Find information about the six towns that make up the Santa Ynez Valley, from hotels and events, to wine tasting and restaurants, attractions and museums, shopping, recreation, vacation rentals and more!
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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) – Tucked in between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges and located just minutes away from each other, the communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer rustic hospitality and friendliness while each providing a distinct character and personality.
Ballard
The smallest of the region’s towns, Ballard invites visitors to stop and explore some of the region’s most historic buildings, including the Little Red Schoolhouse that’s been holding classes since 1883, plus churches, a miniature donkey farm, the award-winning Ballard Inn & Restaurant and the serenity of a peaceful country hamlet.
Buellton
Located on Highway 101, Buellton is known as the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. From lodging and groceries to service stations and shops, here visitors will find eveything they need for their stay, plus a burgeoning craft beer scene and a variety of restaurants that makes Buellton a destination itself. In fact, the town has been known as early as 1924 as a culinary destination thanks to its status as the “Home of Split Pea Soup,” courtesty of Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant.
Los Alamos
Surrounded by vineyards and ranches, Los Alamos retains a rustic charm thanks to the seven-block long main thoroughfare that features an expansive antique mall located in a historic train depot, quaint shops, superb dining, a Victorian-style B&B and a hotel dating back to the 1880’s.
Los Olivos
Once a bustling stagecoach and locomotive stop in the 19th century, this historic community remains a popular place to relax and recharge. Victorian architecture lines the downtown shopping district, where visitors can find antiques. art galleries, boutiques and more than two dozen wine tasting rooms. The annual Jazz & Olive Festival held each June celebrates the namesake fruit that is grown on the surrounding farmland.
Santa Ynez
This vintage township retains much of its Old West heritage with its historic western downtown, complete with period-style architectural facades. Beyond the hitching posts, modern-day trail riders will find here a variety of restaurants, shops and historical points of interest offering an illumination view into the region’s past .
Solvang
With a rich Nothern European culture and some of California’s finest wine country, it’s no wonder Orbitz named Solvang as one of the “Top 5 US Domestic Destinations with International Flair.” For more than a centurty, Solvang has thrived as an authentic outpost of Danish culture, traditions, architecture and cuisine. Today Solvang welcomes visitors with Scandinavian windmills, flower-lines streets, traditional festivals, unique shops, and dozens of wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and cafes featuring both Danish favorites and wine country classics.
About the Santa Ynez Valley
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley feels worlds apart from both visitors will find more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and a unique, rich heritage.