Solvang Things To Do

Solvang Things to Do

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to Do

Start planning your Solvang visit today.

View the Top 10 Things to Do in Solvang and don’t miss our signature events, Solvang Danish Days and Solvang Julefest.

If you are looking for a unique getaway, the historic Danish village of Solvang offers the best of the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara wine country in a relaxed and peaceful setting. Indulge in authentic Danish pastries at our world-famous bakeries. Stroll through the village and admire the old-world European architecture, plus find the perfect souvenir at a variety of charming boutiques and shops. A ride on the Solvang trolley is a must for families. This historic, wooden, horse-drawn streetcar is just one example of Solvang’s rich cultural heritage and offerings. Also, there is the “Real Ghost Hunting Tours” – a hands-on ghost hunting tour of historic Solvang.

Food and wine lovers will find wineries and beautiful vineyards to explore near Solvang, plus plenty of dining options including California farm-to-table cuisine.

Maybe it’s time to start planning your trip and checking these attractions and things to do off of your list!

Danish days, Solvang

Danish Days 2025

California’s premier Danish heritage festival, Solvang Danish Days, returns this year with a three-day event line-up, Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025. The 2025 edition of Solvang Danish Days marks the 88th return of the beloved, annual cultural affair.

A band performs in the string-lit gazebo at Solvang Park while families gather below during Julefest

Solvang Julefest 2025

Join us for our annual Julefest (Yule-fest) celebration in Solvang! Julefest is packed with activities throughout the holiday season for adults and kids alike.

Wine and dining in the Santa Ynez Valley

Wine Country

Discover Wine from the Grape to the Glass in Santa Barbara County Wine Country from Santa Ynez Valley to Sta. Rita Hills.

Sample central coast wines while visiting any of our wine tasting rooms in the peaceful Danish Village of Solvang and wineries in Santa Ynez Valley.

Holiday shopping in downtown Solvang

Boutique Shopping in Solvang

Love boutique shopping? Solvang offers one-of-a-kind shops where you can discover trendy styles and impeccable service.

Explore high-end boutiques, European imports and art galleries as you create wonderful memories while enjoying your shopping experiences in the Danish Village of Solvang, Little Denmark.

Family fun, Solvang

Family Friendly Activities

Solvang’s quaint old-world European fairy tale feel and friendly Danish hospitality offers a relaxing peaceful atmosphere for families away from home.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, a half-timbered building with a steep red roof

Museums & California Missions

You will appreciate both the architectural and folk ambience of the cultural icons scattered throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.

With the historical diversity of the Central Coast of California, from Danish history and heritage to motorcycles, California missions to natural history and nature art museums, to Native American and western heritage to oil memorabilia, you are sure to find attention-grabbing places to visit.

Solvang Theaterfest

Solvang Festival Theater

At the 700-seat outdoor Solvang Festival Theater, join us for unforgettable concerts, world-class theater, community fundraisers, family-friendly events, and more! Our stage has welcomed legendary artists and local favorites, creating magical nights under the stars.

Windmill in Solvang, California

Solvang Itineraries

Explore Solvang with our 1–4 day suggested travel itineraries. Find things to do outdoors, indoors and all around the Santa Ynez Valley. Learn the history and culture of the Chumash area, explore very different museums or a surrey bike, or even go cycling in the scenic countryside. Of course, you will want to visit wine tasting rooms and the numerous vineyards with a variety of wines and grapes.

Riders on horseback crossing a golden hillside above Cachuma Lake

Outdoor Activities

Visit Ostrichland, try an ATV or jeep tour of the scenic hillsides, go horseback riding, pedal a surrey bike around town, take a hike in the national forest and rent a boat on Lake Cachuma.

Take the kids for a fun afternoon at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang. Take a cycling tour of the Santa Barbara Wine country.

Dog friendly, Solvang

Visiting Solvang With Your Dog

Solvang is very pet-friendly – so bring your best friend with you! Many of the shops offer dog treats to your furry friends. Plus, we have several watering fountains at just the right level for your pet to quench their thirst.

Two cyclists riding a country road through autumn vineyards

Cycling

Slow down and take life easy as you ride your bicycle through Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley while exploring Santa Barbara county wine country.

Downtown Solvang under a clear blue sky, with the windmill and the Round Tower

Entertainment & Attractions

Those looking for musical entertainment will find choices from live bands and solo artists in wine & beer tasting rooms to top performers at the Chumash Casino, Nashville Nights and Tales from the Tavern. Wine connoisseurs enjoy Winemaker Dinners; horse and sports enthusiasts love the Polo Classics. Theater goers welcome the summer season live theater at Solvang Festival Theater where world-class musicals are performed.

A golf cart on a path beside a pond on a Solvang course, with willows, fairways and the Santa Ynez hills behind

Golfing in Solvang

Like to golf? You will love Solvang! Golf courses are nearby and with an excellent temperate climate year-round, you can golf almost every single day of the year here.

Enjoy the scenic rolling hills, stunning views of the Santa Ynez River valley and California live oaks in a beautiful natural environment.

Bethania Lutheran Church, a whitewashed Danish-style church with a red tile roof and stepped gable tower

Solvang Heritage: Arts & Culture

Solvang feels like northern Europe, yet “Little Denmark” lives in the center of the Central Coast of California.

From the Danish traditions of Solvang to the Western roots of the entire region, arts and culture have played an important role over the last century in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Tiki Bar

What to Do – Indoors

From history and art to wine tasting – these are top things to do indoors in Solvang.