Are you getting ready to take a fun summer trip to beautiful Solvang, California? This beautiful city in Santa Barbara County, smack dab in the Santa Ynez Valley, may be small, but it has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. What do you plan on getting up to when you visit Solvang?

Solvang is the Danish capital of America, and it’s an incredibly special little town with a lot to see and do in a small space. It’s super walkable, and you can have a jam-packed trip. Even if Solvang isn’t your final destination, it’s a fantastic stop on any California road trip.

Whether you have a few hours to spend on Solvang attractions or you have a few days to take in all of the sights, we’re here to inspire you with a few ideas for things to do in Solvang, California. Read on to learn more, and don’t forget to start writing down your ideal Solvang itinerary!

MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOLVANG

We’ve compiled all of the best things to do in Solvang, CA, onto this handy map! Refer back to it while you’re on your trip so you know what fun activities are nearby. Solvang may be small, but there are a lot of things to do!

1. Old Mission Santa Ines, Solvang, CA

Old Mission Santa Ines is a fascinating historical site and anyone who would love to know more about the history of California will want to add it to their to-do list.

It was the nineteenth of twenty-one missions established by Spanish Franciscan priests between 1769 and 1836. It’s a national historic landmark, and it’s the best-preserved mission from that period of time. Visiting it allows you, in a way, to jump back through time.

It now functions largely as a museum for tourists, but it’s also a parish church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In other words, it does still function as a church, so please be respectful during your visit. You are also welcome to worship there if you so choose.

2. Solvang Trolley and Carriage

A Solvang trolley and carriage tour is another great way to get in touch with Solvang’s history.

 We recommend this as a day-one activity if you’re able to find the time. You’ll be carted around Solvang by a professional carriage driver who will be able to point out all of the most interesting sights in the city. When you’re done, you can start checking out the things that you’ve passed.

The Solvang trolley is a horse-drawn streetcar, reminiscent of the Danish roots of the city. It’s a 1915 replica Honen, which is Danish for “little hen.” When you get into the trolley, you’ll experience a fun part of historical Danish culture.

Gorgeous Belgian draft horses will take you all around, past wine-tasting rooms, sweet gift shops, and more. It’s a slow trip, but you’re not in a rush, right? Relax and take in the sights of Solvang.

3. Spice and Tea Merchant

Tea and spice lovers, rejoice! The Solvang Spice Merchant has all sorts of goodies waiting for you on your Solvang shopping trip.

When you walk through the doors, you’ll see walls lined with spices, herbs, and teas. Make sure to leave extra room in your suitcase for some delicious spice and tea blends. This is a great place to take a break and get out of the sun when you’re enjoying a day in downtown Solvang.

If you’re overwhelmed with options, don’t be afraid to ask the staff what they recommend! They’re happy to help tourists pick out spices and teas.

4. Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor

Speaking of getting out of the sun, why not grab a sweet frozen treat at the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor? You can find this amazing ice cream shop inside Hamlet Square.

It has an old-fashioned aesthetic, and all of the delicious ice cream that they serve is produced right in sunny California. Get a generous scoop of ice cream or indulge in some gelato. You can try many different flavors of old-fashioned ice cream as well as tasty fruit smoothies, soda floats and sweet banana splits, and sundaes.

If you’re in the mood for a non-frozen treat, you can also get some of their house-made fudge, made right in the ice cream parlor with real butter and cream. It comes in a variety of tasty flavors, so come hungry!

There are many year-round ice cream flavors available, but there are also short-term seasonal flavors. We recommend trying some of the seasonal flavors when you pay a visit to the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor.

5. OstrichLand USA

Yes, you read that right. OstrichLand USA is right in the Solvang area. This is a fun and unexpected little excursion that’s great for a warm and sunny day. It’s technically in Buellton, but that’s so close to Solvang, CA that you won’t notice the trip.

As the name implies, you can expect to see, well, ostriches. As a matter of fact, there are over 100 ostriches and emus at Ostrich Land, so if you’re in the mood to see some large birds in the Santa Ynez River Valley, you’re in the right place.

