How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Solvang, California

A visit to Solvang, California is about as close to a European getaway as you’ll find in the American West. Known as the Danish Capital of America, the attractive little city is rife with windmills, Dutch flags, bakeries and cobblestone streets transporting you to a world away from the rest of Southern California.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Relish the winemaking (and tasting!) heritage of the area, popularized by the village’s appearance in the film ‘Sideways.’ Some of the best nearby wineries include Sunstone Vineyards and Zaca Mesa Winery.

2. Indulge in the local heritage with a visit to the Elverhoj Museum, showcasing exhibits on the town’s Danish history. The hand-crafted structure is designed in the style of Scandinavian farmhouses and embellished by a handsomely carved redwood entry door and hand-painted wood paneling.

3. See another side to Solvang’s history by visiting the Old Mission Santa Inés. The attractive Spanish colonial-style structure houses an awesome trove of paintings, artifacts, statuary and manuscripts. It also provides an austere view of the surrounding area.

4. Tee off on one of the lush golf courses in the area. The Alisal River Course is a particular favorite, though the casual golfer will enjoy the short nine-hole offering at Zaca Creek Golf Course.

5. Buy yourself some Dutch treats on a Solvang shopping spree. Fittingly, Copenhagen Street is where you’ll find the most appealing shops, with Danish-themed stores that include bakeries, chocolatiers and knife crafters.

6. If you’re not shopped out, proceed to the Solvang Antique Center on First Street, an impressive gallery of more than sixty dealers open every day of the week. Antique clocks and music boxes are the most prominent items on sale, but you’ll find everything but the kitchen sink amidst all these sellers.

7. Fans of ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘Thumbelina’ will want to visit the small but appealing Hans Christian Andersen Museum on Mission, where sketches and collages created by the great children’s author are a sampling of the items on display.

Tips & Warnings

• Solvang has become a popular weekend destination, so plan ahead for spring, summer and fall to ensure your top choices of accommodations and dining.

[bakersfieldmom]

on 9/3/2009 Dutch flags and treats? How about Danish flags and Danish treats. This is a typical DANISH community with many Danish residents. Nothing Dutch about it. The Dutch have windmills, but so do the Danish and many other European sites. Solvang is a lovely place to visit; when dating my husband,I was excited to take him to see the windmills; he wasn't impressed, of course. He is Dutch and grew up with windmills; we lived there for 10 years after our marriage, just recently returning to California to live.

[calien]

on 3/11/2008 Great tips! I loved visiting Solvang. It's a quaint and romantic little getaway, and don't forget, it's only 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, which makes a fun day trip as well!