Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley
~ Another 5 Things We Love to Do Here
With six small towns and pristine natural surroundings, the Santa Ynez Valley is ideal for folks from California and beyond. Two hours from Los Angeles, our corner of the state is both convenient and uncrowded, a getaway at its best. You will find 5 Things We Love to Do in the Santa Ynez Valley and much mores!
Plan your next visit soon, and enjoy these five top things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley.
1. Explore Solvang’s Danish Charm
Solvang, California, is the kind of town that completely enchants a visitor. The “Danish Capital of America” was founded over 100 years ago, when a community of Danish-Americans set up home base. What resulted is a city infused with Old World architecture, folklore and charm that feels truly transportive.
Solvang’s main street, Mission Drive, and its surrounding streets are dotted with windmills, thatched rooftops and bakeries. Indulge in a traditional sweet treat and stroll the ideal “walking around” town. Or hop on an open-air trolley for a tour highlighting stops like the Elverhøj Museum and Hans Christian Andersen statue.
Adding to the storybook appeal, Solvang is also home to a must-see troll. Made by Danish sculpture artist Thomas Dambo, our local troll, Lulu Hyggelig, debuted in January 2025 in downtown Solvang. Stop in and see her at the California Nature Art Museum, highlighting the beauty of nature. Admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids.
Amid the whimsy, Solvang is filled with the charms of the valley at large: wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique hotels. For the most festive Danish fun, visit in September for Danish Days or in December for Julefest.
2. Soar Above the Valley in a Hot Air Balloon
One of the things that makes the Santa Ynez Valley so special is the landscape. There’s no better way to get a view of it than from a hot air balloon.
Book a tour with Sky’s the Limit Ballooning, a family-owned and operated business that knows the area well. Bring along a bottle of wine and your camera for a tour that’s both thrilling and extraordinarily peaceful.
3. Visit the Mendenhall Museum of Gas Pumps & Petroliana
If you’re into cars, Americana or the fascinating art of collecting, you must visit the Mendenhall Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana. This private collection in Buellton includes pumps, globes and vintage signs, telling the story of America’s love of the road.
Founder Jack Mendenhall spent 50 years compiling his collection, and his son and his wife now maintain the museum. Tours are available by appointment only for just $15, and they do not disappoint.
4. Take a Guided Cycling Tour
More into two wheels than four? No problem. The Santa Ynez Valley has cyclists covered with some of the most scenic guided tours in California. Book a daily or even mutil-day bike tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling, offering exceptional tours since 2005.
This tour operator offers many options, from easy E-bike tours amid wineries to challenging trail rides up Figueroa Mountain. Your day can also include farm-to-table lunch, stops at vineyards, craft beer tastings and much more. Get a look at our valley from a unique perspective, with the help of professional, local guides.
5. Dine at Industrial Eats in Buellton
Stand in line briefly at Industrial Eats in Buellton, and it won’t be long until you hear something like: “Oh, yes, we’re from San Francisco. We had to come back after our last trip when we tried the most incredible uni and prosciutto.”
Industrial Eats is a place to try unexpected new flavors in relaxed surroundings, curated and prepared by the very best. A walk-up counter and communal tables make for a hyper-casual setting, while the innovative eats seem right out of Food & Wine. It’s an exciting, unforgettable stop for foodies.
Plan Your Next Visit
We’ve only scratched the surface with 5 Things We Love to Do in the Santa Ynez Valley. Come and see all the things there are to do in the Santa Ynez Valley. What will you discover during your next stay? Start planning now to find out.
