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Solvang

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About Solvang

Just 40 minutes from Santa Barbara and two hours from Los Angeles, the Danish village of Solvang lies nestled in California’s striking Santa Ynez Valley. A romantic wine country spot filled with quirky European architecture, Solvang is popular with couples, friends and families eager to slow down and unwind in picturesque surroundings. Suited to a whole range of budgets, accommodation options include everything from characterful inns to expansive luxury ranch-resorts. Whilst some of the best places to stay in Solvang are in the centre of town, our top picks also feature secluded properties, surrounded by vineyards and ideal for a tranquil escape.

Founded in 1911 on what was previously the site of a Spanish-colonial mission, Solvang bursts with classic Danish village charms: from the half-timbered houses to the abundance of tasty pastries. Culture and heritage aficionados will adore the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, as well as the artwork at the Wildling Museum and the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. If it's the area's complex past that intrigues you, pop into the Old Mission Santa Ines.

Hit quirky boutique shops, tour the many surrounding wineries and look out for an exciting programme of annual events -- including fun festivals for the whole family to enjoy. There's lots to do outdoors, too: try horse riding, cycling, hiking or play a round of golf at one of the nearby courses. Come evening, Solvang boasts excellent eateries showcasing California's famed farm-to-table fare -- best enjoyed with a glass of local wine or two.

A wonderful spot for a restful and rejuvenating holiday, Solvang is also within easy reach of lively Santa Barbara, and well-placed for adventurous day trips to Cachuma Lake or Los Padres National Forest. Cosy and intimate, the best places to stay in Solvang draw upon the welcoming village vibe, creating appealing havens from which to appreciate the glorious Santa Ynez Valley wineries and natural landscapes.

The Best Places to Stay in Solvang

For Boutique Chic

  • The Landsby is a gorgeous, Scandinavian-inspired hotel in the centre of Solvang. Pick this place for the chic interiors, complete with light woods and a monochrome palette, the excellent location and the fabulous Mad & Vin restaurant. Very hip and romantic.
  • Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is a warm and welcoming 19-room inn close to the Fess Parker Winery -- both created by the legendary Hollywood star. Expect smart, luxurious rooms with big beds and log fires, indulgent bathrooms and a heated swimming pool. There's also an onsite eatery and activities including wine tastings and horse riding through the 714-acre ranch. Great for wine-loving couples.
  • Mirabelle Inn offers 13 charming guestrooms in the heart of Solvang. Stay here for the traditional half-timbered Danish architecture and the intimate feel. Rooms are classic and cosy, there's an appealing Wine Lounge to kick back with a glass of the good stuff, and the restaurant -- The First & Oak -- comes highly recommended. An excellent value boutique choice.

For Foodies

  • Ballard Inn is a gorgeous pick for foodies in the sleepy village of Ballard. Chef-owner Budi Kazali fuses Asian and French cuisine to create delectable dishes at The Gathering Table (widely regarded as one of the area's top restaurants). The vibe is laid-back and friendly, and the 15 elegant rooms feature soothing tones and lots of natural materials, against classic Victorian architecture. Fantastic!

For Families

  • The Alisal is an extensive ranch resort with a tremendous array of activities for guests of all ages. The 10,000-acre property features two 18-hole golf courses, miles of riding trails, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a spa. Spacious rooms and suites are Western-inspired with lots of exposed wood and stone, woven textiles and roaring fires. There's plenty of space for the whole family and endless entertainment, too!

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Santa Barbara Airport and take a bus via nearby Buellton or a taxi to Solvang -- the overland journey should take less than an hour. Alternatively, travel to Los Angeles International Airport and hop aboard a 3-hour bus or 2-hour taxi from there.
  • California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above in July and August. For slightly cooler weather, come during the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October). Harvest season is a gorgeous time to see the wineries!

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Solvang

  • Mirabelle Inn Solvang 13 rooms from CA$176

    Short break  -  Just 35 miles from Santa Babara and 2 hours from Los Angeles - this makes a good option for a quick weekend wine country break
    Foodies  -  An award-winning restaurant serves up French inspired cuisine paired with local wines
    Adult Only
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenParkingNo pets

    A classic half-timbered Danish building set in the heart of historic Solvang. Elegant rooms are light and airy with antiques, hardwood floors, and terraces. The popular restaurant serves French inspired cuisine alongside local wines. Perfect for a weekend wine country escape. See More

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  • Hotel Ynez Solvang (California) 22 rooms from CA$275

