Solvang is in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County in Southern California. The city is Danish-themed as if it were the Danishland section of Disneyland, since it was founded by Danish immigrants and quite a few Danish descendants live here. While the tourism industry does try to import genuine Danish culture and architecture, it can be just skin deep. If you have a last name that is common in Denmark, still expect the desk clerk at the hotel to be unable to spell it.
If you are vaguely interested in shops selling Danish wares, or interested in seeing Americans pretending to be Danish, by all means visit.
Get in
Highway 101 is the closest main artery to Solvang. Exit at Buellton and follow Highway 246 to Solvang.
Santa Barbara and Santa Maria are the nearest airports. Both are small; the nearest large airports are in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Santa Maria and Santa Barbara also have the nearest Amtrak train stations.
The daily Amtrak bus stop is in the heart of Solvang at Solvang Park on Mission Dr. (HWY 246)
Get around
Downtown Solvang is very compact and walkable; however, it is advisable to have a car to explore the surrounding area, and because the most convenient way to get into town is by car, you are likely to have one during your visit.
Parking throughout town is free, and even the off-the-beaten-path spaces are not too far from the action.
If you find yourself in Solvang without a car, Santa Ynez Valley Transit offers an easy and affordable mode of transportation around the city and throughout the immediate surrounding areas.
Get out
Nojoqui Falls (read NAW-ho-ee) is a pleasant state park with parking and picnic facilities. A lovely fifteen-minute walk inclines steeply at the end but rewards the effort with a beautiful pond and waterfall.
There are several beaches following Highway 101 South.
Other California missions near Solvang include Mission La Purisima Concepcion (101 South at Lompoc), and Mission Santa Barbara (101 South to Santa Barbara).
Buellton is just to the west and Santa Ynez just to the east. Santa Barbara, approximately one hour south of Solvang, represents the quintessential California beach town.
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