You don’t just get to see the ostriches. You can feed them too! Just watch your fingers, these birds can be feisty.

6. Check out all things Danish in Solvang

It’s likely clear by now that Solvang is a city full of rich Danish heritage. Why not spend a few hours checking out some of the kitschy fun things around the Danish capital of California?

You can check out the Giant Red Clog outside of the Solvang Shoe Store. Children and small adults can even sit inside the clog for a fun photo opportunity.

See the variety of windmills around town. While they may not be the most functional features of Solvang, they really add to the Danish-themed atmosphere, and they’re great for photos.

The Round Tower of Solvang is a smaller replica of a real 17th-century tower in Copenhagen, Denmark. It may not be as large as the real thing, but it’s a great sight to see while you’re in the city.

You can also search for the fun-themed phone booth in Solvang. It’s shaped similarly to a conventional phone booth, but it has a fun triangular roof that’s bright blue. Note that the phone booth is no longer functional (at least at the time of this article), but it’s another great place to take a quick photo.

7. Bethania Lutheran Church

The Bethania Lutheran Church isn’t as old as the Old Mission Santa Ines, but it’s still an interesting historical church that may be notable to any history buffs out there. It was dedicated in 1928 and it features a decorative wooden ship hanging from the nave.

Again, this is still an active church where people go to worship. Visitors of faith are welcome to do so as well. Visitors can also take tours of the church to learn more about its history.

Please be respectful if there are people participating in worship during your visit. Again, visitors are welcome, but please explore quietly.

8. Wheel Fun Rentals

Do you love a good bike ride? Biking around Solvang, CA, is a lot of fun, and you don’t have to bring your own bike to do it. Instead, you can go to Wheel Fun Rentals and rent a bike to take out on the town!

They’re known for their Surrey bikes, but you can also get standard road bikes, strollers, tandem bikes, and more. Pick whichever bike sounds the most fun for you and your group, and have a blast. Bike rentals are affordable, and using a bike to get around Solvang is a ton of fun. Who needs a car when you can bike around?

You can also go on one of the fun bike tours. Bike tours are self-guided, so you can explore Solvang at your own pace. This is a great way to spend a warm afternoon, and you may learn a thing or two about Solvang while you’re on your tour.

9. Jule Hus (The Christmas House Building)

Jule Hus is the year-round Christmas store in Solvang, California. If you’re the type of person who loves to celebrate Christmas all year long, you’re in the right place.

The shop is full of Scandinavian holiday items, glass ornaments, and more. It’s the perfect place to pick up Christmas decorations, even if it’s the middle of summer. During the holiday season, the shop lights up with even more Christmas spirit. During other holidays, like Easter, the shop stays “holly jolly,” but adds other decorations to match the season.

Take a look and grab a souvenir when you’re in Solvang, CA. You can even shop for all of the upcoming season’s Christmas gifts and decorations early!

Visit a Museum

Take your trip to Solvang, California as an opportunity to immerse yourself in art, culture, and history. There’s so much to see and do even within Solvang’s museums.

Museums are perfect activities for rainy days in Solvang or for days when you don’t want to be out in the hot sun. Venture indoors and have an educational afternoon walking through the halls of some unique little museums that you can’t find anywhere else!

These museums are affordable, interesting, and small enough for quick daytime visits. They’re also great for visitors of all ages! So which one will you visit first when you check out Solvang?

10. Elverhøj Museum of History and Art

The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is one of Solvang’s wonderful art galleries that features artwork and other cultural items from Denmark. As a matter of fact, it’s one of few museums outside of Denmark that focuses on Danish culture.

The museum is a great place to go if you want to learn the true history of Danish Americans in California.

There is currently no charge for admission; however, you can donate if you enjoy what the museum has to offer. They try to maintain a culture of accessibility so everyone can learn more about Danish history, and they appreciate donations that allow them to continue that mission.

They’re open Thursday through Monday from 11 AM to 5 PM, so you have plenty of time to pay a visit.

11. Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Hans Christian Andersen is one of the few Danish figures that many Americans are already familiar with, though they may not know it until you tell them about his most famous contribution to American media: The Little Mermaid. Of course, he contributed many fairy tales (including popular favorites like The Ugly Duckling and The Princess and the Pea, but because of Disney’s adaptations, The Little Mermaid remains his claim to fame.

The Hans Christian Andersen Museum isn’t a standalone museum. Instead, it sits on the upper level of the Book Loft in Solvang, a small bookstore. Inside, you can learn all about Hans Christian Andersen and his life, fairy tales and all.

You’ll also learn about his long-unrequited love, singer Jenny Lind, as well as some other important figures of the time.

This is a small museum, but it’s another free one. There may not be much to look at, but there are plenty of fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen to read and purchase. Take this rare opportunity to learn a thing or two about some underrepresented literary history.

12. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature

At the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, you’ll get to see some beautiful nature-inspired artwork. It takes all of the natural beauty of California and the Santa Ynez Valley and combines it with fantastic local artistry.

The museum is intended to give visitors a newfound respect for the natural world in which they live. So often, people connect better through artwork. Ideally, you’ll leave your day at the museum with a newfound appreciation for the flora and fauna around you.

Not only is there beautiful artwork to see, but you can also participate in various programs and events. You can learn how to make art pieces, celebrate Earth Day, and so much more. Don’t forget to check the events calendar before you go to see if anything interesting is happening!

Museum admission is free for members as well as for people who receive certain California-based benefits. It’s also free for minors. Visitors aged 18 and over only have to pay $5 to visit the museum, so it’s still an incredibly affordable outing.

13. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

So what if art isn’t really your “thing?” There may still be a fantastic museum for you in Solvang, California. Let’s talk about the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.

If you’re a motorcycle fanatic, you’ll love this museum. It focuses primarily on racing motorcycles, but it has some casual rides as well. The curators also cycle out the motorcycles every now and again so there’s always something fresh and exciting on display for return visitors.

You can find some incredibly unique bikes at this museum, some of which we’re sure you’ve never heard of (yes, even if you’re a mega-fan). They’re all from the private collection of Virgil Elings.

Unfortunately, this is a weekend-only activity in Solvang, so if you’re planning on going, make sure you plan for that. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Admission is free for children under the age of ten as long as they arrive with a guardian. For everyone else, it’s $10 per person, and the museum only takes cash.

14. Solvang Amber & Viking Museum

Okay, so neither art nor motorcycles interest you? You’re still in luck. There’s another unique treat among Solvang’s museums. You can see the Solvang Amber & Viking Museum (sometimes referred to as the Solvang Amber Museum) inside the Copenhagen House.

The Copenhagen House is in an old Santa Ynez Valley bank building. It houses many contemporary design products from Denmark.

While the museum was once only about amber, as of April 18th, it will also show off pieces of Viking history. There’s a life-sized wood statue of Holger Danske (otherwise known as Holger the Dane) as well as excavated Viking jewelry and weaponry.

Of course, this all sits alongside a beautiful and unique amber collection.

When you visit the Copenhagen House, admission to the small Amber & Viking Museum is free. However, don’t skip right to the museum! Don’t forget to check out all of the interesting things that the store has to offer.

You may end up leaving with an interesting piece of contemporary Danish design for your home.

Stroll or Picnic in the Parks

Sunny Solvang, California is the perfect place to spend time outside and enjoy nature. Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the town and relax at one of the local parks.

There are playgrounds for children, large grassy areas to run or relax, and plenty of great places for picnics. Find some shade and read a good book or watch nature.

Here are some of Solvang’s great little parks for you to enjoy when you’re in need of some sun and relaxation!

15. Solvang Park

As the name implies, Solvang Park is a popular park in Solvang. It’s located on Mission Drive, and around it, you can see some of the sweet Danish-inspired architecture that Solvang is known for.

