There’s a feeling you get in the Santa Ynez Valley – a vibe. Gather inspiration for your next trip from our blog, and then share how you experience the SYV by tagging your photos on social with #SYVibes.
Thanksgiving in the Santa Ynez Valley is a joyous time. With the changing of seasons, the Valley’s colors transition once more as the leaves begin to fall. The weather is mild, the vineyard views are breathtaking, and the food and wine is plentiful.
We have several restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley that have put together both take-out and dine-in options to serve a variety of needs.
See below for a current list of Thanksgiving offerings in the Santa Ynez Valley. Reservations required at most, please call restaurants directly to confirm offerings are still available.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Chumash Casino Resort (Takeout) View Menu Here
Enjoy an oven roasted turkey dinner accompanied with flavorful sides like candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, buttery pull-apart rolls, and pumpkin pie! Reserve your meal in person at Grains & Grounds now through Friday, November 19.
The Maker’s Son (Dine-In)
(805) 344-1926
Give yourself a break this year and let The Maker’s Son do the heavy lifting for you! Join them for the ultimate T-Day buffet, The Maker’s Style. $68 Adults, $42 Children 10 and under. View Menu Here Make Reservations Here
Bob’s Well Bread Bakery
(805) 691-9549
8:00am – 11:00am
Order Bob’s Breads & Pies for Thanksgiving by Nov. 21 Open 8am – 11 am at both Ballard and Los Alamos locations for pre-order pickup plus coffee, pastry & bread service. Kitchen service (Café menu) will not be available at either location on the holiday. View Pre Order Menu Here
The Good Life (805) 688-7111
11am – 4pm We have the perfect local beer and wine pairings for your holiday table. Enjoy a special holiday tasting and/or a glass on our patio or you can step inside the shop where we can assist you with all of your bottle needs to go.
Two hours north of Los Angeles, and a scenic four-hour drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct communities in California’s Central Coast region. With more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and an authentic, relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder so many friends, families and couples converge here to sip, savor, and soak up all the valley has to offer. With so much to do, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. We’ve taken out the guess work to provide you with a Top 10 list of things you must do to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Wine Country
The Santa Ynez Valley is famous for its wineries. With a unique, transverse mountain range that funnels cool air from the Pacific Ocean, our micro-climates and terrains result in one of the most diverse grape growing regions in the world. Take a day to explore the wineries and see the vineyards firsthand.
Interested in seeing the Santa Ynez Valley with the knowledge, care and comfort of a guided tour? Sign up with a local tour company for a professionally guided tour in a limo, jeep, van, private sedan or even a bike.
See Solvang, California’s Little Denmark
No trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is complete without a visit to Solvang. This quaint little village is famous for its Danish bakeries and architecture and filled with photo-ops. Perfect the art of the selfie in front of the little red clog or one of the town’s many windmills. If culinary travel is your thing, in addition to its five famed bakeries, Solvang has become known for its top-notch restaurants and food purveyors. Try a guided foodie tour with Eat This Shoot That for a curated experience that gives you a satisfying smorgasbord of Solvang eats.
Culinary Cravings
There are so many great places to dine in the Santa Ynez Valley it can be hard to choose! Italian food aficionados will be pleased to find a handful of eateries serving up Italian favorites (try S.Y. Kitchen, Leonardo’s, Trattoria Grappolo to name a few). Lovers of traditional American cuisine are well catered for with top-notch sandwiches and classic American steaks (don’t miss Hitching Post II for some Santa Maria style BBQ). If you’re looking for something with an eclectic vibe, the town of Los Alamos boasts innovative flavors (see PICO, Bell’s, and Plenty on Bell), while the towns of Ballard and Los Olivos continue to offer romantic, candle-lit fine dining options (don’t miss The Gathering Table and Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café).
From food-driven to family friendly, the Santa Ynez Valley hosts a number of small events to bring everyone together. Regular, more intimate events include painting in the vineyard at various wineries, kid crafts at local museums, and live music in the evenings on heated patios. Visit from September through December for some special events that celebrate each town’s unique history. Special events that return this fall will include the Buellton Wine & Chili Festival (September 12, 2021), Los Olivos Day in the Country (October 16, 2021), and Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley (November 4-7, 2021).
