Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley are popular day trip destinations from Los Angeles. Known for its wine and for Solvang’s Danish architecture, it’s also sometimes known as a rather upscale destination due to the many wineries calling this valley home. But despite that reputation, there’s still a smorgasbord of things you can do at no cost to help make your trip more affordable. Keep reading this post for a breakdown of what attractions you can do in the Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang at no cost.
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Solvang Town
The Danish capital of America, Solvang’s streets are free for you to explore at your leisure. Admire the distinct and beautiful Danish architecture as you walk around town. Don’t forget to stop at the many shops that line Solvang’s streets. Solvang is also known for its bakeries, so be sure to stop at one as you’re exploring the town (my personal favorite is the Solvang Bakery). You can also go windmill hunting in the area, as Solvang has 3 windmills that you can find by simply strolling around town. I would say that enjoying the town is the top free attraction in the valley, so make sure to dedicate a couple of hours to go exploring.
The Neighboring Towns
The neighboring towns to Solvang all resemble each other, but they’re all worth exploring in their own right. Those towns are the towns of Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, and Los Olivos. They actually all look like towns that you would see in western movies like the Good the Bad and the Ugly. Be sure to explore each town’s general store, as well as the various shops and restaurants that litter their main streets. Wineries also abound here, which while not free are worth stopping over for.
Santa Ynez Mission
One of the 21 missions built in California, the Santa Ynez Mission was established in 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis. It was originally envisioned to be a go-between between two other missions, those being the Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción. It was the third to the last mission to be built and is dedicated to St Agnes of Rome. It’s an interesting piece of Californian history, and is an important landmark because the town of Solvang was built where it was because, among other reasons, it was so close to the mission. While the museum will cost you to enter, you can still admire the grounds and the exterior for free.
Elverhoj Museum
Functioning as both a history and an art museum, the Elverhoj museum is located off the main drag in Solvang. This museum is all about the history of the Danish Americans that call Solvang home. It dives into why many Danish immigrants decided to settle in California and what their way of life was like. It includes thoughtfully organized displays of old Danish life, as well as some art pieces made in Denmark. This museum is completely free, although you may make a donation if you wish.
Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Less a museum and more an exhibit, this museum is located on the second floor of the Book Loft shop. It chronicles the life and work of the famed Danish author, with display cases full of prints of his works. The museum also contained a plethora of artworks made by Hans Christian Andersen himself. I learned from this museum that not only was he a gifted author, but he was also a celebrated artist. That’s what this museum felt like: a celebration of the brilliance of one of literature’s greatest icons. Definitely visit this museum if you get the chance, as it’s one of the top things to do in Solvang at no cost.
Olive + Lavender Farms
Located in Los Olivos, this is probably the Santa Ynez Valley’s best kept secret. While the valley is known for wine tastings, the Olive + Lavender Farms are known for their free Olive Oil and Balsamic tastings! You pick up a tray with different samples on it, along with some bread, and then sit on their patio. I have to say, their Olive Oils and Balsamics tasted so good! And I was surprised that they were offering this for free. If you liked anything you tasted, you can buy a bottle from their store. This is definitely an underrated things to do in the valley and Solvang at no cost.
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