Head to Solvang, CA and have one of the best weekends with your family experiencing all things Denmark without leaving the country
Solvang (aka the “Danish Capital of America”) has a lot more going for it than windmills and waitresses in dirndls. While the town has lots of fun kitschy charm worth checking out, there are also plenty of modern, swoon-worthy restaurants, boutique hotels, tucked-away tasting rooms, along with hidden gems the kids will love uncovering. Whether you head up to Solvang for a day trip from LA or have the opportunity to spend a day or two (or more), Solvang is a must stop for any family looking for off-the-beaten-path fun.
Things to Do in Solvang, CA with the Family
Hans Christian Andersen Park
The entrance to the park is through a fairy tale-esque “castle” archway but most notably, HCA Park has tons of great features like a nice walking trail that begins near the park’s entrance to the right (about where the Vinland Hotel is located—in fact, some of the Vinland’s rooms overlook the park). HCA Park has a newer, modern playground structure which is often way less populated than Sunny Fields Park, an awesome skate park, free municipal tennis courts that were recently resurfaced, and brand new pickleball courts. There are also secluded wooded picnic BBQ areas and loads of nature areas to explore.
Good to Know: Like all nature spots around California, mountain lions and bobcats are known to frequent the park, so it’s best to stay alert—and of course, also beware of rattlers (in season) and poison oak (always!).
633 Chalk Hill Rd.
Solvang
Online: solvangusa.com
Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours
Hop aboard this old-fashioned streetcar (but modernized thanks to its new electric motor) for a 25-minute tour of the town's most popular landmarks. Along the way, your guide (dressed in traditional Danish garb) will regale you with fun facts and local lore. We don't want to give too much away, but be prepared to discover the town's one authentic thatched roof and the meaning behind those wooden storks perched atop many of the local buildings.
Cost: $14/Adults; $9/Children ages 3-11; free for children under 3
1639 Copenhagen Dr.
Solvang
Online: solvangtrolley.com
Sunny Fields Park
Just outside of town you'll find this Danish-inspired playground complete with a Viking ship, windmill, and mini gingerbread house. Of course, there are also the requisite swings, slides, and climbing structures that kids love. Added bonus? Bathrooms are typically very clean just in case your little one needs a potty break on the way in or out of town.
900 Alamo Pintado Rd.
Solvang
Online: cityofsolvang.com
Dana V. Wines Tasting Room
There are loads of places to taste wine in town but this is the only one we found with outdoor games for the kids to play. While this tasting room opened in 2018, Dana Volk, the owner and winemaker behind the label, has been in the industry since 1996. Part of the growing movement of women winemakers (the number of women winemakers is particularly high in the Santa Barbara county region), Dana proves that you can marry your passion with your lifestyle (aka kids and family). Dana V. Wines is the direct (and delicious) result of that effort.
1588 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: danavwines.com
The Best Places to Shop in Solvang, CA
Onederchild
Owned by local dads, this adorable boutique offers unique toys, books, and gifts for babies and kids, along with gently (as in barely) worn clothes on consignment. Tucked inside one of Solvang’s most famous windmills, it's an under-the-radar local favorite featuring finds that are both whimsical, well-made, and socially conscious (like one of our fave discoveries the Women's March Puzzle). Just a warning: You won't be able to leave empty-handed.
1622 Copenhagen Dr. Suite 1
Solvang
Online: onederchild.com
Hanson's Clock Shop
Kids will go cuckoo for this shop featuring cuckoo clocks galore. There are traditional, hand-carved wooded clocks with elaborate scenes, along with cute, tail-wagging cat clocks. If you can't manage to time your visit on the hour (who can blame you?), not to worry. Friendly shop workers can manually adjust the clocks to chime for kids.
467 Alisal Rd.
Solvang
Online: clocksclocks.com
Hans Christian Andersen Museum & The Book Loft
The tiny museum is a hidden gem, and is located upstairs in the independently-run bookstore. It's an intimate space that details the life and the legacy of Denmark's most famous author (The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid to name a few) with knick-knacks and childhood home replicas—even your littlest ones will be delighted by all the exhibition pieces. Once you're finished with the museum portion, spend some time exploring all the wonderful used and antique books on the same floor.
1680 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: thebookloftsolvang.com
The Copenhagen House
For anyone with a love of housewares, home decor, and gifts, this store is a must-stop for the best in Danish design (so beautiful and functional). Kids can get in on the retail action by checking out the clever toys. Not only do they claim the largest selection of Hoptimist in the US, but there are some LEGO sets here and the cutest stuffed animals that might have you lifting any purchase bans of soft loveys. And don't miss the adorable wall of clogs made in teeny-tiny kids' sizes.
1660 Copenhagen Dr.
Solvang
Online: thecopenhagenhouse.com
The Best Places to Eat with Kids in Solvang, CA
Peasants Feast
Sit outside on the large patio and enjoy food that's fresh from local farms, ranches, and coastal waters, sure to please both “big” and “little” kids. Chef/owner Michael Cherney helms the craft-food eatery, relying on his serious restaurant industry résumé—with time spent in Michelin-starred kitchens in Los Angeles, at Ortolan, and in Las Vegas, at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon—to turn out signature lunch or dinner items like seasonally-shifting grilled cheese creations, Instagram-famous sandwiches such as their Solvang Hot Chicken, or smash burgers (including a kid-sized version), straight-from-the-farm-stand salads, and family-friendly soups which utilize local, seasonal crops. Can't-miss desserts include house-made ice cream, plus freshly-baked cookies and a family-favorite frozen lime pie.