Seeking something different from your hotel stay? Santa Ynez Valley hotels offer a more intimate and distinctly local experience. Hotels here could be better described as inns, some of which have a unique Danish feel, some provide rich luxury, while some even provide a safari glamping experience. With over 30 unique lodging properties, the Valley has a price and style fit for everyone.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Need some fresh air? There’s no better way to clear your mind and relax than getting out and enjoying some of the local countryside. Figueroa Mountain is a great place to unwind and enjoy a picnic in the glorious California sunshine. Or if you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll through the adjacent Sedgwick Reserve by appointment, where volunteer staff guides you through the local terrain. If a family picnic is what you have in mind, head over to Nojoqui Falls Park down Alisal Road.
The rural country roads that connect the wineries and communities of the Santa Ynez Valley are also ideal for a two-wheel adventure. Whether you’re interested in doing an easy 5 miles with the family, 50 miles through rolling vineyards, or a multi-day tour of wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley and its less-trafficked roads make for a cyclist’s nirvana. Everything you need can be found at Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop, SantaBarbara Wine Country Cycling Tours, or Wheel Fun Rentals.
Find Artisan Treasures
With specialty shops located in almost every town, you’re bound to discover a hidden treasure. Shops in the Santa Ynez Valley stock a range of local artisanal products like jewelry, glassware, handcrafted shoes, leather goods, porcelain, clothing and a range of traditional and contemporary crafts. Some favorite local retailers include J. Woeste, Los Olivos General Store and Wildflower Women’s Boutique in Los Olivos, Forage Florals in Santa Ynez, and First Street Leather in Solvang.
Giddy Up
The Santa Ynez Valley offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore, from scenic vineyard-to-vineyard strolls, to more challenging trails rewarded with fields of wildflowers or incredible sea-to-valley vistas. What better way to explore the region’s hillsides than via horseback? Local trail rides can be enjoyed via Vino Vaqueros, KAP Land & Cattle, and Alisal Guest Ranch for a uniquely enriching and rewarding experience.
Now that you know what delights await you in the Santa Ynez Valley, you’ll probably need more than a weekend to take it all in! With our doors always open, you can return time and time again. The Valley will always be that special place to you and yours for years to come. Browse our Santa Ynez Valley hotels to begin planning your trip today.
As California reopens, the Santa Ynez Valley is prepared to welcome visitors back to wine country this Memorial Day Weekend with the opportunity to once again experience the gem of California’s Central Coast. The Valley’s hotels, inns, restaurants, wineries, and outdoor activities are back to doing what they do best—providing a much-needed getaway that is welcoming, safe and spacious—just two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from the Bay Area.
The region’s relatively slow pace of life and charming communities, abundant open spaces and uncrowded rural roads, and the stunning setting painted with lush vineyards and California Oaks as far as the eye can see, are made only more attractive by the times in which we currently find ourselves.
With leisure travel at a virtual standstill for much of the past year, it’s understandable that many entrepreneurs postponed plans for new or expanded business operations. But the Santa Ynez Valley continues to buck that trend, with no fewer than 20 visitor-related businesses opening their doors since the pandemic began. Here are the best new lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and activities that are ready to welcome you to the Santa Ynez Valley this weekend.
Hotel Ynez — Located at the crossroads of Solvang & Santa Ynez and situated on two private acres, Hotel Ynez boasts 18 spacious guest rooms, extensive gardens, a pool, bonfire pits, and a rustic outdoor pavilion for nights under the stars.
The Winston — From the same Highway West Vacations team behind three other Santa Ynez Valley properties including The Vinland, Flying Flags, and Sideways Inn, The Winston has been renovated from head to toe and boasts 14 individually decorated rooms beneath the property’s iconic clock tower in the heart of Solvang.
Vinland Hotel & Lounge — Located in the heart of Solvang where Copenhagen’s charm meets California’s climate, the completely remodeled Vinland Hotel & Lounge boasts 82 rooms overlooking Hans Christian Andersen Park.
