Location: Buellton
Top Things to do in Buellton
- 1. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
- 2. Solvang Festival Theater
- 3. Rusack Vineyards
- 4. Mendenhall's Museum
- 5. Old Mission Santa Ines
- 6. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop
- 7. Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
- 8. Hans Christian Andersen Park
- 9. Buellton Visitor Bureau & Chamber of Commerce
- 10. Elverhoj Museum
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Buellton, United States
Buellton is a small city in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. It is located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The population was 4,828 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Buellton
1. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Great_Beer_Now - Houston, Texas
If great, award winning beer is something you enjoy, you’re not alone. As a beer writer/blogger, I am constantly in search of new beer and a recent beercation to California’s central coast presented many opportunities to visit new places and drink new beer. And one of the places I made sure to visit was Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Buellton.
I could have visited other breweries, but I selected Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Buellton for one very important reason: Awards! This brewery has won multiple awards and with so much recognition, I felt like I just had to pay a visit. Two quick turns off of the northbound Highway 101 and I arrived at Figueroa Mountain, ready for action.
This brewery/brewpub has seating and bars on two levels plus an outdoor patio. For food, they have a small menu offering burgers, sandwiches, wings, appetizers, etc. There is even a kids menu and dogs are welcome on the patio, making Figueroa Mountain Brewing family- friendly in every sense. The food options are good and many are made to match well with beer.
I went with a flight sampler when it came time to order the beer. I decided I would order two beers that have won national awards and two that have not. The two award- winning beers I tried, Davy Brown Ale and I Dunkled in My Pants, were both good beers but my favorite among the ones I sampled was Hurricane Deck Double IPA. Its combination of tropical fruits, citrus, grassy hops and more made it a real treat for the palate.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Buellton has lots of items on its interior walls and the inside seating is somewhat limited. For these and other reasons, I recommend heading to the outdoor patio if you can. The fresh air, picnic tables, corn hole games, and other extras make the patio the place to be. Oh, and depending on when you visit, there may be a live band playing, for added enjoyment.
California has its share of craft breweries and many of them are nationally known, Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Buellton is not one of the well- known breweries, but it is definitely a place worthy of a visit. Multiple awards, good eats, and a friendly atmosphere make this a place deserving of your time, especially if you count yourself among the craft beer crowd.
2. Solvang Festival Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By John F
If you live on the Central Coast or visiting anywhere between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo you must immediately stop working and buy tickets to this outdoor theater. As a long time resident in San Luis Obispo county we had never experienced this magical place with great acting, food, atmosphere, and entertainment. From the greeters, to the concessions, to the show, the entire experience was top notch. We saw Beauty and the Beast and it was simply spectacular. During the song "be our guest" Lumiere at one point was near our seats and turned and welcomed my daughter to the dinner and that was moment PCPA and the Solvang theater became a place we will continue to support by going to show after show for many years to come. In fact the actor in full character looked at her and said "why hello, when did you get here, welcome." The ability to reach out and engage the audience in this way without missing a beat was absolutely powerful for my daughter and family to experience. So with that said here is the breakdown of the venue;
-Bring warm cloths, hats, gloves and cushions to sit on. (they rent cushions for $2)
-Blankets are also a great idea. (they rent those as well)
-Seats are stadium style with backs and are surprisingly well suited for larger guests and children can see over people in front of them easily
-Gates open at 6:30pm (8pm show) so you can eat the concessions food or picnic in their nice lawn area or patio seating
-Solvang bakery does the food and desserts. Amazing. Appears to be wine available as well.
-Photos with Gaston with the kids after the show was just great
I'm in the hospitality business and have been for years. When you can get volunteers, actors/actresses, and basically everyone on the ground working in harmony you can create magic. That is what is happening in Solvang with this theater company. Kudos to management and directors for bringing in such amazing actors and actresses, staff, and volunteers to support your operation and be a part of this community.
If your reading this.......buy tickets......go have a picnic with your family......buy some hot cocoa and cookies at intermission.....and make local theater and the arts a part of how you live. I know we will for many years to come.
3. Rusack Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
We are a boutique winery and vineyard, nestled among the oak-studded rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Our mission is to create world-class, handcrafted wines that reflect our commitment to excellence and our love for this region. That commitment begins in our Estate Vineyard, which we re-planted in 2003 in order to capture the true character of Ballard Canyon, and which we meticulously farm in small lots. It extends to the winemaking process, during which we go to every possible length to achieve the delicate balance of "elegance & power" (Robert Parker, August 2010) for which our wines have become known around the world. Finally, it extends to our label, a Catalina tile, a family legacy symbol of our belief in the beauty of what arises from blending craft, earth, art and family.
