How to Spend a Weekend in Solvang: Your 48 hour Itinerary

Solvang is the quintessential fairytale town in California. Settled by Danish immigrants in 1911 it will feel like you’ve teleported to Denmark with windmills and Danish pastries lining the main street.

Solvang has become a go-to spot for tourists all over for its favorable year round weather, quaint feel and charm, and central location in the middle of Santa Barbara wine country. If you’re planning a weekend trip to this hit town you’ve come to the right place.

Where to Stay

The Landsby

The Landsby is centrally located in downtown Solvang and has recently gone through a modern renovation with some of the best rooms to stay in town. While the inside is modern The Landsby still manages to hold it’s Danish charm. From here you can walk to anything you’d want to do in town.

Mad and Vin is the restaurant located in the hotel and is one of the best spots to go to for a great dining experience.

Budget: $$

Hotel Ynez

Ok while not technically located in Solvang, Hotel Ynez sits just outside the town with less than a 5 minute drive to either Solvang or Santa Ynez in opposite directions.

Having gone through an extensive remodel a few years ago Hotel Ynez strikes the perfect balance of chic modern wine country hotel with all the comforts and charm you’d expect of a bed and breakfast.

With bocce courts right outside your door, and fire pits surrounded by adirondack chairs you can kick back with a glass of wine in hand around the fire and look up at the stars at night. There’s also a pool to beat the summer heat.

Budget: $$

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

The Vinland Hotel and Lounge is a contemporary hotel at the end of the main street in Solvang. The rooms are all updated and have access to a pool and hot tub so you can unwind after a long day of exploring or traveling.

The Lounge bar is something you’ll want to take advantage of as they have some of the best espresso martinis in town.

Budget: $

Wine

No weekend trip to Solvang is complete without sampling some of the many wine tasting rooms that are all around town. While wineries abound all around Solvang we’ll keep this guide to just the tasting rooms that are located downtown.

Alma Rosa

If you like top quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay then you’ve come to the right place. Alma Rosa has a modern tasting room in the center of Solvang that accepts walk ins and appointments.

Alma Rosa sources all their grapes a few miles west in the fames Sta. Rita Hills. Their founder is considered on of the more influential winemakers in the Santa Barbara wine making scene.

This is a must stop spot if you’re looking to sample some of higher quality wines Santa Barbara is known for.

Crawford Family Wines

Crawford Family Wines is a family focused and family run winery with their tasting room in downtown Solvang. The focus here is on Burgundian and Rhone varietals. Expect to taste through some cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, as well as some lesser produced varietals in Santa Barbara County like Albarino. Walk ins at the tasting room are welcomed but if you’d like to tour the winery outside Solvang reservations are required.

Lucas & Lewellen

Lucas and Lewellen has been a household name in Santa Barbara wine since the late 70’s. Souring their grapes from their own estate spanning multiple microclimates, you can expect to taste through quite the variety of wine. With everything from bold red blends, to bright whites and even some sparkling you’ll really get to taste through the range of wines that are possible in Santa Barbara.

Looking to take a short trip to neighboring Los Olivos? Check out our full guide on some of the best spots to go wine tasting.

Food

Copenhagen Sausage Garden

Beers, sausages, and pretzels. What’s not to love? Copenhagen Sausage Garden is popular for good reason. Stop by and get a stein of beer while sitting a big picnic table with friends or strangers.

The food is great and with a variety of sausages to choose from there’s something for everyone to try.

Coast Range

Coast Range is one of our favorite spots to dine at. The drinks are great, the portions are huge, the service is impeccable, and the doughnuts for desert are out of this world.

Their Vaquero bar is also a great spot to grab a nightcap if you’re looking for a stiff drink after a long day.

It is always very busy so we highly recommend making a reservation in advance.

First & Oak

Looking for something a little more upscale for a special evening? Head to First & Oak in downtown Solvang. With a five course tasting menu available you can taste through the wide range of cuisine that Santa Barbara county is known for from ocean to land.

Map of Solvang

Ready to plan your weekend getaway to Solvang? Use our custom Google map below to pin your favorite spots.

Discover the best of Solvang and make your Solvang trip an unforgettable experience. If you found this helpful, consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter where we highlight all things central coast wines and interview local winemakers.