Summary
The Santa Ynez Valley may have gained attention as the setting for the film Sideways, but it was a great place to visit long before that. Separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Ynez Mountains, it’s a broad, scenic valley with a distinctively rural feel—an ideal location for a Sunday drive or a relaxing weekend. It encompasses the towns of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and the area along CA Hwy 154 between the San Marco Pass and US Hwy 101. For a better understanding of its geography, use these maps.
You can effortlessly plan your Santa Ynez Valley day trip or weekend getaway utilizing the resources below.
Why You Should Go to the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley is beloved by wine enthusiasts, shoppers—particularly in Solvang—and anyone seeking a serene retreat. With expansive open spaces and exceptional growing conditions, it’s recognized as a remarkable wine-producing region, perfect for various outdoor activities. Moreover, its proximity to Los Angeles makes it an excellent destination for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle or enjoying a romantic getaway.
Best Time to Go to the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley showcases beauty in every season. However, like much of California, it tends to be rainier in winter. Visiting during the growing season offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce stands. Notably, the Solvang Century Bike Ride occurs in March, attracting many visitors and filling local hotels.
Don’t Miss
If you’re short on time, take a leisurely drive along CA Hwy 154, starting from Santa Barbara and winding through Los Olivos and Solvang to US Hwy 101.
6 More Great Things to Do in Santa Ynez Valley
Los Olivos: This charming little town is a favorite, featuring art galleries, boutiques, and several delightful dining spots along a two-block-long main street. You’ll also find nearly a dozen tasting rooms, making it easy to sample local wines without extensive travel.
Solvang: Solvang’s Danish heritage is evident throughout the town. While it can be quite touristy, the interesting shops make its downtown a wonderful area to explore. You can also savor traditional Danish foods at various restaurants and bakeries. If you’re a fan of storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, there’s a museum dedicated to him upstairs in The Book Loft Building at 1680 Mission Drive.
Cute Critters: With ample ranch land, various animals are raised in the region. You can visit Flying V Llama Ranch (appointments required), marvel at the miniature horses at Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch located at 1555 Alamo Pintado Rd., or stop by Ostrich Land for a closer look at these fascinating birds.
Local Produce: Seasonal farm stands offer fresh, locally grown produce, and many provide “pick your own” opportunities. One particularly worth visiting is Clairmont Farms near Los Olivos, especially during lavender season, where you can purchase their organically-grown essential oils and lavender-scented products.
Wine Tasting: Compared to the daunting wine-growing regions up north, the Santa Ynez Valley is much more approachable, with a little over a dozen wineries. The region excels in red wines, especially in the east-west corridor, producing varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Rhônes, and Italian grapes. For fans of Sideways, the local visitor’s bureau provides a map highlighting many film-related locations and tasting rooms.
Get Active: The Santa Ynez Valley is a fantastic destination for cycling, with many professional riders training for the Tour de France here. If horseback riding appeals to you more than cycling, consider Rancho Oso, one of the few public riding stables in the area. Cachuma Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and nature cruises and features one of the area’s most picturesque campgrounds.
Annual Events You Should Know About
- March: Solvang Century Bike Ride
- September: Danish Days Weekend, Solvang
- November through February: Eagle-Watching Cruises, Lake Cachuma
- December: Carriage and trolley rides, Solvang (free one day in the month)
Best Bites
Renowned chef Bradley Ogden’s Root 246 restaurant specializes in his signature farm-to-table dining experience, located in Solvang’s Hotel Corque. If you travel along CA Hwy 154, Cold Springs Tavern is a must-visit, as this historic stagecoach stop in the San Marcos Pass is regarded by many as one of California’s best romantic meal spots.
Where to Stay
Solvang boasts the highest number of hotel rooms in the region. Explore guest reviews and compare prices on Solvang hotels on Tripadvisor.
Additionally, consider Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos for a more laid-back experience. Nearby towns such as Santa Ynez and Buellton also offer lodging options.
Getting To Santa Ynez Valley
Accessing the Santa Ynez Valley is convenient via US Hwy 101. Simply set your navigation system to Solvang or Los Olivos. For a more scenic route, take CA Hwy 154, which departs from US 101 north of Santa Barbara and re-joins it north of Los Olivos.
