Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
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Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley: The Best Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, Mendenhall's Museum, Elverhoj Museum, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House, Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Solvang Antiques, Gallery Los Olivos, Thomas Kinkade Places in the Heart Gallery, Gerlach Photography.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 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 nadinemU3699ZW
I am a daily sewer and sell my artistic design weekly. When ever I need a special theme or color the Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop always surprises me with the current selection of fabrics and always inspires me. Pleased to have them in my area! Fabric shops are fading away and I want to always support the small shops that are independent and relay upon us to keep on being in business. This shop is fun and owners are kind and happy to assist your fabric needs.
2. Mendenhall's Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Jim_Abney - Los Angeles, United States
It is no surprise to me that this place has such a high rating. It is only open for tours by reservation, so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, give them a call a set up a time to tour this fabulous collection. There is so much to see, it boggles the mind and brings back great memories of your childhood. There were 6 of us that signed up and the tour was private. The guide was the daughter-in-law of Jack Mendenhall, who amassed the collection and she gave us a wonderful tour. She never rushed us and gave us all the time we needed to fully appreciate the collection, while supplying great anecdotes and interesting information. The cost is $15.00 per person and worth every penny. My only regret was that they were out of my size in a souvenir T-Shirt that I had my eye on.
3. Elverhoj Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 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 DWoerner - Georgetown, United States
This charming small museum is located in what was the home of a local artist. The artist built the house 1949-53 and lived there for several decades until his death. The house was built in Danish style and has many interesting details, such as the hand painted cabinets in the former kitchen. The museum features the history of Solvang, which was founded in 1911. A real highlight is a very large scale model of the Solvang village as it was shortly after founding, circa 1914. Another highlight is video reminisces of local people telling stories about Solvang. The backyard and exterior is also very pretty. The museum asks for a donation of $5 for the visit.
4. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The Wildling Museum is where art and nature meet! Through beautiful art exhibitions and programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of artists and conservationists. We feature 3-4 art exhibitions at any one time as well as offer many art classes and lectures for all ages throughout the year. Our hand-painted Valley Oak wall mural is a beautiful way to become acquainted with our local landscape and wildlife. We also have a wonderful gift shop full of unique gifts and nature and hiking guides and maps (proceeds support the museum). The Wildling is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization.
Reviewed By consolef - San Diego, United States
On the main street near Holiday Inn, this 2 story, accessible museum is a treasure of photography, art and special events and exhibits. Admission cost is small, kids admitted free. There's a splendid little gift shop. Mon. Wed. Thu. Fri. 11-5 Sat. Sun. 10-5 Closed Tuesday.
5. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is home to the an impressive collection of Horse drawn conveyances and Western Saddles as well additional rooms of exhibits depicting western life, art and fashion. The Valley Room houses the history of the Santa Ynez Valley with artifacts of the pioneer life as well as a working scale model of the train which ran through the Santa Ynez Valley. The Jeanette Lyons Room has a new exhibit opening March 19, 2017 called "If the Shoe Fits.... displaying footwear over the ages, from whimsical to functional.
6. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
OPEN SAT/SUN 10-4 AND WEEKDAYS from 11:00 - 3:00 by calling ahead and making an appointment. If there's no answer on the main line during normal business hours, chances are I am already in the Museum and you should call the cell phone number as directed on the message machine. The L.A. Times voted the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum as one of the 5 Best Places to Visit in California for $10 or less. A private collection of more than 95 of the most extraordinary historical vintage and classic Factory Racers and road motorcycles from all over the world. There are several one-of-a-kind motorcycles that you may never have seen and some that you may never see again anywhere else.
Reviewed By Musclebearnz
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. I had read about this extensive collection of American, Japanese and European motorcycles in the quaint Danish town of Solvang 130 miles north of LA, so I made the trip from LA especially to visit this collection. As a proud Kiwi, my main reason to visit was to see the amazing Britten, designed by my fellow countryman John Britten. This Britten was something special. It was the last one of ten that were ever made and also this one had never been raced. It was an honour to see this motorcycle and was quite an emotional experience. Along with the Britten there was a wide selection of vintage models and for me it was good to see a big collection of classic Japanese bikes. There is even what is believed to be the last Norton ever produced, a brand new Norton Rotary. Words can’t explain, how extensive and special this collection of motorcycles is. You could easily spend hours looking at the bikes and what makes it special is the brief story associated with each bike that details some history and interesting facts about each model. One of the Museums best assets is Jill, who is so welcoming and kind. Jill has an interesting story and offers some history about every bike in the museum. I am a bike nut, but even if you weren’t you would find this museum so interesting. There is a $10 entrance fee which is nothing compared to the amount of enjoyment it brings and the privilege it was to visit. I will be coming back and will make sure I tell my friends that a visit here is compulsory if you are ever in the area. Best regards from New Zealand !
7. Solvang Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Due to COVID-19, our showroom is temporarily closed. Our website is always open. Please contact us with questions and be safe. With over 40 years of experience selling to clients from around the world, Solvang Antiques is widely recognized as one of the country’s finest antique galleries. They feature exquisite antique, vintage and estate jewelry, and 18th and 19th century furniture showcased with an exceptional selection of restored antique clocks, watches and music boxes, decorative accessories, antique lighting and sterling silver.
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
We stopped into this quaint antique shop while strolling the streets of Solvang. I really loved the many, many old antique clocks, grandfather clocks, old phono players and other antiques. The staff were very nice and happy to demo anything in the store for you or give you the history of an item. Very cool store. BOTTOM LINE: Many need old things here to discover and see. Love our stop here. MY RATING: 9/10.
8. Gallery Los Olivos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Gallery Los Olivos is the largest ART Gallery in the quaint town of Los Olivos Exhibiting over 45 artists from Santa Barbara, San luis Obispo and Ventura. Our diverse collection of painting, mixed media, sculpture, photography, ceramics, woodturning, and jewelry is enjoyed by the local community as well as visitors from all over the world. The Gallery is open daily 10 - 5 pm, 7 days a week.
9. Thomas Kinkade Places in the Heart Gallery
10. Gerlach Photography
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By EvaS783 - Phoenix, United States
Beautiful photographs! And the photographer was there to fill us in on where some were taken and more. When I asked about a small photo with horses-- he had many -- for a little gift he graciously went in the back room and brought out several. When we selected one, he proceeded to mat it and sign the back for us to give to the horse-lover in the family. A great place to stop when strolling Solvang!