Reviewed By viaggiox - Sonoma, California
A visit to Rusack Vineyards will leave you with a Santa Ynez wine experience that you'll remember forever. It's great on so many fronts. The location is lovely and quintessential Santa Ynez valley wine country. Rolling hills, wind blown oaks and patches of dark green vineyards. A beautiful blend of wine and horse country. The drive along narrow country roads affords great views and the vineyard offers a a gorgeous picnic area under the oak trees. Your palate will be as pleased as your eyes, with great sauv blanc, chard and pinot. The whole vibe is relaxed and casual. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Some of the best wineries in the area are out in the country so don't expect to slam through the tasting. Take the time, you'll enjoy it.
4. Mendenhall's Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Richard K - Manhattan Beach, California
A very fun place to visit the man has possibly every gas pump made and gasoline signs, very clean Mark and his wife the owners are great tour guides.
5. Old Mission Santa Ines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 431 reviews
Reviewed By Jeanne B
This is a low key lovely visit to a place way out of the past.
The mission is well preserved, though under key, and a fine tribute to the past.
It is no overwhelming, but historical, and we are glad we enjoyed this historic site.
Gift shop is lovely, very reasonably priced and clerks helpful and welcoming.
I recommend going, especially since it is so close to town.
6. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
100% cotton fabric and flannel. All displayed within an environment of fun and funky displays, reusing anything we can find in a way that just ain't natural people. You really need to see it to believe it. We invite and hope you'll come to see us! You don't have to sew or quilt. You don't even have to buy anything (but we hope you will). We appreciate ALL VISITORS! Hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By Lionsy - Sydney, Australia
We (visiting from Australia) made an effort to come back to Buellton to visit this shop- that's how much my wife loves it. We have always dealt with Patrick, but unfortunately he wasn't there this time (apparently he was unwell). So we had the pleasure...MoreThanks for kind words. So happy you had a good time but sorry I missed your visit. I'm back in the shop and healthy. Your package will be shipped asap. Safe travels to you and your family while you're away.
7. Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards was founded in 2005 by Sta. Rita Hills pioneer winegrower, and Vineyard Hall of Fame inductee, Richard Sanford. Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards places a focus on cool-climate varietals best suited to the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, chiefly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with additional production of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The wines are distinctive, expressive, and are exemplary of the region. Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards is committed to sustainable agricultural and business practices including organic farming and green building techniques. Alma Rosa's estate vineyards are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and were the first to achieve that recognition in the region. The name Alma Rosa is a tribute to the soul of the original Santa Rosa land grant on which the estate vineyards are planted. We look forward to sharing our wines with you!
Reviewed By Doug M - Wasaga Beach, Canada
Looking for a Tasteing room away from the winery with nice Decore and great setting Give this one a try. The wine is much the same as other Winery's but the relaxing Room that you taste the Wine in is really neat Design nice Furinture.
8. Hans Christian Andersen Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Maggers - Los Osos, California
The picnic area is the highlight of the park. Some walking trails take you through a gulley-like valley with an all-natural setting (business district on one side and suburban housing on the other, but raised above you so you can't see or hear much noise). Peaceful and conveniently located near the middle of Solvang. Picnic area has reservable tables, some covered, and a few reservable BBQ pits (Santa Maria style). Look out for wildlife if you are walking early or at dusk.
9. Buellton Visitor Bureau & Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By MJC_On_Road - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Travelling around CA there are some hidden gems you need a local to help you find. In Buellton these guys are that local.
What lovely people! My wife is always nervous about asking questions of strangers in towns we pass through, but if these guys are training the rest of the CA tourist industry - nothing to worry about.
This little town is probably a 'pass by' for many a traveller, but if you have the time and want to try some lovely wine...pull over.
10. Elverhoj Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Housed in the former home of a Solvang family, this musuem is devoted solely to Danish culture and the Danish-American experience.
Reviewed By Batmom7 - Spring Hill, Florida
Sometimes you find something interesting where you least expect it. I enjoyed visiting this museum so much more than I thought I would. There was so much to see and learn about the town. Every room offered something new and different. Then there was the building in the back with the storks on the roof and a replica of the town. The docents were so nice and made you feel welcome. Don't leave Solvang without a visit here.
TAGS
