Spring has a way of making Solvang irresistible. Danish pastries, sun-soaked patios, a kids’ Viking quest, painting classes in vineyards, and a village that moves at exactly the right pace. Here’s your guide to making the most of it.
Skip the Weekend Crowds: Come Monday–Wednesday
Shorter waits, quieter streets, and a surprisingly full calendar. Here’s how to do three days in Solvang right.
Monday: Start at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (11am–5pm), then lunch at the open-air Copenhagen Sausage Garden. Stroll the village, taste at Final Girl Wines (until 6pm), and end with dinner at The Gathering Table.
Tuesday: Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then explore the Hans Christian Andersen Museum or the Solvang Viking Museum. Rent a surrey or eMoke, hike to Nojoqui Falls, wind down at The Good Life (noon–9pm), and dinner at new KANOK Thai Cuisine or Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse. Nightcap at The Landsby hotel’s bar (Mon–Thurs, 4–10pm).
Wednesday: Shorter waits at Paula’s Pancake House (from 7am). Walk the trails at Hans Christian Andersen Park or Old Mission Santa Inés, lunch at peasants FEAST, peasants DELI, or Ramen Kotori, then browse the Solvang Farmers Market (every Wednesday from 2:30pm) before heading home.
Book Your Midweek StayGive Mom the Weekend She Deserves
Wine, crafting, and the Santa Ynez Valley, that’s a Mother’s Day worth remembering!
Mother’s Day Vase Making at Buttonwood Winery
Saturday, May 9th from 11AM-12:30 PM
Spend a peaceful afternoon in the vineyard with your mom creating vases she will love and use for years! Register Here.
Painting Classes in the Valley
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10
Two guided painting experiences set among the vines and orchards of the Santa Ynez Valley, cocktail or wine glass in hand. No experience necessary. $89/person, all supplies included. See details & tickets.
Mads Tolling Concert at Elverhøj Museum
Saturday, May 9 at 7:00pm
End the evening with live music at one of Solvang’s most beloved cultural venues. A beautiful way to close out a beautiful day. Get tickets.
Round out the weekend with boutique shopping, a spa afternoon, or a long lunch on a sunny Solvang patio.
A Viking Quest the Kids Won’t Stop Talking About
Secret Solvang’s new Kids Viking Tour sends ages 5–12 on a 1.25-hour quest through the village, hunting for clues, visiting real Viking artifacts, playing "Viking, Viking, Dragon," and feasting on fresh aebleskiver. They’re knighted as Vikings at the start and finish with games at the arcade at peasants DELI.
Select Saturdays at 10:30am or 2:00pm. One adult required per booking.
Book Your TourSolvang’s Best Outdoor Seats Are Open
Spring sun, open patios, and more than two dozen places to sip and eat outside, many welcoming pets (confirm policies with each spot).
Top picks include PARc Place’s courtyard (McClain Cellars, Alma Rosa Winery, Cailloux Cheese Shop, and more), plus High Roller Tiki Lounge, Draughtsmen Aleworks, Coast Range, Solvang Brewing Co., Ramen Kotori, and CHOMP.
Explore Dining and WineMark Your Calendar
Spring is busy in Solvang. Coming up:
- Rancheros Visitadores Parade – May 2
- Lulu’s B-Day Party at California Nature Art Museum – May 3
- Voices of the Valley with P!nk – May 8
- Wine Country Half Marathon – May 9
- SYV Pride Parade and Festival – June 13
- Music in the Park season kicks off – June 17
- Summer Solstice Party to Benefit Elverhøj Museum – June 20
- Solvang Farmers Market – Every Wednesday
- Live music – ongoing in town and the vineyards
Stay in Solvang
Make your getaway even sweeter by booking through our Lodging Specials page. It’s the easiest way to unlock exclusive rates, seasonal offers, and added perks you won’t always find anywhere else. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend of wine tasting and Danish pastries or a full itinerary of shopping, biking, and exploring, these curated deals help you make the most of your stay, without the extra spend. Take a look, find the perfect fit, and turn your Solvang escape into something truly special.
View Lodging SpecialsVelkommen til Solvang in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country.
Contact us online here.