There’s a great little paved seating area in the park that’s perfect for picnics and birthday parties (or any other type of outdoor gathering). The seating area also has a bust of Hans Christian Andersen on display, complete with a small plaque with information about him.

A gazebo within the park is perfect for sitting under when the weather is too sunny or rainy.

During the holidays, you can experience Winterfest in this small park. There will be plenty of lights and decorations and it’s a great place to sit and drink hot cocoa after experiencing some of the other holiday activities that Solvang has to offer.

During September, you can experience Danish Days. Danish Days is California’s number one Danish festival, so if you’re in Solvang in early September, you won’t want to miss it.

During the summer, the park hosts free Friday night movies. In other words, it’s a great place to go for activities all throughout the year!

16. Sunny Fields Park

Next is Sunny Fields Park. This is a great place to go if you have kids who need to burn off some energy after lunch!

Within the park, there’s a large wooden-themed play area. It’s appropriate for toddlers and young children. The play area may be old, but it’s still in fantastic condition, and it’s clear that the city works hard to keep it clean and safe.

The play structures keep with the Danish theme of Solvang. They’d fit right into a real Danish village.

The park has free public restrooms that are clean and appropriate for families with small children.

There are picnic tables at the park, making it a great spot to sit and eat lunch in the sun. There’s even a barbeque pit! If you get too warm, there’s also a water mister that runs on hot summer days to cool off visitors.

There are volleyball sand courts if you feel like playing a quick game, as well as a nice baseball field. There’s also plenty of free parking, so you don’t have to struggle to find a parking spot.

Go Wine Tasting

Who doesn’t love a classy wine tasting on a nice day? Luckily, Solvang has delightful wine-tasting rooms that are perfect for a relaxing day.

You can sit and relax with a flight of wines and snacks while taking in the California sunshine. Here are some of the wine-tasting rooms you should check out when you visit Solvang.

17. McClain Cellars

McClain Cellars has locations in Solvang, Laguna Beach, and Irvine. They’ve become quite popular for wine tastings and for a good reason. Their wine is fantastic.

The tasting room boasts a 36-foot-long fire pit, cozy couches, and an all-around beautiful atmosphere. You can sit inside or out on either the front or back patio. It’s so relaxing to people-watch while you’re enjoying a glass of wine.

During the tasting, you can also enjoy snacks or a charcuterie board to truly pull the whole experience together.

They grow their grapes and create their wine right in the Santa Ynez Valley, so you know you’re truly tasting the local fruits of the area.

18. Rideau Vineyard

The Rideau Vineyard is another fantastic option if you’re interested in all of the things that the Santa Barbara wine country has to offer. They also grow their grapes and make their wine right in the Santa Ynez Valley.

They focus on small-production Rhone wines.

They try to offer guests the ideal tasting experience. Guests can take a tour of the beautiful grounds to hear, see, and smell the vineyard. After that, they can enjoy the wine in a fantastic tasting room within the historic El Alamo Pintado Adobe.

If you’re looking for something truly luxurious, you can sign up for the “Rideau Estate Experience with Food Pairing.” For $155 per person, guests can taste delicious wines paired with small bites, as well as a charcuterie selection and flatbread. There’s also a private vineyard tour included with this price.

Is the Rideau Vineyard the home of the best wine tasting in Solvang, CA? We’ll be the judge of that. Don’t forget to check out our best-of list before your trip!

Try a Danish Bakery

You can’t visit Solvang, CA, without visiting at least one Danish bakery. Danish bakeries are full of sweet and unique treats, so be sure to grab one before you leave the city (and consider taking some for the road).

We’ve assembled a list of the best bakeries in Solvang to help you narrow down your options. Choose one or visit them all!

19. Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery

If you want a traditional Danish treat, look no further than Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. You can get many familiar and unfamiliar desserts there.

The owner of the bakery, Bent Olsen, comes from a long line of Danish bakers. He came to Solvang, California from Denmark to start his own bakery in the Danish capital of America. He knew that the people of Solvang would love his delicious desserts.

