Santa Ynez Valley

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.

Chumash Casino Resort
Chumash Casino Resort
4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is €148 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€148
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
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! (1,588 reviews)
"Chumash is always fun"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Chumash Casino Resort
Hotel Corque
Hotel Corque
4 out of 5
400 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA
The price is €169 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€169
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,388 reviews)
"Great service. Location perfect for exploring Solvang and walking around. Rooms clean and very nicely remodeled. Would definately stay again"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Hotel Corque
Wine Valley Inn
Wine Valley Inn
3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is €150 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
€150
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,030 reviews)
"The breakfast was a little limited. That said, they made me something without cheese when most items had cheese."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Wine Valley Inn
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.
5-bedroom ranch house on 5 acres with Mountain views in adorable Santa Ynez
5-bedroom ranch house on 5 acres with Mountain views in adorable Santa Ynez
2 out of 5
Santa Ynez
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Roblar Winery and Beckmen Vineyards ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Ladies trip
"Great experience. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

5-bedroom ranch house on 5 acres with Mountain views in adorable Santa Ynez
Game Room! Mid Century Danish Home
Game Room! Mid Century Danish Home
Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Amazing house close to town
"House was so cute and homey. Loved how it was only a few minute walk from the town center"

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2025

Game Room! Mid Century Danish Home
Your OWN Private Refuge ON 10 Acres IN Santa Ynez
Your OWN Private Refuge ON 10 Acres IN Santa Ynez
Santa Ynez
Stay at this cottage in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage ...
10/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
Delightful property!
"Sunny & spacious & fully equipped for our weekend stay."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Your OWN Private Refuge ON 10 Acres IN Santa Ynez
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do