This Is California's Quirkiest Little Town
Sitting about two hours northwest of Los Angeles, near the Pacific Coast, Solvang rests in the heart of the scenic Santa Ynez Valley. Feeling more like a storybook village than a typical Californian town, this community of around 6,000 residents was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. They created an oddball destination that swapped Spanish tiles for timbered facades and windmills.
With streets lined with European bakeries, restaurants, windmills, and other themed attractions, Solvang leans fully into its Danish-American identity, with the idyllic SoCal climate spicing things up a bit. Though tourists often visit for the novelty, many stay for the layered history, unique draws, and surprisingly deep cultural roots.
This article takes a deeper look at what makes this delightful little destination worthy of your next Golden State Adventure!
A Brief History of Solvang
As noted, Solvang was established in the early 1910s by a group of Danish-Americans seeking to create a community where they could preserve their language, culture, and religious practices, being comprised mainly of Lutherans. These settlers purchased almost 10,000 acres of land in the Santa Ynez Valley, an area then dominated by cattle ranching and a settler history dating back to the era of Spanish missions in the state.
At first, Solvang resembled many other rural California towns, with quickly constructed wooden buildings and tons of prime farmland for the taking. Over time, however, the town’s Danish identity grew more pronounced. By the middle of the 20th century, Danish-style architecture began to dominate the landscape, sparked in part by tourism and a growing interest in heritage preservation among locals, many of whom had now called Solvang home for multiple generations. Windmills, half-timbered buildings, and replicas of Copenhagen landmarks aptly followed.
This quirky little town now has a thriving tourism industry and has made a name for itself for truly standing out among California's top travel destinations.
Must-See Danish-Themed Attractions
When you get here, the first thing you are probably going to want to do is check out what this town is most known for. Here are the top spots that definitely bring the Danish vibes to this welcoming community.
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is one of Solvang’s most immersive and educational locales. Housed in a building modeled after a traditional 18th-century Danish farmhouse, the museum offers a thoughtful look at the town’s origins, the Danish-American immigrant experience in general, and the broader history of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Within its walls, you will find a collection of handcrafted woodwork, folk costumes, and rotating art exhibits. Staff here often share personal stories and connections to the founding families, too. Even the name, Elverhøj, comes from a beloved 19th-century Danish play that remains culturally significant in Denmark. And unlike some of the town’s more commercial attractions, Elverhøj provides a quieter way to spend an afternoon.
Olsen's Danish Village Bakery
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery is an enduring and beloved institution, serving up tasty treats since 1970. Opened by third-generation Danish baker Bent Olsen, the shop has become a cornerstone of the town’s identity, known for its strict adherence to traditional recipes brought over from Denmark.
The shelves here are lined with anything from butter cookies and flaky spandauer to Danish bread and more, all baked fresh each morning. Behind the counter, glass cases display elaborate marzipan cakes and delicate butter cookies, many of which have earned awards over the decades. The bakery is also known for its Kransekage, a towering almond-ring cake used in Scandinavian celebrations.
Visitors are often greeted by the scent from blocks away, causing most newcomers to drift over to this bakery at some point during their stay, whether they knew about its existence beforehand or not.
Solvang Park
Solvang Park serves as a small but central green space in the heart of downtown. Located at the corner of Mission Drive and First Street, the park has a nice assortment of wooded areas and gardens. It features amenities like benches and a traditional gazebo often used for live music and seasonal events.
This park is also a key site for community gatherings during town-wide celebrations like Danish Days and Julefest. During the winter months, however, it becomes a hub for holiday decorations and lights to create a festive atmosphere. Be sure to stop by for some rest in a relaxing setting during your stroll downtown, regardless of the season.
Solvang Windmill
The Solvang Windmill is pretty hard to miss and is a clear symbol of Solvang's heritage. Though it doesn’t power machinery or grind grain, the structure replicates the traditional style found throughout rural Denmark.
Set along Alisal Road, its white walls, dark timber trim, and wooden blades make it an unavoidable focal point downtown. Although the windmill is largely decorative, it does serve an important role in the town’s aesthetic, anchoring its northern European theme and attracting countless photographers since its construction.
Over the years, it has housed various businesses. While Solvang is home to multiple windmill structures, this one stands out due to its central location, size, and early presence in the town’s transformation into a hotspot for tourism in Southern California.
Hans Christian Andersen Park
Hans Christian Andersen Park offers a nature-focused counterpoint to Solvang’s busy downtown. Named for Denmark’s most famous author, the park sits just beyond the main village and is accessed through an ornate stone archway that resembles something from one of his fairy tales. Once on its grounds, you will be greeted by a shaded landscape of oak trees, meandering paths, and open lawns. The park also includes playgrounds, sitting areas, and even a small skate park, making it a useful stop for all ages.
While there are no rides or costumed characters, Hans Christian Anderson Park still feels true to the spirit of Andersen’s stories, being both imaginative and peaceful; truly a top-notch bit of urban greenspace.
Explore these Other Cool Spots in and Around Town
Solvang and its surrounding countryside are full of other kinds of attractions that range from scenic to downright quirky. Here are a few options for you to see something different while exploring the area.
Ostrichland USA
Located just a few minutes outside town along California State Route 246, Ostrachland USA is home to over 100 ostriches and emus roaming open enclosures. Here, visitors will be able to purchase a bowl of food to feed the birds by hand, allowing you to get surprisingly close to these massive, curious avians.
The ranch also has a small shop selling souvenirs and other ostrich-themed items, even including fresh ostrich eggs available seasonally! Since its creation in the early 90s, it has gone on to become arguably the most visited, if not unique, single attraction in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Nojoqui Falls Park
Just a short drive south of Solvang, Nojoqui Falls Park is one of the area's top natural landmarks. The park's main attraction is, of course, the namesake waterfall, which cascades over 160 feet over a beautiful moss-covered sandstone cliff. Note that the falls only flow seasonally, being most impressive in the winter and spring months when rainfall is abundant.
The trail to the waterfall is an easy, family-friendly hike that is less than a mile round trip. The path is well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of pretty much all ages and abilities. It meanders through a pristine canyon, crossing wooden bridges and passing beneath towering old-growth woodlands. Besides the waterfall, Nojoqui Falls Park also features expansive grassy areas, picnic tables, playgrounds, and lots of parking, all within close proximity to each other.
Old Mission Santa Ines 1804
Old Mission Santa Inés, established in 1804, stands at the eastern edge of downtown Solvang and marks one of California’s oldest standing missions. It was built to serve the town's earliest Spanish settlers and spread the catholic faith to native populations, mainly the local Chumash people. Its adobe construction, red-tiled roof, and bell tower exemplify the classic style of early Spanish colonial architecture. Over time, the mission endured earthquakes, periods of secularization, and various stages of restoration, but much of the original character has thankfully been preserved.
Today, you are free to walk through the church, view its historic religious artifacts, and explore the peaceful gardens that frame the complex. Beyond its historical significance, Old Mission Santa Inés still functions as an active parish and community gathering space. Its location on a bluff also provides one of the best panoramic views of the Santa Ynez River Valley, making it a memorable stop for those interested in both history and the wonderful landscapes of this region.
Enjoy This Highly Unique SoCal Town Today
If you are looking for a truly memorable experience this year, try a visit to this small town for a change. Although yes, the Pacific coast, the Sierra Nevada's, and the deserts near the Mexican border are all perfectly charming landscapes to explore, Solvang instead provides a quirkier slice of California's history, offering a nice mix of culture and natural sights in an incredibly picturesque, yet somehow underrated, part of the state.
