment are a mainstay on my salads, so it was undoubtedly price it!
In the event you’re not utterly crammed up on samples, make your means down the road to have lunch at Wine Merchant Café. One other spot made well-known by the film, Sideways, it is a good place to linger and wind down for the night.
In spite of everything this, you’ll want a nap! Head dwelling, order dinner, and simply unwind.
Do remember prematurely that supply choices are restricted in case you’re farther away from Solvang. In the event you’re within the outskirts, plan on going out to gather your dinner.
Day 3: Solvang
You’ll be able to’t depart Central California with out visiting Solvang!
Begin your day by sampling the mouthwatering danish bakeries. This little city is legendary for its breweries, Danish-inspired structure, Danish pastries, and Ebelskivers (that are Danish pancakes that pair nicely with lingonberry jam!).
There are a selection of Danish bakeries round, so take your decide from the lot!
I discovered a cool pair of kicks at The Copenhagen House, a one-of-a-kind Danish retailer with specialty imported gadgets. They’ve all types of issues that you simply gained’t discover wherever else exterior of Denmark.
It’s straightforward to stroll round and see the city, or you may have an choice to lease a moke automobile and romp across the streets.
Bonus
That is solely the tip of the iceberg! In the event you’re seeking to lengthen your journey round Central California, you’ll be spoilt for alternative.
Considered one of my private fave is San Luis Obispo. Whether or not you’re in search of grassy inexperienced hills, a hip downtown space, or funky breweries, this spot ticks the entire packing containers.
One other wine lover’s paradise, I finished by Paso Robles — and it actually shouldn’t be missed!
In the event you’re able to enterprise a bit farther south, Santa Barbara is a should. One other seaside city the place you’ll be able to title your journey, you’ll be able to’t go improper right here.
Even when it’s only a pitstop, swing by the Cold Spring Tavern for breakfast. This previous stagecoach pitstop will transport you again in time.