Stop into Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery after lunch for a nice dessert, or grab an entire platter of sweets for the road. You won’t regret it.

20. Mortensen’s Danish Bakery

Mortensen’s Danish Bakery is another of the fantastic Danish bakeries in Solvang. You can find many authentic Danish pastries here. From breakfast bear claws to delicious butter cookies, you’re sure to love all of these Danish desserts. The delicious cream cheese Danish is one of the most popular sweets at this bakery, but you have countless potential treats to try.

While you’re there, you can sip hot cocoa or a variety of coffee drinks while you enjoy your tasty baked goods. Prices are incredibly reasonable, so even if you’re vacationing on a budget, you won’t have a problem.

We recommend picking up a pastry here for breakfast and taking it to go (along with a hot drink) to talk around one of Solvang’s parks in the morning. This is a great way to start your day.

21. Solvang Bakery

The Solvang Bakery is the “fanciest” bakery of the ones on our list. While the other options are great for rustic and traditional Danish dessert options, the Solvang Bakery specializes in intricate gingerbread builds, fancy cakes, and other things that you’ll be eating with your eyes before your mouth.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t pay this bakery a visit. You can definitely snag a few great cupcakes, pastries, and gluten-free desserts. However, it’s a much better choice if you have an event that you need a cake for.

If you have an event coming up in Solvang, definitely try to keep this bakery in mind!

22. Solvang Wind Harp

The Solvang Wind Harp is a unique feature of Solvang, California. It was originally part of the top of one of the towers of the Danish Pavilion at San Francisco’s 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition.

After the exposition, most of the buildings were demolished, but the wind harp was saved. It was taken to Solvang and put on display.

As wind moves through the instrument, it makes noise. The sound of the harp varies depending on the weather. You’ll likely hear it before you see it, so let its musical tones guide you!

This isn’t a destination per se, but add it to your own personal Solvang, California scavenger hunt.

Go Olive Oil Tasting

Olive oil tasting might seem like an odd thing to add to a list of things to do in Solvang but trust us. Once you’ve had genuinely fantastic olive oil, you’ll never go back to the olive oil you buy from the grocery store.

We’ve checked out a few of the best oil-tasting places in Solvang Village. While we’re only putting one on this “Things to do in Solvang” list, don’t forget to check out our Solvang Olive Oil Tasting blog before paying a visit!

23. Solvang Olive Press

The Solvang Olive Press is a must-visit destination for anyone who truly loves fantastic olive oil or someone who’s never had the chance to experience fresh olive oil before. The oils here are incredibly flavorful, and you’ll have a hard time choosing which one you want to take home.

While it’s an olive oil press, they have more than just olive oil. They also have various other types of oils, flavored olive oil, and various types of balsamic vinegar. You can taste all of the delicious oil and vinegar options with tiny disposable tasting cups.

The space looks modern and inviting, and it’s a great place to relax while you try something new.

When you leave, don’t forget to buy a few bottles of oil and a jar of their signature stuffed olives! You’ll have a little piece of Solvang, California, to take home with you.

Dine in Solvang Restaurants

When you’re on a trip, you should always try some of the local food! This is especially true in a place like Solvang, which prides itself on its Danish food options and culture. Skip the fast food and eat at local restaurants instead.

Here are a few of our favorite options if you’re going out to eat in Solvang.

24. Paula’s Pancake House

Do you like pancakes? Who doesn’t? If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or brunch, check out Paula’s Pancake House. Breakfast is served all day long, and you can also get many delicious lunch items.

Expect standard breakfast fare when you go to Paula’s Pancake House. Aside from the standard omelets, eggs benedict, and waffles that you can get at diners country-wide, Paula’s Pancake House also has world-famous Danish pancakes. They’re larger and thinner than American-style pancakes and they’re topped with fruit, meat, syrup, sugar, or whipped cream (or some combination of those things).

If you’re there for lunch, you can also get beer, wine, or champagne. Of course, you can have those things with breakfast as well if you like a morning pick-me-up.

Come hungry, you’ll leave absolutely stuffed with tasty food.