Zaca Creek Inn — Originally built by the founding Buell family of Buellton, Zaca Creek has recently been re-imagined and the Zaca Creek Inn boasts six unique suites each with its own distinctive charms and delights.
The Tavern at Zaca Creek — A seasonally-inspired California chophouse, The Tavern at Zaca Creek showcases the best of what Santa Ynez Valley has to offer by supporting local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. The allure of the original Tavern bar is captured by a spirits & cocktail program that highlights old and new alike.
peasants FEAST — As one of the first businesses to open in the Santa Ynez Valley during the pandemic (April 2020), peasants FEAST features seasonal comfort foods from longtime restaurateurs and husband and wife Michael & Sarah Cherney. Centrally-located in downtown Solvang.
Nella Kitchen & Bar — From Chef Luca Crestenelli and the hospitality team behind S.Y. Kitchen, Nella Kitchen & Bar features Italian-inspired dishes and quality foods simply prepared using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients. Located in Los Olivos, alongside the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn.
Bob’s Well Bread — The new Ballard location of this popular Los Alamos mainstay features the same signature special daily breads, homemade pastries, all-day breakfast & lunch, and bread & bakery take-away case that have made the pilgrimage to Bob’s a daily routine for many.
The Vaquero Bar at Coast Range — A Central Coast steakhouse and seafood restaurant with full bar, Coast Range & Vaquero Bar in Solvang is a collaboration between winemaker, sommelier, and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr, and celebrated chefs Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz. While the steakhouse will open soon, The Vaquero Bar is ready to welcome you with incredible cocktails and bar bites in the heart of downtown Solvang.
Sear Steakhouse — An elevated and genuine farm-to-table Solvang steakhouse, Sear is the longtime vision of Demetrios and Karen Loizides who previously operated K’Syrah Catering & Events from the completely reimagined space. Sear is a partnership between the Loizides and mixologist Alberto Battaglini.
Clean Slate Wine Bar — Featuring limited production wines, craft beers, and small plates focusing on family farms, independent winemakers, and local producers. Highlights include 50 Wines by the Glass, 10 beers on draft, and small plates influenced by Spanish-style tapas, local farmers, and Chef Melissa’s Louisiana Roots.
Arrowsmith’s Wine Bar — A friendly European bar in the heart of Solvang, Arrowsmith’s is a “home away from home” run by two Europeans, specializing in small-batch local wines as well as a delicious worldwide selection of fantastic wine and European beer.
McClain Cellars — The McClain Cellars Winery, Barrel, and Tasting Lounge in Buellton is a tribute to the four pillars that keep the family focused, driven, and alive: family, friends, faith, and freedom. At McClain Cellars, they believe that every day is a gift to be enjoyed with those you love the most.
Stolpman Fresh Garage — Located in the garage and patio space adjacent to their Los Olivos tasting room, the Stolpman Fresh Garage features wines made from grapes that are natively fermented, un-crushed, and whole, served chilled in an open air setting.
Storm Wines — Rooted in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Storm Wines emphasizes old world influences and new world techniques. The Mediterranean climate, diverse soils, and exciting new opportunities in this budding Central Coast wine region have combined to drive Ernst Storm’s passion for producing his wine and sharing it with visitors to the winery’s Los Olivos tasting room.
Grimm’s Bluff — Best known for their 246-acre ranch and vineyard in the Happy Canyon AVA, the new Grimm’s Bluff tasting room in Los Olivos showcases the handcrafted wines and Italian varietal olive oil produced from its certified biodynamic and organic vineyard.
Queen Cup Coffee — Skyler & Alyce Barrick’s love for great coffee and the motivation to share their life experiences with others in the community inspired them to create Queen Cup Coffee. Located next to The Lucky Hen Larder in Santa Ynez, Queen Cup Coffee opened in Jan. 2021.
Moke Experience — Solvang — A whole new way to see and experience Solvang and the surrounding areas, Moke Experience Solvang features a lineup of stylish, colorful, and sought-after electric vehicles that are a zero-emission alternative for visitors wanting to explore the valley in style.
