Right before Thanksgiving, my sister Sammi and I flew to California to visit our youngest sibling, Rae for a maybe annual “sibscation.” I’d been to Los Angeles before, but it was Sammi’s first time, so we had a quick afternoon of sightseeing, including the Warner Brothers Studio Classics Tour, before hopping the Amtrak to Santa Barbara.
I’d taken Amtrak before, from Atlanta to New Orleans, but I was excited about this journey because it left from stunning Union Station, traveling along the coast. It was crowded, as you’d expect from pre-holiday travel, so we were separated for the first hour or so but soon found seats together. I grabbed a few drinks and snacks from the cafe to make the trip more comfortable.
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We arrived in Santa Barbara in the dark, where we quickly checked into our hotel and had dinner before calling it an early night. The next morning, I borrowed a truck from Turo, conveniently delivered to the hotel, so that we could make a road trip to Solvang, the Danish town I’d briefly visited in June, as seen in New Girl.
It’s an easy, and beautiful, drive and makes for a perfect day trip. Before we got to town, we stopped for breakfast at Bob’s Well Bread in Ballard, which I’d stopped by on a previous visit. It’s the cutest little cafe with fresh-baked bread and pastries. From there, it was time to see what all the town had to offer! Here are some of our favorite spots from our day trip to Solvang.
What to Do in Solvang
We didn’t spend the day sightseeing, but it is entirely possible. Renting a Moke is also a popular way to explore the town.
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art– This humble museum highlights the immigrant experience of Danish Americans in California, with special emphasis on the arts. It hosts classes and special exhibits.
Hans Christian Andersen Museum– Located above the bookstore, this small museum features items related to the famed author of fairy tales like “The Little Mermaid.”
Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum– Opened in 2000, this museum focuses on the best of two wheels, including rare motorcycles and European racing bikes.
Wildling Museum– Recently dubbed the California Nature Art Museum, it highlights works that focus on the surroundings in the Golden State.
Where to Eat in Solvang
Solvang is known for its Danish bakeries, so you’ll definitely need to try one of the sweet treats, but there are also several fantastic restaurants.
Good Seed Coffee Boutique– Start the day at this popular coffee shop that also has baked goods, including organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Mad +Vin Restaurant– The farm-to-table restaurant serves some of the best wines from the area, along with mushroom bucatini and prime steaks.
Peasants Feast– The Michelin-listed laid-back daytime cafe offers homey dishes like soups, salads, tacos, and sandwiches with family-style sides to share.
The Red Viking Restaurant– If you came to Solvang for whimsy, you’ll find it at this Danish/Scandinavian restaurant along with classics and American favorites.
Looking for more recommendations? This Eater guide showcases the best of the Central Coast. My friends at Twist Travel Magazine also share their picks for best bakeries.
Where to Drink in Solvang
It’s not exactly a party town, but there are plenty of places to grab a drink, whether it’s locally made wine, craft beer, or tropically inspired cocktails.
The Backroom– The craft beer and wine bar and shop is tucked behind a homebrew shop and has a great selection of drink options.
High Roller Tiki Lounge– You know we love a tiki bar and this one was so great I left with a t-shirt and swizzle sticks as souvenirs. The drinks were delicious and in funky glassware.
Solvang Brewing Company– We didn’t make it here because we spent more time shopping, but as a craft beer girlie, I was attracted to the wide variety of styles available, inspired by the town.
Wine-tasting rooms- The town is also full of wine-tasting rooms if you want to check out multiple places instead of driving out to the actual wineries. On my first visit, I went to the Alma Rosa tasting room, where I loved this rose. The second time around, we went to Feliz Noche, a Latinx-owned winery. Toccata, Crawford Family, Casa Cassara, and Sanger are other options.
Where to Shop in Solvang
The Book Loft– The tightly packed shop has two floors of books in nearly every subject, not to mention the Hans Christian Andersen Museum upstairs.
Pieces of the Past– Antique lovers won’t want to miss this spot, which has a wide variety of eras, including midcentury modern glassware and tiki-inspired clothing.
Vanderlei Vintage– This shop in front of the Little Mermaid has antique furniture and generally interesting objects.
Where to Stay in Solvang
We didn’t stay the night but there are plenty of places to overnight, including converted motels and wine country rentals.
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground– Located in nearby Buellton, this resort has RV sites as well as glamping tents.
The Hadsten Solvang– The full-service hotel is under the Hilton umbrella and features balcony rooms and an onsite bar and restaurant.
Hotel Ynez– The charming boutique hotel has an outdoor pool, stunning gardens, and free parking.
Inn at Zaca Creek– Also in Buellton, this boutique hotel has cave-like rooms and an incredible bar and restaurant at what was once a remote watering hole where shootouts were common.
The Landsby– The boutique hotel has beautiful rooms in the heart of Solvang and is home to Mad + Vin Restaurant.
Viking Inn– We actually saw this on a show about flipping motels and it was so cute, with easy access to town and onsite parking.
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