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 favourites 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-centred 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 kilometres) 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.

Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is CA $186 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $186
CA $216 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,201 reviews)
"Great location. Everything within walking distance. Loved the small porch like entrance. Very clean. Wish we could have stayed longer!"

Reviewed on Aug. 26, 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is CA $144 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
CA $144
CA $169 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,932 reviews)
"It’s our second time to stay there. Nice and clean room. Great pool and spa, the temperature at the pool is perfectly warm, especially in the evening. The only complaint is that no bottle water in the room or drinking water provided at the lobby . We have to go to the parking lot to get bottle water ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 25, 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is CA $154 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
CA $154
CA $180 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,750 reviews)
"Friendly staff and Best service"

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2025

Chumash Casino Resort
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.
Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Apple Lane Solvang are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews)
"Property is impeccable. Picturesque location minutes from Solvang village."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine
Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat

Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Beckmen Vineyards are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Los Olivos Christmas stay
"We had a lovely three night stay in the Farmhouse. Everything there has style and comfort…with plenty of room for sleeping, relaxing and eating. We liked seeing the sheep, llama, dogs and cat.Jen was quick to respond. We will definitely come back a"

Reviewed on Dec. 26, 2024

Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat
Boutique Hotel Double Queen Patio Room

Boutique Hotel Double Queen Patio Room

Solvang
Stay at this apartment in Solvang. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Lucas & Lewellen ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Nice place for a quiet getaway
"Great location with everything walking distance. Heated pool. Great mattresses."

Reviewed on Apr. 5, 2025

Boutique Hotel Double Queen Patio Room
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.

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