Things to do in Solvang

Santa Barbara County is home to 300 wineries, which could take a lifetime to explore. Solvang has made it easy by offering more than 20 wine-tasting rooms. There’s no need to designate a driver when you can simply walk from shop to shop, sampling the wide range of wines grown in this region.

Click here to view a list of tasting rooms in Solvang!

The Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, located on Mission Drive (the main street through town) near Hans Christian Andersen Park, uses art to communicate the importance of our natural heritage. Its goal is to inspire a future generation of artists and conservationists. Through painting, sculpture, and photography, exhibits explore local animal life, the night sky, and surrounding landscapes. This is a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with children since the museum often offers hands-on activities.

Housed in a historic handcrafted home, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is committed to preserving the history and Danish culture of Solvang. You’ll need less than an hour to explore the museum, but it’s worth the time. Admire the traditional Danish clothing, furniture, and tools. A highlight is a model of the Solvang village as it was shortly after it was founded.

One of Denmark’s most famous citizens was Hans Christian Andersen, who began publishing fairy tales in 1835. His stories — including The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, and The Ugly Duckling — are now known around the world. Learn all about his life and legacy at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

Shopping in Solvang is a must, especially as there are boutique shops everywhere! With over 150 stores, you can find anything from children’s clothing shops to pottery and antiques. There is no shortage of places to shop in this small town.

The Jule Hus is One of the Best Things to See in Solvang. If you’re feeling the holiday spirit, no matter the time of year, a visit to the Jule Hus Christmas store is well worth your time! Grab a Christmas ornament (that’s what we always collect on trips), find cute decorations, and enjoy the beautiful Danish building as you spend some time in here.

Looking for unique things to do in Solvang? Take the Solvang Trolley tour with two draft horses pulling the trolley around town as you take in the history and scenery of the area. You can’t miss the Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours stand in the downtown area, and it is a cute and fun way to see the town.

E V X P offers the perfect form of transportation for Solvang visitors. All-electric vehicles that boast zero emissions, ridiculously chic styling, and a range of eye-catching color and customization options. With its open-air body style, our electric vehicles offer unrivaled sightseeing capabilities, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after and stylish transport experiences available in Solvang.

Wheel Fun Rentals! Welcome to Solvang’s premiere Surrey cycle rental outlet. Explore whimsical downtown Solvang, ride through Santa Barbara County’s wine country and Santa Ynez Valley passing beautiful parks, farms, vineyards, wineries, and more by bike!

Aside from incredible wine tasting, did you know that there are several olive oil shops in Solvang where you can try free samples? If you love olive oil and are looking for free things to do in Solvang, why not sample a bit of them (and perhaps buy a bottle of oil if you decide to try a ton)?

1. Solvang Olive Press

2. Olive House Home of Twenty Mile Winery

Long before the town of Solvang was imagined, the Spanish arrived in this area to establish a mission. The Old Mission Santa Ines, one of the 21 missions built in California between 1769 and 1836, was founded in 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the church, museum, and gardens Monday through Saturday.

The museum features a selection of vestments, artwork, bells, and manuscripts used in the mission throughout its history. Behind the church is a cemetery with the Stations of the Cross. Spend a few moments strolling the grounds and admiring the views. Even if you aren’t interested in touring the mission, check out the view of the valley from the parking lot

— it might be one of the most scenic spots in the region.

A replica of Denmark’s The Little Mermaid statue was installed by Earl and Dolores Peterson in 1976, in Denmarket Square, Solvang, California. It is a bronze sculpture and is half the size of the original in Copenhagen.

It sits on a large stone structure, with a reflecting pool.

The city of Solvang is the largest danish settlement in America and has a substantial tourist industry based on its danish heritage. It was founded in 1911 and has over 150 art galleries, restaurants, souvenir shops and other attractions, including a Danish windmill, a Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and many buildings built in old Danish architectural styles.

Find it on, 1693 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463

If after eating danishes and sipping wine you want to get a little more active, there are ample opportunities to go hiking near Solvang.
Aside from many parks and outdoor spaces in Solvang like Hans Christian Andersen Park, Solvang Park, and Sunny Fields Park. Enjoy a short hike at Nojoqui Falls.

Only about 15 minutes from downtown Solvang, this short and relatively easy hike is a must-see attraction near Solvang. The trail itself is only two-thirds of a mile-long round-trip and leads to an 80-foot waterfall.

Start your morning off right by popping into one of the many Danish bakeries in downtown Solvang selling traditional pastries such as aebleskivers, flodebollers, and stroopwafels. Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery will likely have a long line, but that’s because they are well known for their classic Danish pastries.

Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafeis another popular old-world bakery, selling kringles filled with almond paste, cardamom bread, and fruit-filled pastries. If you’re visiting during the holidays, don’t miss Solvang Bakery Located on Alisal Road, this bakery is well known for its elaborate gingerbread houses.