Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Santa Ynez Valley
Photo provided by Tenley Fohl/Visit Santa Ynez Valley
Photo provided by Tenley Fohl/Visit Santa Ynez Valley
Photo provided by Visit Santa Ynez Valley
Photo provided by Visit Santa Ynez Valley

Wine, history and outdoor recreation come together for a great vacation in the friendly communities in this southern California region.

Come to the six communities of the Santa Ynez Valley to enjoy a California vacation away from big city bustle and crowds. Sample wine, craft beer and delicious food on leisurely tours of the area. Explore the countryside by bicycle or play golf at a different course each day.

The Santa Ynez Valley, where Sideways was filmed, has over 120 wineries in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s wine country. Chat with winemakers at boutique vineyards as you sip chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah,sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon and viognier. Select your favorites and have a case or two shipped home.

Drive or bike along the Santa Barbara VintnersWine Trail. Watch horses galloping over the rolling hills in the pretty countryside. Travel a bit south to Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area for views of the ocean.

You may think you’re in Northern Europe when you visit Solvang with its iconic windmills and Danish bakeries. Nearby Buellton has wineries and craft breweries. Select from several golf courses or hike, take a hot air balloon or glider ride or rent a trike for three-wheeled exercise.

In the tiny town of Ballard, see the Little Red Schoolhouse still providing excellent education. Several towns have maintained the appearance and character of their Old West heritage. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum in Santa Ynez to learn about the area’s history. September’s Los Alamos Valley Old Days celebration brings the past alive. Los Olivos has many buildings over 100 years old. Enjoy its wine-centered and other exciting events every weekend.

Throughout the valley, find quaint and welcoming accommodations and exceptional one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Enjoy the best of California’s fresh produce prepared by skilled chefs, sign up for cooking classes or learn how to pair wine with food selections.

The Santa Ynez Valley is 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Santa BarbaraOpens in a new window. Drive here or use a bus connection to Solvang from Amtrak train stops in several California cities.

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,920 reviews)
"Perfect location! Walking distance to everything! Will definitely come back! It’ll be better if EV charger was a universal kind, to cater all EV and not just one make. Other than that, its a great and safe place to stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,185 reviews)
"It was a nice place and convenient to walking all over Solvang! Free wine tasting on certain nights. Cleaning staff and evening maintenance person were very kind and caring! Would recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is ¥16,393 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
¥16,393
¥19,130 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"Chumash exceeded my expectations. I was a little hesitant with reading other reviews but we were pleasantly surprised. Everything was exceptionally clean and lovely. The room was spacious, comfortable and beautiful. The casino was large and had a lot of options. Although there is smoking permitted, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Chumash Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly

Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum ...
Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly
Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Apple Lane Solvang are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (147 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean 6 bedroom home with gorgeous vista views. Well appointed. Beautiful landscaping. Great location for visiting Solvang and Santa Ynez."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine
Come Be Our Guests at The Solvang Dolphin House "Delfin Huset"

Come Be Our Guests at The Solvang Dolphin House "Delfin Huset"

Solvang
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Solvang ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Family Get Away
"Wonderful centrally located property with beautiful, private garden courtyard, walking distance to all shops in downtown Solvang, and plenty of room for the whole family to spread out!"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Come Be Our Guests at The Solvang Dolphin House "Delfin Huset"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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