![]() For a bit of history on the area, make sure to stop by the humble Elverhøj Museum.įor a more offbeat adventure, head to the outskirts of town to Quicksilver Ranch (temporarily closed, but you can still see in from the fence along the road), the most adorable mini horse farm on the planet, and OstrichLand, which feels like the Jurassic Park of the ostrich and emu world. Solvang’s downtown area is dotted with breweries and pancake cottages, including local standbys Solvang Brewing Company and Paula’s Pancake House-and an increasingly impressive new culinary scene. The post-WWII structures are as touristy as they are charming walk around town to find an assortment of Christmas shops, Hans Christian Andersen and Little Mermaid keepsakes, and sort-of-Danish bakeries. Though you won’t find many Danes in Solvang anymore, you will find wooden windmills, rural houses and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. Michael JulianoĪfter Danish immigrants grew tired of Midwestern winters, they began to make their way west and eventually settled in the pastoral Santa Ynez Valley. There’s only one road in and out from the 5, so bring some patience during rush hour-alternatively, take the scenic route and follow Coast Highway through Newport Beach. Summertime typically sees the arrival of two festival favorites: Pageant of the Masters, a live stage interpretation of classical paintings, and Sawdust Art Festival, an open-air artisan market that transforms into a Christmas village in late fall. It’s not just about the beach here you can explore the reservation-only Hortense Miller Garden or thousands of acres of hillsides and canyons to find hiking trails, nature centers and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, a sea lion rescue. Do, however, follow the smell of fresh waffle cones onto the enchanting Peppertree Lane for a scoop from Gelato Paradiso. Walk the city’s downtown area to find a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants many eateries cater to the well heeled, so we suggest bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench at the hilltop Heisler Park. Main Beach is the spot of choice for downtown sunbathing, but you’ll find pristine, less crowded beaches at tide pool-filled Treasure Island, camper-friendly Crystal Cove or hidden Victoria Beach with its weathered, castle-like turret. Seth Kelleyĭiscover the best things to do in Santa Barbaraįorget what you know from a certain unfortunate MTV reality show: Laguna Beach is an easygoing oceanfront city graced with lush vegetation, tidepools and a picturesque rocky coastline. Otherwise, grab a glass of Pinot Noir at one of the many tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail (hours and status vary by winery) the spots are located in downtown Santa Barbara, steps from the Amtrak station, and source grapes from local vineyards. If you’re traveling with family, spend a few hours at the Santa Barbara Zoo (reservations required). ![]() The lines tend to be on the ridiculous side, but it’s worth the wait for novelty’s sake alone. Grab lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria-famous for being one of Julia Child’s favorite eateries. And the Wharf isn’t the only place to see the water: Butterfly Beach, a relatively private spot, is situated next to the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and faces west for ideal sunset-watching views. Stearns Wharf is a go-to spot to see the Pacific, and nearby is State Street, filled with tons of shops and people-watching opportunities. Santa Barbara is a scenic and worthy vacation destination regardless of your starting point, but we’re fortunate enough to have relatively easy access (granted that the L.A. Chief’s Peak, the bar at Ojai Rancho Inn (where you should stay if your trip runs long), is a hip spot for an after-dinner drink you’ll find more old-timers-and regular live music-at Deer Lodge down the road. Swing back to the center of town to explore its many wine tasting rooms, or grab a beer and a bite at Ojai Beverage Company. If the weather is right, swimming holes abound along the Sespe Creek.īack in civilization, check out Bart’s Books, an outdoor bookstore housed in an actual house (sans roof), or head up to Meditation Mount (reservations required) for incredible views, especially the famed “pink moment” at sunset. Alternatively, grab a a bite to go and explore the nearby trails in Los Padres National Forest, just north of town. Tour an olive farm or a citrus grove, then grab an organic lunch at Farmer & the Cook. Start early with a decadent, hearty breakfast at Bonnie Lu’s, then stroll the town’s quaint main street the antique shopping is great here, but relatively newer shops like Summer Camp are also worth a stop. for a day trip, but with a unique, relaxed feel that’s worlds away from busy city life. Ojai is a not-so-hidden gem close enough to L.A.
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