Solvang earned its nickname as “The Danish Capital of America,” but the Santa Ynez Valley has been cattle- and horse-country far longer. A weekend here can run entirely on Solvang’s “western” side without ever straying far from the village. Here’s how to go western during your stay in Solvang.
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard
Ride Through a Working Vineyard
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road launched guided horseback trail rides in June 2026, returning to what the property was built for. Buttonwood opened in 1968 as an equestrian operation and did not plant wine grapes until 1983.
The one-hour rides move through vineyard trails with scenic photo stops and finish with a glass of estate wine in the tasting room for riders 21 and over. Every rider is matched with a horse based on skill level, and all skill levels are welcome.
Details: Friday through Sunday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Ages 7 and up, minimum height 48 inches. Closed-toe shoes required; helmets required under 18. Lunch can be added. Advance booking recommended.
Alisal Ranch
Stay on a Ranch Celebrating 80 Years
Alisal Ranch is marking its 80th anniversary with guest experiences, commemorative product launches, a new history book, and a 1946 Alisal Beer made with M.Special Brewing Co. in Goleta.
The anniversary 1946 Legacy Package, priced at a symbolic $19,460 for six adults, includes a two-night stay in the private Jackson House, a falconry experience paired with a whiskey tasting, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley, and a private western hat bar.
Shop the Look
The Velvet Rut opened in 2026 at 475 First Street, where owner Shona Stargill stocks vintage boots, hats, denim, and silk scarves alongside handcrafted leather. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Parts Unknown on Copenhagen Drive carries Scully and other western labels, and more vintage stops are covered in the Solvang vintage shopping guide.
Eat, Drink, and Scoop
Vaquero Bar at Coast Range restaurant is an upscale western bar with a full cocktail list, a deep stack of classic rock and country vinyl, and an oversized portrait of Dolly Parton. The steakhouse dining room sits on the other side of the restaurant’s outdoor courtyard. A few blocks away, Whiskey ‘N Rye leans into the smokehouse side of western dining, with hickory-smoked brisket and baby back ribs coming off the grill. The bar pours more than 60 specialty whiskeys, and the covered patio makes an easy place to settle in for a long afternoon.
At Founder’s Square, directly behind the Little Mermaid fountain, S.Y.V. Creamery seats guests on saddles at the ice cream bar with bull riding on the screen above and western apparel in the alcove behind. A coin-operated black stallion stands just inside the door, and a bronze cowboy waits outside it.
Plan Ahead
Planning Notes
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard and Alisal Ranch both sit a short drive from downtown Solvang, and village parking is free. Hours, pricing, and package availability change seasonally, so confirming directly with each business before booking is recommended.
