Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
25 mi
Wine, Food and a Little Bit of Scandinavia
Today, you'll take a short drive north to the Danish-inspired town of Solvang. In a bid to attract more tourists, business owners here began boosting the town's Danish heritage in the 1940s, adding windmills in the streets, half-timbered facades to their buildings, and even a scale replica of Copenhagen's Rundetaarn around town.
You'll try some Danish food to round out the experience and pay homage to the movie Sideways, which was filmed here. Then you'll drive further north to the towns of Los Olivos and Los Alamos. Let the rustic and quaint environs of each town charm you and enjoy its gifts of food, wine, and atmosphere.
Head north from Los Angeles to toward the slower pace and idyllic countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy views of the Pacific between Ventura and Santa Barbara.
You'll try some Danish food to round out the experience and pay homage to the movie Sideways, which was filmed here. Then you'll drive further north to the towns of Los Olivos and Los Alamos. Let the rustic and quaint environs of each town charm you and enjoy its gifts of food, wine, and atmosphere.
Head north from Los Angeles to toward the slower pace and idyllic countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy views of the Pacific between Ventura and Santa Barbara.
11:4530 min
Hans Christian Andersen Museum
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is housed above a small bookstore in Solvang. Small, but mighty, it gives an in-depth look at the man behind the fairy tales through letters, manuscripts, photographs, and books. Andersen, who was born in Denmark in 1805, is considered a Danish icon and this museum pays homage to him beautifully.
0.3 mi
5 min
12:3045 min
Solvang Restaurant
With a little understanding of Danish history, now it's time to taste the culture. Head to Solvang Restaurant to try aebleskiver, a doughnut-like Danish sweet treat cooked in a cast-iron aebleskiver pan. A full meal of European foods can be had here, from German bratwurst to Danish meatballs.
0.4 mi
5 min
13:2030 min
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
The Elverhøj Museum was opened in 1988 to showcase the history and life of early Danes who settled the area. It is housed the former 18th-century style home of two artists and is the only museums outside of Denmark to focus on Danish and Danish-American culture. This will add a little context of Solvang's past and perhaps some inspiration to visit Denmark in the future!
2.6 mi
10 min
14:3045 min
OstrichLand USA
Solvang and the neighboring communities are farm and ranch country, so it's little surprise that several farms are open to the public. One classic stop is Ostrichland USA, one of five ostrich farms left in the state (yes, they used to be a thing in Southern California.) Here you can observe these reptilian birds, learn about their history here, and feed them too. Just make sure they don't try to eat you, or your phone.
0.3 mi
5 min
15:3045 min
Hitching Post Wines
Right next door, you'll find The Hitching Post II, the legendary steakhouse you'll remember from the movie Sideways, which put the Santa Ynez wine region on the map. Here they serve up huge Santa Maria barbecue-style ribeyes and sirloins grilled over white oak. Take a quick peek inside or taste some wine on your visit—just don't make it merlot! (Watch the movie if this line doesn't make sense.)
10 mi
15 min
17:001 hr 30 min
Nella Kitchen & Bar
Inside the Fess Parker Inn, you'll find the relaxed but refined Nella Restaurant. While their menu is limited, the food, service and atmosphere promises many happy returns. While some might opt for the lively and popular Wine Merchant located across the street, save that option for next time and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal. You won't regret the choice.
11.6 mi
15 min
21:3010 hrs
Skyview Los Alamos
Freshen up at your hotel for the night, but don't get too comfortable. Though tiny, Los Alamos has worthy activities at all times of the day, including an old saloon at the north end of Bell Street. After a short rest, head out for an evening adventure at the Old West 1880 Union saloon.