Tin City Cider — A collaboration between two winemakers looking to fill their time following harvest and crush, Tin City Cider opened its second taproom location in late September 2020 in downtown Los Olivos. Together, they produce a full line-up of carefully crafted ciders made with the best California apples.
Enjoy Bagels + Sweets — The latest offering from Kevin & Amber Vander Vliet, who have operated Enjoy Cupcakes since 2009 and were motivated by a need to diversify during COVID-19. Features 8 unique bagel flavors, 8 cream cheese schmears, and 10 bagel sandwiches in addition to a full sweets line at their bakery facility in Buellton.
Moms deserves the best – and what better way to treat them than a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley? With so much to do in the SYV, we’ve come up with a fun, varied list of ideas on how to spend the weekend celebrating Mother’s Day.
Activities
Moke Experience Solvang: While sightseeing on foot is always a good time in Solvang – there’s a new way to see the town on four wheels! The eMoke is an all-electric vehicle that boasts zero emissions and a range of eye-catching color and customization options. With its open-air body styling, the eMoke offers great sightseeing and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after transport experiences available in Solvang.
Elverhoj Museum: Now open Friday – Monday, 11am – 5pm, Elverhoj is providing visitors the rare opportunity to see the works of Rembrandt, up close and personal. A heralded collection of 21 etchings by Dutch Master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) is on display now through June 2021.
Wildling Museum: Get inspired as a family at Wildling Museum, where two new exhibitions are on display, plus you can enjoy an immersive installation in their Tower Gallery, titled “Holli Harmon: The Nature of Clouds”. The museum has public walk-in hours Saturday and Sundays, 11am- 4pm.
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden: Take Mom for a stroll through nature to enjoy the whimsical colors of California wildflowers on display at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Located in Buellton, California at the west end of River View Park, this nationally registered public garden is free of charge and open to the public.
Gifts
Forage Florals: Mother’s Day {Breakfast in Bed} Gift Trays are ready to grab and go! Just add your own breakfast and coffee…your mom will feel extra loved for sure! In addition to beautiful floral arrangements, Forage Florals has gift options galore for Mom. Explore their shop today.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company: Did you know that Santa Barbara Adventure Company runs wine tours? It’s true! In fact, they have a Mother’s Day Special going on right now.
Use promo code to save $20 per person when you book a Cupcake & Wine Tour by 5/9/2021. (Restrictions apply, see website for details)
Need more gift ideas? Check out additional retail options at our Where to Shop page.
Brunch
Plenty on Bell: There’s still time to surprise Mom with a delicious meal at Plenty on Bell! From 8:30am – 11:30 am on Sunday, May 9, 2021, enjoy the Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon special for $15. From 11:30am – 3pm, enjoy a brunch special of Crustless Quiche & Seasonal Green Salad, Olive Oil Cake & Strawberries for $22. Unlimited mimosas available with tangerine, orange and guava, $20. For reservations, call 805-344-3020.
Wineries
Brick Barn Wine Estate: This Mother’s Day, bring that special mom in your life down to Brick Barn for a treat, compliments of Brick Barn! While supplies last, moms who do a tasting with them will also enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, plus a goody bag of soap from Montecito Soap Co. and caramels from Jessica Foster Confections! And if all that wasn’t enough, from 2pm-5pm they will also be hosting local musician, Graybill! Graybill is an acoustic Indi-Folk singer/songwriter with a smooth voice that’s often compared to artists like Jack Johnson, G. Love, Michael Franti, and Sam Beam of Iron and Wine. Come, sit under their oak tree, enjoy some bubbles, and celebrate mom! Reservations are recommended but not required, head to their website to book your tasting today.
Fess Parker Winery: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Fess Parker Winery! They will be offering a special, Mother’s Day flight all weekend long. Please make a reservation online at fessparker.com.
Grimm’s Bluff: Because mothers deserve more than one day, Grimm’s Bluff will be having having a case sale on their 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc – 50% off! May 1-16.
Pence Vineyards: This weekend they’re offering all moms a complimentary glass of Rosé and a floral bouquet to thank them for all they do! They are officially booked up on Sunday, but still have reservations available on Saturday! To make a reservation, visit them online, email mia@pencevineyards.com, or call them at 805.735.7000 from 10am-5pm.