25. Copenhagen Sausage Garden

Copenhagen Sausage Garden is a great spot for lunch or dinner while you’re in Solvang. If you want something unique to eat, this should be your choice.

As the name implies, they specialize in sausage. They have many different varieties of sausage, so if you’re curious about the various flavors, we recommend getting the sausage sampler.

This isn’t the best place for vegetarians, but Copenhagen Sausage Garden also has a large soft pretzel as well as several salads available for those who prefer not to eat meat.

There are also plenty of delicious toppings for your sausages.

They have a self-serve table of unlimited saurkraut, chopped raw onion, cherry peppers, and a large selection of sauces. You can customize your sausage however you like. Make it your own!

26. Solvang Restaurant

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, why not go to the Solvang Restaurant? The name may not be very descriptive, but locals and visitors all know that this is a must-visit restaurant in Solvang, California.

Solvang Restaurant is home to the famous Danish Æbleskiver. It’s similar to a waffle or a pancake, but it’s in a ball form. Some people from the South may find it more similar to a hush puppy, but the texture is much lighter and softer.

Allegedly, the Danish Æbleskiver was originally a biking invention, but there’s no way to know that for sure. All we know is that it’s become a delicacy in Solvang, and it’s something you have to try at least once when you’re in Solvang.

Of course, you can get other food at the Solvang Restaurant as well. Breakfast classics like omelets and waffles, tasty croissant sandwiches, and other delicious items are all available. There’s even a menu of vegetarian sandwiches, so this place is great if you have a plant-based person at your travel party.

Solvang Restaurant has a sit-down area where you can eat breakfast or lunch, but they also have an outdoor window where you can order Æbleskivers to-go. Take them with you while you walk around Solvang Village!

Shop For Souvenirs

Are you going to come home from your trip to Solvang, California empty-handed? We don’t think so! Buy yourself a cool souvenir of your time in Solvang, or pick up some trinkets for your friends and family members at one of these cool little shops.

Make sure to leave room in your luggage for all of your new souvenirs as there are many retailers in Solvang!

27. American Vogue Accessories (As Seen on TV products)

This may not seem like a very interesting place to get souvenirs in the “Danish Capital” of the United States, but it’s definitely worth a visit. At American Vogue, you can get some of the weird as-seen-on-TV products from infomercials.

Have you ever wanted to order something from an infomercial that you saw late at night, but you didn’t want to call or order online? By the time you wake up the next day, you lose your motivation to order, or you can’t remember what the item was.

Well, at American Vogue, you can find many of those items on display, so you can buy them in person (or just check them out). This is a quirky little shop, but it’s worth stopping into if you have some free time before you leave Solvang.

28. Esko’s European Solvang Bazaar

If you need souvenirs, check out Esko’s European Solvang Bazaar. It’s sometimes referred to as Esko Esko.

Inside, there are piles and mountains of stacked souvenirs. It’s the best place to go if you’re just looking for small trinkets for yourself or your friends back home. The shop has magnets, t-shirts, keychains, and pretty much anything else you can think of when it comes to a souvenir shop.

You can spend hours trying to look at everything within Esko’s European Solvang Bazaar, so we recommend setting a time limit for yourself.

You can get sweet little Solvang gnomes, mood rings, bracelets, and so much more. The shop can be somewhat expensive, but this is understandable given that it is a tourist spot.

This is also a good place to grab sunscreen, sunglasses, and other potential must-have essentials that you may have forgotten to pack on your own.

Check Out All of These Destinations in Solvang, California

Are you ready for your trip to Solvang, California? What do you think you’ll do first?

Will you start your day with Danish pancakes for breakfast from Paula’s Pancake House?

Perhaps you’ll grab a bear claw and some coffee from a bakery for a quick snack while you check out the sights. You’ll look through one of Solvang’s cute little museums and buy some souvenirs to give to friends when you get home.

Whatever you find yourself getting up to, you’re sure to have a blast when you visit Solvang in Santa Barbara County. Enjoy your trip!