487 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang
Online: peasantsfeast.com
brekkies by CHOMP
Stop by the register to order your meal before taking a seat (don't worry about the long line—it moves quickly!) at this sweet breakfast joint that offers a full breakfast menu that is sure to delight everyone in the family including gluten-free waffles that are all the rage. Other favorites? Breakfast burritos with a tater tot surprise, veggie omelets stuffed with vegetables, and for the kids? Banana Nutella pancakes of course.
1655 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: brekkiessolvang.com
Paula's Pancake House
Almost as famous as the windmills within the town's limits, this breakfast hotspot fills up fast. If you don't get there by 8 a.m., expect to wait for your Danish pancake fix—thin pancakes served with whip cream and fresh fruit. The kids will like the chocolate chip pancakes (what's not to love about that) and you'll love that the coffee is strong and refilled regularly.
1531 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: paulaspancakehouse.com
Good Seed Coffee Boutique
This Solvang-staple coffee shop is the place to go for your morning joe, your afternoon pick-me-up, or honestly, everything in between. The coffee is roasted locally and the baked goods are organic with vegan and lots of gluten-free options.
Don't miss out on the superfood lattes. The turmeric was a cup of cozy with a snappy finish thanks to the ginger and cinnamon. Definitely worth the stop and be prepared to linger—the cool Nordic vibes coupled with the local staff’s warmth make it hard to leave.
1607 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: goodseedcoffeeboutique.com
Via Gelateria
Opened in September 2021, this family-owned and operated gelato shop focuses on using locally sourced ingredients and is determined to bring authentic Italian gelato to the Santa Ynez Valley. And with up to 18 flavors on display, they've made the choice between Belgian cookie gelato, dark chocolate, or salted caramel extremely difficult. Of course, now you have all the more reason to frequent this gelato shop more than once while you are in town.
1623 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: viagelateria.com
Cecco Ristorante
From the wood-burning oven pizza to the fresh and tangy Puttanesca, the food here is everything you want rustic-Italian cuisine to be—comforting, satisfying, and delivering on all taste levels at the end of a long day. And while the restaurant is "casually elegant," the staff and the atmosphere are warm, welcoming, and accommodating—including delivering an order of plain spaghetti with no butter, no oil, and no decorative "greens."
475 1st St.
Solvang
Online: ceccoristorante.com
Danish Mill Bakery
The Danish Mill Bakery, one of Solvang’s “fab five” Danish bakeries, has fun animatronic bakers in the front window, along with a life-size animatronic baker inside the restaurant who gives this whole little speech. Trust us, it's fun and not creepy. Treat yourself to their aebleskiver (similar to doughnut holes), chocolates, pastries, breads, and one of our favorites—Napolean's Hats.
1682 Copenhagen Dr.
Solvang
Online: danishmillbakerysolvang.com
Via Gelateria
Opened in September 2021, this family-owned and operated gelato shop focuses on using locally sourced ingredients and is determined to bring authentic Italian gelato to the Santa Ynez Valley. And with up to 18 flavors on display, they've made the choice between Belgian cookie gelato, dark chocolate, or salted caramel extremely difficult. Of course, now you have all the more reason to frequent this gelato shop more than once while you are in town.
1623 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: viagelateria.com
Where to Spend the Night in Solvang, CA
The Landsby
For contemporary Danish style, a stay at The Landsby is a must. Wood accents, muted colors, and tactile fabrics all layered together in that enviably effortless, hygge way that transports you directly to Denmark without ever leaving the country. The lobby sets the tone for an entirely welcoming atmosphere while the outdoor seating area, complete with fire pits, makes sitting outside a comfortable treat day or night. The 50-room hotel is in the middle of downtown Solvang. Plan to leave the car in the parking lot and easily walk everywhere from its central location. The Landsby is also dog-friendly.
Insider Tip: The Landsby’s onsite restaurant, Mad & Vin, is a great option for a family-friendly breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even Happy Hour nibbles, but it does book up in advance—meal-time reservations are recommended.
1576 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: thelandsby.com
Vinland Hotel & Lounge
Copenhagen, meet California! This pet-friendly, modern hotel offers 82 guest rooms and is located right in the middle of town—meaning you can leave your car in the parking lot and walk to all of the must-go spots Solvang has to offer. The kids will love the hot tub and heated pool while parents will love the V Lounge which features local wine, fresh fare, and innovative cocktails.
1455 Mission Dr.
Solvang
Online: vinlandhotelandlounge.com
Festivals, Fairs & Events & Other Can’t-Miss Stops in Solvang
Ostrichland USA
No Solvang trip would be complete without a stop at this big bird mecca. Totally kitschy and kinda strange (birds are the descendants of dinosaurs after all), this roadside staple is everything you need and expect it to be. Little kids will probably need help holding the food and heed the warnings that the birds can bite.
610 E. Hwy. 246
Solvang
Online: ostrichlandusa.com
With its mild weather, relatively affordable hotel rates, and minimal crowds (shhh... don't let word get out), there is really never a bad time of year to visit Solvang. That said, if you're looking for something a little "extra," here are four yearly events worth checking out:
Danish Days: Traditionally the third weekend in September, this 3-day celebration of all things Danish includes a Viking encampment (with reenactments!), live music and folk dancing, an artisan marketplace, a parade, and more.
Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch: This event occurs Sept.-Oct. and features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and fresh-made kettle corn.
Scarecrow Fest: From Oct. 1-31, more than 100 scarecrows will populate the Santa Ynez Valley. Can you find them all?
Solvang Julefest: For more than a month each holiday season (Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023), Solvang turns into one of the most "Christmas-y" towns in America.
