SOLVANG:
Founded in 1911, the community of Solvang holds Danish-American charm and tradition. Anywhere you walk throughout the town, you'll see their culture come to life through the buildings, bakeries, restaurants and shops. There are also wine-tasting rooms where you can sample products of more than 125 vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley.
Dine: Succulant Restaurant, Paula's Pancakes, Root 246, The Solvang Restaurant, First & Oak, Cecco Ristorante, S.Y. Kitchen, The Hitching Post
Activities: Rent a MOKE Car to explore the area, Visit the Ostrich Farm, Alisal Guest Ranch for horseback riding, Hot Air Balloon tour
Drink: Solvang Brewery, Firestone Brewery, The Maverick, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
Vineyards: Grassini Family Vineyards, Roblar Vineyard, Refugio Ranch, Brave & Maiden, Fess Parker, Vincent, Tipping Tree, Melville, Brickbarn, Bridlewood, Foxen, Dimitrea, Presque'ille
*Most restaurants close by 11pm, so plan accordingly.
LOS OLIVOS:
This is a charming place to visit for a one-stop wine country experience of the area. The town has a walkable, five-block downtown full of wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, and restaurants - many of which are housed in historic 100-year-old buildings.
Wine: There are more than 100 tasting rooms all side-by-side on Grand Ave, Alamo Pintado Ave, Jonata St and San Marcos Ave.
*Make reservations for groups, and keep in mind that tasting rooms usually close around 5pm.
Dine: Fess Parker, Los Olivos Cafe
SANTA BARBARA:
If you want a more city feel, then Santa Barbara is the best stop to or from the Los Angeles airport. It's only about a 35-minute ride from The Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara is a must-see because it's not only a bustling city right on the beautiful, Pacific Ocean coast, but also has the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
So many things to do, but here's a good guide: www.downtownsb.org/discover/explore-our-neighborhoods