Looking to bring the kids with you to wine country this weekend? Many tasting rooms are family friendly – here’s a list of some family favorite locales:
While we keep the holiday lights on in the Santa Ynez Valley, the current regional Stay at Home Order means that leisure travel is not permitted, and holiday meals will be available for takeout only. See below for a current list of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day takeout offerings in the Santa Ynez Valley. Please call restaurants directly to confirm offerings are still available.
Mad & Vin at The Landsby Breakfast: 8am – 11am Bar/Bites: 12pm – 5pm Dinner: 5pm – 8pm Mad & Vin at The Landsby will have a limited regular dinner menu, cocktails and wine to go, along with the following holiday special:
12 oz Herb Roasted Prime Rib
Red Wine Au Jus
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Horseradish Cream Sauce
Prime Rib special is $40 + tax
To place an order, or pre-order please call 805-697-7048
Norman at the Skyview Los Alamos
(805) 344-0080
Featuring a Holiday Prix Fixe Dinner for Two for $75 (tax and gratuity not included)
Order ahead online through OpenTable or call (805) 344-0080 for local (Los Alamos, Ca) delivery.
Plenty on Bell
(323) 804-0928
8am – 3pm
Open for takeout coffee drinks, pastries, scones, wine, beer, and Christmas treats.
Mad & Vin at The Landsby Breakfast: 8am – 11am Dinner: 5pm – 8pm Mad & Vin at The Landsby will have a limited regular dinner menu, cocktails and wine to go, along with the following holiday special:
12 oz Herb Roasted Prime Rib
Red Wine Au Jus
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Horseradish Cream Sauce
Prime Rib special is $40 + tax
To place an order, or pre-order please call 805-697-7048
Norman at the Skyview Los Alamos
(805) 344-0080
Featuring a Holiday Prix Fixe Dinner for Two for $75 (tax and gratuity not included)
Order ahead online through OpenTable or call (805) 344-0080 for local (Los Alamos, Ca) delivery.
There’s no getting around it – Thanksgiving is going to look different this year. While many of us will be Zooming in with friends and family across different dinner tables in 2020, several restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley have been diligently putting together take-out and outdoor dining options to serve the needs of regional guests and Valley residents.
See below for a current list of Thanksgiving offerings in the Santa Ynez Valley. Reservations highly recommended, please call restaurants directly to confirm offerings are still available.
Thanksgiving Dinner
First & Oak
(805) 688-1703
Set Seatings at 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, & 7:00 PM View menu here
Reservations required, almost sold out!
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott (takeout)
(805) 688-1000 View menu here
With two helpful options to choose from, The Little Feast serves 4-6 people and The Big Feast can feed up to 10. Each option comes with herb roasted turkey, sumptuous sides and a spiced pumpkin pie. Plus for just a little more you can add spiral cut honey ham or a pecan pie from their a’la carte menu! Just follow their simple heating and serving instructions for a delicious dinner.
Orders must be in by 8pm on Friday, November 20th by calling (805) 688-1000. Food can be picked up from the hotel on Wednesday, November 25th between 11am-2pm or Thursday, November 26th from 9am-1pm.
Chumash Casino Resort (takeout)
Enjoy an oven roasted turkey dinner accompanied with flavorful sides like maple glazed carrots and buttery pull-apart rolls, and your choice of pumpkin or apple pie! Reserve your meal in person at Grains & Grounds now through Friday, November 20.
Mad & Vin at The Landsby (available for hotel guests of The Landsby and Santa Ynez Inn only) Mad & Vin at The Landsby has a special Thanksgiving dinner available for guests only of The Landsby and sister property, Santa Ynez Inn. Contact the hotels directly to make both hotel and dinner reservations: The Landsby: 805-688-3121 Santa Ynez Inn: 805-688-5588
Breakfast / Lunch / Treats / Charcuterie
The Baker’s Table (805) 688-4856
7:30am – 11:00am
The Baker’s Table will be offering breads, pastries, coffee, pies and rolls on Thanksgiving morning
Good Seed Coffee Boutique (805) 693-2132
Open 7 AM-12 PM
Pre orders due 11/21
Pre-Order pick up available 11/24-11/26. Some gluten free or vegan.