    Wine tasting  -  The Santa Ynez Valley (includes the towns of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton and Ballard) has more than 120 wineries
    Local exploring  -  There is lots to see & do in Solvang from dining to admiring the architecture and visiting wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley
    Romantic Break  -  Gorgeous rooms, some with wood-stove, private patio and hammock for a chic, chill-out stay
    Sights nearby  -  Solvang is famous for its Danish-style architecture, windmills and Danish pastries
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    Stylish hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley, 45 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. Rooms are beautifully decorated, some come with wood stove, hammock and private patio. Extensive gardens, heated pool, fire pits and a rustic outdoor pavilion complete the picture. A truly romantic retreat. See More

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  • The Landsby Solvang (California) 51 rooms from CA$279

    Wine tasting  -  Guests of the hotel benefit from 2-for-1 wine-tastings. The Santa Barbara valley is teeming with excellent wineries to discover
    Local exploring  -  A great base from which to explore wine country. Take a vineyard tour or hike and bike your way around the scenic landscape
    Romantic Break  -  Perfect for a romantic weekend of doing very little other than eating well and relaxing in a beautiful environment
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel located in Solvang, California. 51 rooms and suites have been tastefully decorated with blonde woods, clean white palette and fun Scandi touches. Enjoy a cocktail in the courtyard, dine at the excellent on-site restaurant 'Mad & Vin' or explore the valley. See More

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  • The Winston Solvang (California) 14 rooms from CA$288

    Romantic Break  -  Exposed beams, beautifully designed rooms, luxe bath products and handful of rooms with private balcony
    Local exploring  -  Solvang is perfectly placed for exploring the Santa Ynez Valley and day trips to Santa Barbara
    Wine tasting  -  There are many great wineries in Solvang and the greater Santa Ynez Valley area
    Sights nearby  -  OstrichLand USA (a short drive away) is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus
    Air conditioningPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Charming hotel in the centre of town. Beautifully designed, spacious rooms come in bold, bright colours with statement headboards and retro touches. No restaurant (loads close by), but there's an honesty bar for beer and wine. Perfect for a relaxed, chilled-out stay. See More

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  • Ballard Inn Solvang (California) 15 rooms from CA$394

    Country Escape  -  A great place for a weekend break of fine dining, wine-tasting, hiking and biking; all the while enjoying the natural landscape
    Foodies  -  Award-winning 'The Gathering Table' restaurant, run by chef and owner Budi Kazali, serves up delicious French / Asian cuisine
    Wine tasting  -  Visit excellent wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley wine region; Lincourt, Beckmen, Roblar, Rusack and Vincent wineries
    Restrictions on children  -  Children over 12 are welcome at the inn
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Award-winning restaurant with rooms situated in Ballard, a sleepy village in Californian wine country. Elegant and tastefully-decorated rooms are located within a traditional Victorian-style villa; many have balconies and fireplaces. There is a garden and gabled porch to enjoy relaxing afternoons. See More

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  • Fess Parker Wine Country Inn Solvang (California) 19 rooms from CA$611

    Local exploring  -  The area has something for everyone; museums, scenic horse-riding, wine-tasting at award-winning wineries and hot air balloning
    Romantic Break  -  There is plenty to do on-property to merit not leaving all weekend. Wine, dine, spa and rest with your loved one
    Wine tasting  -  As well as tastings at in-house Fess Parker Winery, the property is surrounded by award-winning vineyards
    Sailing  -  Boat, kayak, fish and hike around Lake Cachuma and Nature Centre
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolDisabled accessParking

    Set-up by Hollywood star Fess Parker, the property is set in Los Olivos, in the heart of California wine country. 19 rooms and suites are spacious and homely, with fireplaces and colourful decor. Stays include a wine tasting for two. A heated pool, gym and outdoor fire-pit make this a cosy option. See More

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  • The Alisal Solvang (Santa Barbara) 73 rooms from CA$1053

    Country Escape  -  Set in the beautiful landscape of California's wine country, this hotel makes an idyllic, American escape from the city
    Foodies  -  Foodies will love the hotel's ranch dining experience hosted by Chef Anthony Endy - a native of the Santa Ynez Valley
    Families  -  A fantastic family orientated property with activities from egg collecting and horse riding to arts and crafts
    Active Holiday  -  Home to a golf course and riding stables, guests can choose from a range of activity packages
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    This charming resort is nestled on a ranch in California’s celebrated Santa Ynez Valley - half an hour north of Santa Barbara. The hotel offers pastoral-style suites with cosy, wood-burning fireplaces and homely soft furnishings. Book a speciality riding trip for the authentic ranch experience. See More

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