HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SOLVANG, A CHARMING DANISH VILLAGE, LOCATED NEAR SANTA BARBARA
If you are looking for a unique getaway, the historic Danish village of Solvang offers the best of the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara wine country in a relaxed and peaceful setting. Indulge in authentic Danish pastries at our world-famous bakeries.
Stroll through the village and admire the old-world European architecture, plus find the perfect souvenir at a variety of charming boutiques and shops. A ride on the Solvang trolley is a must for families. This historic, wooden, horse-drawn street car, is just one example of Solvang’s rich cultural heritage and offerings.
Food and wine lovers will find more than 120 wineries and beautiful vineyards to explore near Solvang, plus plenty of dining options including California farm-to-table cuisine.
Solvang was named by Orbitz Worldwide Travel as one of the “Top 5 US Domestic Destinations with International Flair.” To appreciate Solvang’s Danish heritage, visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. For more cultural diversity, visit the National Historic Landmark 1804 Old Mission Santa Inés and the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature.
Historical churches such as Bethania Lutheran embrace Danish architecture and public art such as the Little Mermaid fountain, numerous murals and Hans Christian Andersen bust. A replica of Copenhagen’s famous 17th century Rundetaarn (Round Tower) is nestled behind one of the village’s four large windmills that all enhance California’s “Little Denmark.”
Be drawn into Scandinavian culture strolling the flower-lined streets or stepping into authentic bakeries, more than 150 unique shops and art galleries, restaurants and over a dozen wine tasting rooms. In 2009, Solvang was designated a national “Preserve America Community” award by First Lady Obama. As Danish tradition holds that the presence of a stork on a rooftop wards off lightning and brings good luck, you will see good fortune continues to smile on Solvang and all its visitors today.
Plus, for Michael Jackson die-hard fans Neverland lies just a short 20 minuted drives away. Although the ranch is a private property which doesn’t allow the access of tourists you can still take photos at the gates, which have become an impressive shrine with fans from all over the world leaving love messages for MJ on the rocks. It’s definately a very emotional experience.
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