Dreaming of jetting off to Europe, but only have a weekend to spare? Consider a road trip to the charming town of Solvang in the heart of California’s Central Coast.
Solvang is a small-town Danish Village offering unique cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to wander its picturesque streets, admire quaint architecture like windmills, and indulge in delightful Danish pastries.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Just a stone’s throw away, the coastal delights of Santa Barbara and Ventura offer picture-perfect lunch spots by the ocean and scenic hikes add an extra layer of excitement to this Solvang getaway.
In this blog, I’ll take you on a road trip to the charming town of Solvang and its surrounding coastal gems. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, I’ll provide insider tips to ensure your visit is nothing short of magical.
Destination Insights
Weather
Central California boasts a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and cool winters, making it an ideal year-round destination.
Small Town Charm
Solvang, CA is known for its quaint streets, delicious pastries, and vibrant cultural festivals. If you want to immerse yourself in music, dancing, delicious cuisine, and festive parades, then don’t miss the Taste of Solvang in March, Danish Days or Oktoberfest in September, and Solvang Julefest in November and December.
Santa Barbara, CA is known for its coastal charm and luxury, offers world-class dining and picturesque beaches perfect for leisurely strolls. Experience the largest Earth Day Festival on the West Coast, featuring live music, workshops, green technology demonstrations, and sustainable living exhibits.
Ventura, CA boasts a laid-back beach vibe, attracting surfers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning coastline, eclectic arts scene, and year-round sunshine. If you are looking for an event where you can dive into Ventura’s surf culture, then don’t miss the Surf Rodeo in July, featuring live music, surf competitions, beach games, and a vibrant beachfront party atmosphere.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Road Trip: Drive from Orange County, CA to Solvang (Approx. 4.5 hours) |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Harvest Cafe in Ventura, CA: Refreshing break with veggie burger and smoothie. Insider Tip: This lunch break took 1 hour, so consider ordering ahead for a quicker pit stop. • Sandstone Winery: We made wine tasting reservations. The flagship Bordeaux blend wine, 2020 Eros, was delicious! • Solvang Olive Press: The Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil was delicious, so ended bring this popular favor back home. • Solvang Spice Merchant: Discover specialty spices, salts, sugars, and teas. I fell for the fajita seasoning and blueberry white tea, and snagged a rosemary artisean beer bread mix for my olive oil pairing. |
| Evening | • Dinner at Craft House: Enjoyed dry house cocktails, such as the Valley Fog with peach vodka, strawberry, and lemon. Also savored the sweet and sour cauliflower and indulged in the pear and brie pizza at our fireside table. • Night at Vinland Hotel: Contemporary hotel with tranquil hillside views walking distance to the downtown. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Olsen’s Danish Bakery: Indulge in delicious cinnamon rolls and Danish pastries. • Hike Seven Falls trail (3.4 miles): We ventured down to the waterfall and enjoyed sunbathing and dipping toes. Insider tip: Bring navigation (we used the AllTrails app on our phone) and water shoes to help navigate the bouldering and river crossings. |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Mesa Verde: Savored polenta fries, jackfruit tacos, and a refreshing Calypso smoothie. • Road Trip: Drive from Santa Barbara, CA to Orange County (Approx. 3.5 hours) |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to explore the book store in Solvang and visit the Botanical Garden in Santa Barbara. Additionally, I’ll bring along my furry friend, Lyla, since this weekend trip was incredibly dog-friendly.
Wilderness Wisdom
Central California, being a mashup of both Northern and Southern California, boasts an incredible array of flora. Imagine towering cypress trees standing alongside swaying palm trees, with blooming native plants that can adapt to the region’s vast temperature fluctuations, from chilly mornings to scorching afternoons. It’s this unique ability of the plants to thrive in such diverse conditions that adds to the region’s botanical charm.
During our hike in Santa Barbara, we were greeted by the blooms of California lilacs. Interestingly, this plant holds a special significance for my husband and me—it was the very plant we chose to symbolize our love and growth during our wedding ceremony. Blue lilacs have taken many meanings throughout different cultures and time periods, but they symbolize the happiness and tranquility of a growing relationship.
In addition to the diverse flora, Central California’s architectural styles reflect the region’s diversity. From the cute Danish-style buildings in Solvang to the Spanish colonial-inspired ones in Santa Barbara and the modern beachfront homes in Ventura, each one tells a story of the diverse influences that make up this region.
Overall, our road trip through Central California taught us so much about cherishing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. Whether we were admiring the native plants or checking out the cool architecture, it was a reminder of how everything in nature is connected and how important it is to live in harmony with nature.
Trailside Ties
Our weekend escape brought relaxation and connection. Amidst life’s chaos and mental chatter, moments of clarity felt like uncorking a fine wine, revealing its subtle complexities and smooth simplicity.
During our wine country adventure, we played The Hygge Game. One question really got us thinking: “What would you do if you were invisible?” It sparked a strong desire to observe wildlife, leading to a spontaneous trail excursion. But, our adventure was cut short when the staff pointed out the area was closed. So, in essence, the answer to that question? Breaking the rules to enjoy wildlife, apparently!
Photo Journal
Summary
Our weekend getaway was an enchanting blend of European charm, coastal delights, and unforgettable moments. What made it even better? We didn’t need to fly to Europe; we simply hit the road and explored our own California backyard.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking relaxation, Solvang and its neighboring coastal treasures in Santa Barbara and Ventura offer something for everyone. Perfect for besties, couples, dog-lovers, or families, this weekend getaway is highly recommended if you’re looking to explore European-inspired gems and coastal jewels.
