Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
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What to do and see in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Solvang Festival Theater, Old Mission Santa Ines, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Elverhoj Museum, Santa Ynez Valley, Rusack Vineyards, Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Quicksilver Ranch, Nojoqui Falls Park, Hans Christian Andersen Park.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Solvang Festival Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
2. 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.
3. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By OutandaboutSandy - Nipomo, United States
Atmosphere: large shady lawns with comfy couches; tables and chairs near tasting room Service: friendly Wine: excellent. We especially liked the 2017 barrel aged Pinot noir. These are quality wines - recommend sharing them with family and friends who truly appreciate fine wines. Be aware: reservations required for tastings; however, wine may be purchased by the bottle or glass without a reservation.
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. Santa Ynez Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
This burgeoning wine region is located just north of Santa Barbara and is home to more than 60 vineyards.
Reviewed By E9536ZUcristinac - Laguna Beach, United States
We discovered the Santa Ynez Valley a couple of years ago and have now been there 7 times! The scenery is lovely; great hiking such as Lovers Loop, the winetasting is plentiful and excellent, ForFriends Inn has become a second home for us; Ellie's Tap & Vine is our favorite restaurant along with The Gathering Table, Brothers Red Barn and so many others!
6. Rusack Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 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 mlwatton - Pittsburgh, United States
Had a wonderful experience here! We had a wine tasting and enjoyed a bottle on the patio which had spectacular views.They also had a friendly kitty in the tasting room which was great. Wines were delicious and definitely top quality, I would highly recommend!
7. 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 !
8. Quicksilver Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By colleenc967
Easy to find. It was just a short ride out of Solvang. Miniature ponies grazing, some close enough to pet.
9. Nojoqui Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By MrSo57 - Los Angeles, United States
We visited in January, before rainy season and the waterfall was so beautiful! The drive down Alamo Pintado to the park was glorious. We saw wild pigs, deer, cows & horses. Along the hike to the waterfalls, we saw wild turkeys! The waterfall is a hidden treasure. I absolutely recommend this hike to the water falls for beginners.
10. Hans Christian Andersen Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Hans Christian Andersen Park is an awesome park filled with large live oak trees. To enter this park, one needs to drive through a castle arch. It has a skating section. There is a small wooden playground behind the skating section. There are several benches for public seating. Certainly worth visiting when in Solvang.
