Thinking of going there in the spring on one our Worldmark excursions, and was wondering what it really was like there-things to do and see, things to avoid etc.
Been there a couple of times. The whole 'looks like Holland" thing is kind of cute but that’s about all there is.
Nope, almost forgot. There is an old mission there that is worth a look.
If you are in the neighborhood it’s worth a look but I wouldn’t make a destination out of it.
If wine is your thing, it’s a nice spot to visit vineyards. And the coastal route between there and Santa Barbara is one of my favorite stretches of road. But I have only passed through and stopped for lunch, never spent more than a day in the area.
Uh, you mean Denmark…
It’s a nice enough little town, especially if you are in the market for kitschy “Danish” souvenirs. It’s in a very nice location, so make sure you have a car and time enough to drive around, even if you’re not into wine. Los Olivos and Nojoqui Park are lovely.
There are some nice restaurants but other than that there is not much that is interesting to see. The
Spanish mission Santa Inés just outside of town would probably be worth visiting. If you are into wine
there are some wineries in area that you can visit.
BTW Solvang is supposed to represent Denmark, not Holland.
If you’ve your own car or I guess you can Uber now, the Los Olivos Tasting Room was worth your time a few years ago. Lots of local wines from producers small enough they didn’t have on-site tasting rooms. Sanford was a nice visit, just west of Buellton. I guess they’ve moved since I was last there.
The Danish thing is cute, for about fifteen minutes. Open-faced sandwiches are all right. Head up into the hills north of town and see if you can spot a California Condor (I never managed to. Saw a Golden Eagle or two though.) This may horrify silenus, but I actually like the pea soup at Andersen’s, and I don’t normally like peas.
Try the BBQ at the Hitching Post, Casmalia location. Then try their Syrah or Pinot Noir.
(I was there 15 years ago, so this may be way out of date)
But yeah, GreyGhost summed it up.
It’s just a way to spend some time.
I once read an official report about a zoo in a large city. The management surveyed the visitors to ask which animals they wanted to see most, and why they came to the zoo. It turned out that most people didn’t care about the animals; the reason they came was just that they were looking for a way to spend a nice day with their family.
I felt the same about Solvang. Good weather+good friends=a good day.
The fact that we happened to be in Solvang was irrelevant.
It’s been even longer (um… 35 years, or more?), but even then that just about sums it up. Nice place to walk around and get some food.
My dad bought an Æbleskiver pan there. About every 3 years he actually uses it. Don’t buy one, just enjoy them while you’re there.
One other thing worth doing in Solvang is PCPA has an outdoor theater there. A lot of talent runs through that theater group on their way between LA and San Fransisco. Easily its the best way to spend an evening in Solvang.
I never went, but my mom used to go there in the '70s.
I’ve been there. It’s very quaint, with lots of excellent Danish pastry shops. Also, Ostrichland USAis there, so if feeding ostriches and emus is on your bucket list, you could cross that one off.
I was recently invited to something at Solvang, so I’m really interested in the replies. Also, how hard is it to get there (from the east coast, so I won’t be driving all the way, nor have my car handy.)
You can fly into LAX or Santa Barbara airport, then take the train to Solvang.
Hmm, and then maybe I could Uber to my final destination. Thanks.
Be sure to stop at split pea Anderson’s! Great soup!
You can make a week out of hitting all of the winery tasting rooms in Solvang. That’s where we honeymooned. Lots to do in the area. Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, the Chumash casino, all the wine…
Some in the thread may already know this, but for those who don’t, the novel/film Sideways takes place in Solvang.
An older sister lived in Lompoc (Yeah, laugh it up) when I was in my early teens, and we visited Solvang a few times because it’s not exactly the most action-packed corner of the world. It’s pretty hokey unless you are infatuated with Denmark, which I’m not.
I also recommend Andersen’s pea soup — if you care about such things, it’s vegan— just split peas, water, and aromatic vegetables, plus thyme and bay leaf. I own the very kitschy Andersen’s cookbook, and I’ve made the soup dozens of times for vegan buddies. It’s much better if you lob in a hambone or hock, though.
I didn’t know about Sideways, but William Castle’s excellent early 1960s horror B movie Homicidal was also filmed there.
Been to Solvang many times. You’ve gotten good and accurate information about the place for the most part. I especially agree with Gray Ghost’s and silenus’s posts. It’s all about the food and wine in that region. The reason to go to Solvang proper is to sample the Æbleskivers, enjoy the Danish architectural theme, stroll through the curio shops and pick up a pail of butter cookies.
Los Olivos is nearby and charming. There are many hidden gem restaurants in the area. The Hitching Post recommendation is a good one.
If you decide to do the leisurely drive on Highway 154 into Santa Barbara, it’s best to not be in a hurry. I would add a stop at the Cold Spring Tavern on the Stagecoach Road. It’s a hidden gem, a popular choice among motorcycle afficionados. Great outdoor dining, happy people and it comes with the history of being an original stagecoach stop beginning in 1868.
If you get really bored, you can try to find Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in the area. (I doubt you’ll get that bored!)
And Hearst Castle.