The Lucky Hen Larder
9:30am – 11:30am
(805) 691-9448
We are open for cheese/charcuterie board pre-order pick-up and window service for cheeses, charcuterie and artisan goods.
The Good Life (805) 688-7111
11am – 4pm We have the perfect local beer and wine pairings for your holiday table. Enjoy a special holiday tasting and/or a glass on our patio or you can step inside the shop where we can assist you with all of your bottle needs to go.
As harvest season offers wine and culinary immersion, this fall and winter in the Santa Ynez Valley will be a truly peaceful experience
The long road of 2020 deserves a better ending, and the Santa Ynez Valley is just the place to turn the calendar on a higher note. The transition from late fall to early winter has always been a special time here, a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
This year, with health and wellness on just about everybody’s mind, the season has taken on just a bit more importance. Signs of harvest season are just about everywhere right now, injecting a little extra life into just about everything.
The region’s local farms, ranches, and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean, energize the farm-to-table cuisine that has long made the Santa Ynez Valley a haven for foodies. And with mild fall temperatures, many of the region’s top restaurants continue to serve their imaginative culinary creations to diners safely outside.
Of course, cycling along a country road, riding horseback through a vineyard, or a rewarding hike that peaks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean all have a way of melting away the worries. Or simply unwind with the fall releases of the more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms, nearly all of which are open to tasting.
As the holiday season approaches, things turn again. Sure, the weather is still typically beautiful, but no place in California celebrates the holidays quite like the Santa Ynez Valley. After all, this is the home of Solvang’s Julefest, a celebration that is truly a favorite tradition. We can’t wait for Julefest to return this year, even if it looks a little different.
The bottom line is that the Santa Ynez Valley offers an opportunity to remind ourselves what is most important. To get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life at a time when it’s just a bit quieter around here. To make the short drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco, and arrive at a place where you can forget it all, even if for just a few days.
This is a most unusual year. And a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley might be a more calming experience than in years past. The peacefulness of the vineyards — to meditate, practice yoga, horseback ride, or even paint — the hundreds of miles of hiking trails, the winding country roads, and the mild fall weather can make a visitor feel a world away.
And who couldn’t use a little bit of that right now?
Planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is simple atvisitsyv.com, where visitors can research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create custom travel itineraries. For further details on traveling safely in the Santa Ynez Valley, visit www.visitsyv.com/traveling-safely-in-the-santa-ynez-valley/.
We’re all looking for a way to get out, without joining a crowd. The Santa Ynez Valley has never been an ordinary wine country destination, and its abundance of outdoor recreation and amenities are a key reason why.
Set along California’s Central Coast, with the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, rests a natural playground for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, outdoor adventurists, and more. And on a given weekday, those landscapes become all the more tranquil.
Entering the valley and catching the first glimpse of Cachuma Lake sparkling under the summer sun or of the region’s rolling hills, dotted with California live oaks and painted with acres of lush vineyards, offers a much-needed breath of fresh air. A quick excursion to the 80-foot waterfall at Nojoqui Falls Park or the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from Gaviota Peak or Figueroa Mountain provides a breathtaking shot of energy.
Increasingly, the popularity of the valley’s natural outdoor assets has bolstered the region’s reputation as a world-class wine and culinary destination. Visitors want to explore the outdoors, appreciate a destination from a new or different perspective, or experience something that they might not be able to at home, and the Santa Ynez Valley provides many opportunities to do just that.
Cachuma Lake: A stroll along the shores of Cachuma Lake on the Tequepis Trail, is often greeted with native bald eagles, ospreys, and hawks soaring above. The lake is also popular for fishing, boating, and ample hiking and mountain bike paths.
A playground for hikers: The Santa Ynez Valley offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore, from scenic vineyard-to-vineyard strolls, to more challenging hikes rewarded with fields of wildflowers or incredible sea-to-valley vistas. There are so many to choose from, but the easy hike to Nojoqui Falls is always popular for families. And more challenging hikes to Gaviota Peak or to the top of Grass Mountain offer incredible scenic payoffs.
