Explore Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley
Settle into Solvang from The Marlo, your quiet boutique retreat near Danish bakeries, tasting rooms, windmills, shops, museums, and the rolling wine country of the Santa Ynez Valley. From here, the best of the region feels easy: stroll into town for pastries and coffee, spend the afternoon tasting local wines, take a scenic drive through neighboring valley towns, then return to the calm of our courtyards as the day softens.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a wine country escape, a dog-friendly getaway, or a seasonal trip around Danish Days, Julefest, or spring blooms, this guide is your starting point for exploring Solvang with a little more ease.
Solvang
Walk through the village, find the windmills, sample Danish pastries, browse local shops, and discover the museums and landmarks that make Solvang unlike anywhere else in California.
Explore tasting rooms in Solvang, then venture into Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Ballard, and Los Alamos for vineyard views, local varietals, and relaxed afternoons.
Nearby Day Trips
Cachuma Lake
A scenic outdoor escape for lake views, fishing, boating, picnics, camping, and relaxed time in nature.
Buellton
A casual Central Coast stop with craft beer, roadside classics, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to wine country.
Santa Barbara
A classic coastal day trip with beaches, shopping, restaurants, Spanish-style architecture, and oceanfront views.
Los Olivos
A charming wine country town known for tasting rooms, art galleries, boutiques, and relaxed patio dining. Solvang to Los Olivos is about 6 miles by car.
- Solvang Danish Days (September) – A celebration of Danish culture with parades, dancing, and traditional food.
- Julefest (December) – A magical Christmas festival with lights, markets, and festive events.
- Taste of Solvang (March) – A food and wine festival featuring local flavors.
- The Hitching Post II – The famous steakhouse and wine bar featured in multiple scenes.
- Solvang Restaurant – Where the main characters eat aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls).
- Kalyra Winery – One of the wineries visited in the movie.
- Hans Christian Andersen Park – A scenic park often used for romantic moments.
- Solvang Trolley & Carriage Co. – Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride like the contestants
- Downtown Solvang – Where contestants strolled the streets and shopped
- Downtown Solvang – Many of the Danish buildings served as backdrops for this magical movie.
- This heartwarming Christmas-themed romantic comedy, filmed partially in Solvang, captures the town’s festive spirit during the holiday season.
- Solvang’s quaint streets and idyllic scenery make an appearance in this romantic comedy, adding to the charm of the film.
- The entire movie is set in Solvang highlighting the towns festivities. There are scenes in iconic bakeries like Mortensen's.