Located in Santa Ynez Valley, the cozy town of Solvang is home to a popular Danish Village that was set in 1911. Tourists can hop onto the Belgian horse-drawn trolleys of Solvang Trolley and Carriage and take a guided tour of the picturesque town. These carriages were built to look like the original Danish Honen carriages that were built in 1915. Ride through the streets and discover the local restaurants, cafés, shops and Danish-style houses.
Bethania Lutheran Church was built in 1928 and what truly stands out about this historic building are its Danish elements, in particular the nave, which is made of a ship. Other than the unique architecture, the church also provides a small slice of Danish culture in town, making it one of the more prominent town attractions.
The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art was established in 1988 to showcase Danish culture and history in Solvang. Exhibits and artifacts displayed at the museum portray the lives of early Danish settlers and their influence in shaping the city today. The historic photo collections displayed here are also valuable in providing information about the city's rich history. Apart from the indoor exhibits, the museum building is a treasure in itself. It is a beautiful Scandinavian-style building that was the home of Danish painter Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife.
A museum for vintage bikes and rare motorcycles, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The museum features an impressive showcase of vehicles, featuring bikes from the exclusive collection of Virgil Elings, who has been an collecting vintage motorcycles for over two decades now. The museum's repertoire includes many stylish vintage American, Japanese, European and British motorcycles, including the 1920 ABC Sopwith, 1948 AJS 7R, 1936 AJS R10 and the 1955 AJS 7R.
Built in 1804, Mission Santa Inés was established even before creation of the town of Solvang itself. Sometimes called Santa Ynez, the mission began under the leadership of Father Estévan Tapís. Although most of the church building was destroyed in the earthquake of 1812, the structure was renovated and expanded later on. Reflecting local culture and history, the mission makes for an interesting visit. Self-guided tours are available.
A unique center in Solvang, the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature presents facets of nature and wilderness in the form of art. With a collection that ranges from paintings to sculptures, across various artists, the museum and the artworks therein strive to establish a connection with the forces of nature. The museum also has a gift shop on site that features interesting handcrafted items, home decor items, art books and one-of-a-kind, locally-crafted jewelry.
Bethania Lutheran Church was built in 1928 and what truly stands out about this historic building are its Danish elements, in particular the nave, which is made of a ship. Other than the unique architecture, the church also provides a small slice of Danish culture in town, making it one of the more prominent town attractions.
Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana, as the name suggests, is a one of a kind museum featuring gasoline pumps, road signs, race cars, and everything to do with American roadways and highways. Brainchild of the late Jack Mendenhall, this private collection is owned and maintained by his family.
If you are looking for unique, locally-grown, handcrafted olive oils in the Santa Ynez Valley, then Rancho Olivos is the place for you. Running for a decade now, this family-owned business is a one-stop solution for people trying to know more about different varieties of olive oils. They produce fresh Estate Artisan Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Spanish and Italian varietals of olives grown in their farms. Olive oil tastings are also offered here.
Return to Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild horses in their natural habitat on the central coast of California. Their sanctuary, that houses hundreds of horses, stands on 1500 acres (607.02 hectares) of land, providing a healthy environment for these beautiful animals to thrive. Visitors are educated about the wild horses and the need for preserving them through the different tours and programs they offer. Don't forget to take your kids along, as they are likely to enjoy the most here.