Vineyards by horseback: Exploring the vineyards is a quintessential Santa Ynez Valley experience. But with a vineyard horseback ride a connection between human and animal is made, creating a deeper and enriching moment. Estelle Ranch and Vineyards Ride & Wine tour from Vino Vaqueros or a KAP Land & Cattle tour of the vineyards of Fess Parker offers an enriching and rewarding experience.
Santa Ynez Valley by two wheels: The rural country roads that connect the wineries and communities of the Santa Ynez Valley are also ideal for a two-wheel adventure. Whether you’re interested in doing an easy 5 miles with the family, 50 miles through rolling vineyards, or a multi-day tour of wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley and its less-trafficked roads make for a cyclist’s nirvana. Everything you need can be found at Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop, Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours, or Wheel Fun Rentals.
An electric experience: There’s a new way to see Solvang USA in all its Danish glory, and that’s from the comfort of an open air vehicle. The eMoke is an all-electric vehicle that boasts zero emissions, chic styling, and a range of eye-catching colors. Trust us, it’s an Instagrammable ride. With its open-air body styling, the eMoke offers great sightseeing capabilities and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after transport experiences available in Solvang.
Ohm away from home:Vineyard Yoga SYV connects yoga enthusiasts with the natural world through its yoga classes that take place in the serenity and solitude of local vineyards, followed by wine tasting.
The outdoor wine tasting experience: With more than 100 wineries, many with expansive grounds, outside seating, and room to roam, wine-tasting is an outdoor activity in the Santa Ynez Valley, too.
The Santa Ynez Valley’s healthy, outdoor lifestyle seems particularly fitting at a time when getting outside and into open space has never felt more important for our physical and mental wellbeing. There’s something calming, refreshing, and reinvigorating about seeing the Pacific Ocean from the top of Gaviota Peak, hiking a trail that passes by an endless field of California wildflowers, or just walking through a rolling vineyard, and this is the perfect place to do all of the above and more.
Start planning your outdoor adventure at visitsyv.com, where you can research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary.
Increasing in popularity in recent months, a work-cation involves going anywhere other than home to work in a different environment or setting…read more
In the era of flexible work schedules and social distancing, a midweek visit to the Santa Ynez Valley has never been more appealing or more attainable…read more
Why midweek is the primetime to visit the Santa Ynez Valley
Vacation plans have been upended everywhere, leaving many asking themselves just where they can go to get away, yet avoid the crowds. The Santa Ynez Valley has always offered an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. That is particularly true during weekdays.
And in the era of flexible work schedules and social distancing, a midweek visit to the Santa Ynez Valley has never been more appealing or more attainable.
Late summer and fall are typically the most coveted of seasons in the Santa Ynez Valley — filled with the energy that comes from the sunshine of summer and the fall harvest that breathes life into the Santa Ynez Valley’s world-class wines. That energy is present this year, too, making weekdays the newly coveted, quiet time to visit.
We’re used to seeing the bakeries, restaurants, and tasting rooms in Solvang teeming with travelers nearly every day this time of year. But right now, the weekday quiet offers a welcome calm, fostering an environment perfect for those in search of a peaceful, healthy escape. And what’s more – many Santa Ynez Valley inns, hotels and tour companies have created special midweek promotions to take advantage of by traveling Sunday through Thursday.
Only 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, two hours north of Los Angeles, and a scenic four-hour drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is easy to get to but can feel a world away on any day. But during a midweek stay, savvy travelers discover a touch more access to the region. By visiting Sunday – Thursday, you’ll get more freedom to explore the Santa Ynez Valley’s farm-to-table culinary scene and its world-class wineries.
Last-minute planners are given a reprieve to make a spur-of-the-moment decision, with plenty of midweek availability and affordability at the Santa Ynez Valley’s eclectic mix of lodgings, such as the modern luxury found at The Landsby, hip boutique hotels such as the Skyview Los Alamos, and intimate B&Bs like the Ballard Inn.
