A gem in California’s central coast with wine tasting rooms and Danish bakeries that creates a delightful tourist experience and feels like a world away. If you are looking for an experience full of fairy tales and small town, Solvang is the perfect destination.

We visited the town on the first weekend of February which gave us the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine. Although the town is always sunny but it get up to 100 degrees in the months of May-August so don’t forget to carry your sunscreen.

We started our day with the city tour on a horse carriage, although the town is very small and walkable the horse carriage ride was a unique experience. During the tour they tell about the history of town, point to good restaurants and bakeries and also give discount coupons for some stores.

The major attraction of Solvang is its classic architecture which was imported by Danish settlers in 1911. A group of Danish teachers looking for a place to escape harsh cold weather of Midwest came to San Ynez valley and named in Solvang meaning “Sunny fields”. A local newspaper advertisement in 1930 stating the Solvang looks more Danish then Denmark made it popular among tourist and later the town was protected as a Danish village.

We stayed in “Wine Valley Inn” which is 0.01 miles from downtown Solvang and is very affordable but most of the accommodation in Solvang is located very close to downtown area. If you wish to have an classy stay experience do consider The Landsby which also offers great dining option in the hotel.

Filled with wine tasting rooms and bakeries it is difficult for me to pick one so I will suggest to try as many as you can and pick your own favorite.

Though some believe that the town’s authenticity to be only skin deep, its charm lasts long enough for a day’s visit. Only a short drive from Bay area it feels like a brief trip abroad-no passport required.

“Do check the ostrich farm close to Solvang and experience feeding Ostrich and Emu!”

• travel
• california