Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Solvang Festival Theater, Mendenhall's Museum, Old Mission Santa Ines, Elverhoj Museum, The Brander Vineyard, Clairmont Farms, Wandering Dog Wine Bar, Apple Lane Solvang, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, Sunny Fields Park.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Solvang Festival Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
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. Old Mission Santa Ines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By CleopatraBunny - Flagstaff, United States
This active Catholic Church has a well-curated collection of old mission tools, vestments, furnishings and other items from the 1800s mission life. Cemetery has over 1000 people buried here but most graves are not marked. What’s worthwhile is the self-guided audio tour. You push little buttons on the wall in seven areas to hear the history and backstory on each room and the church itself. Plenty of free parking and charming gift shop staff.
4. 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.
5. The Brander Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Diana903 - Agoura Hills, United States
Must commend Brander and how we love the tasting room, ambiance and product. Sitting outside on a garden deck next to a waterfall, sipping a great wine and enjoying the view. Could it be any better? Go see Carlos in the tasting room manager who is impeccable in his presentation of the wine making process and tasting notes! Lovely relaxing and simply the best????????
6. Clairmont Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Clairmont Farms is a family owned and operated, working lavender farm. Come and see 12,000 Grosso lavender plants, the lavender distillery which operates daily and enjoy learning how lavender farming is done and how the products are made. Bring a picnic and eat by the field. The gift shop has all sorts of lavender products from soaps, shampoos, essential oils to even dog shampoo. Open 10-6 daylight savings time and 10-5 standard time.
Reviewed By leight148 - Medina, United States
My sister and I were visiting vineyards in the area and a lady suggested we go to this lavender farm. We are so glad we did. We had a wonderful visit with the owners and bought some of their lavender products. Great visit and I highly suggest a visit, you’ll be glad you did.
7. Wandering Dog Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
A fabulous place to enjoy wine, beer and shrub tastings along with gourmet cheese and charcuterie platters! You can choose between flights, tastings or by-the-glass. Relax on the outside patio or enjoy the air-conditioned inside and talk with the servers about your favorite wines. Cheese pairings available as well to go along with any tasting or flight. Dog friendly on the patio. Unfortunately children cannot come in or be on our patio. Must be 21 or older to be on the premises.
8. Apple Lane Solvang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
9. 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.
10. Sunny Fields Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By D9447PXjohns - California, United States
We were first drawn to Sunny Fields Park because it looks like a Danish Village. Of course we were pleased to find that it's clean and safe. The younger kids will love it but there are other features as well. There are volleyball nets (at least when we were there), picnic tables with shaded eating areas, benches, grills, restrooms, and a nice "track" which surrounds the perimeter of the park. There is plenty of parking and informational flyers listing local events. There is also a number there if you wish to reserve a spot for larger functions. Finally, the park is on Alamo Pintado Road which is conveniently located near downtown Solvang! Continue on the same road and you'll find wineries, apple farms, nut and berry farms, an olive stand, a lavender farm, and a miniature horse ranch! You can really make a fun afternoon of it and let the little ones (or you) burn off some energy.