Yet the character of SYV’s six distinct communities — which range from classic California wine country to Northern Europe to the Old West — is still easily experienced. Instead of crowds, visitors find that in midweek, winemakers have more time to deeply discuss their varietals and vintages. Prime outdoor seating at the region’s best restaurants, many of which face capacity limits, is easier to find, too.
During the midweek, the Santa Ynez Valley’s hundreds of miles of trails — from scenic vineyard-to-vineyard strolls, to more challenging hikes rewarded with fields of wildflowers or incredible sea-to-valley vistas — are less traveled and offer just a bit more solitude. Experiences such as a horseback ride through the vineyards of SYV or a bike ride down the country roads offer the peace we are all seeking.
Never has there been a better opportunity to get away from everything, especially the crowds.
Start planning your midweek stay at visitsyv.com, where you can research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary.
Increasing in popularity in recent months, a work-cation involves going anywhere other than home to work in a different environment or setting…read more
Set along California’s Central Coast, with the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, rests a natural playground…read more
World events have us all rethinking how, when, and why we travel. For many of us, gone is the conventional business trip. For others, a long vacation to an exotic location might seem unobtainable.
But with remote work now a fact of life for many of us, a new opportunity has come — the “work-cation.” Increasing in popularity in recent months, a work-cation involves going somewhere anywhere other than home to work in a different environment or setting — be it for a week or two or a few months — allowing for a deeper exploration of a region than any vacation would make possible.
Nestled on the Central Coast — the Santa Ynez Valley offers the infrastructure and proximity to Los Angeles and San Francisco, to put such a notion into practice.
If the past few months have taught us anything it is that for many of us, the ability to accomplish work successfully and remotely is not mutually exclusive. It’s one of the reasons why for many companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Square, Slack, Shopify, and Zillow, a permanent remote work option for employees is becoming increasingly popular.
Brett White, the CEO of global commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, predicts that the permanent remote workforce could double to nearly 10%. That represents a titanic shift in the way many of us engage our jobs, making proximity to work an afterthought if it is a thought at all.
The Visit Santa Ynez Valley staff has mostly been working from home since March 2020, and we have surprised ourselves by just how well it has worked. And the idea of work-cation is something that the Santa Ynez Valley is embracing, with many of our hotels, inns and tour companies offering midweek specials to help break up the work-week, wine country style.
Our famously welcoming community is perfect for visitors-turned-short-term-residents who long for a much-needed break from the monotony and routine in which they are currently stuck.
Imagine waking up in a Santa Ynez Valley boutique hotel, spending your morning working poolside, leaving your afternoons free to wine taste at any one of more than 100 wineries that are just minutes from your front door. Or maybe the work can wait, leaving the morning for a hike up Gaviota Peak and the sea-to-valley scenic payoff at the summit or a long morning ride around a quiet country road.
Wind down the workday with an incredible meal prepared by the wine country eateries that have made the Santa Ynez Valley so beloved by travelers.
Sounds pretty great.
During a work-cation, you have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the Santa Ynez Valley’s six distinct communities, learning the unique charms of each, from the Danish-American-enclave of Solvang to the foodie culture of Los Alamos.
Let’s be honest, the last year has seemed like a scene from the movie Groundhog Day. So perhaps most importantly, work-cations represent an opportunity to change up the routine and boost your morale. They can boost productivity by removing the day-to-day chores that come with being home. And they can improve wellness by offering a well-earned opportunity to relax and take a deep breath.
Whatever your reason, the Santa Ynez Valley offers a rare chance to live and work in wine country — if only for a few weeks or months.
Set along California’s Central Coast, with the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, rests a natural playground…read more
In the era of flexible work schedules and social distancing, a midweek visit to the Santa Ynez Valley has never been more appealing or more attainable…read more
About VisitSYV.com:
Visit Santa Ynez Valley provides listings of the best Santa Ynez wineries, best places to eat in Solvang, Santa Ynez hotels and inns, and things to do in Santa Ynez Valley. Visit the website at www.VisitSYV.com for complete travel and visitor services. “Like” the Facebook page for ideas on planning Santa Ynez vacations. Email info@VisitSYV.com for help planning your next vacation in the Santa Ynez Valley.
