Museums, Art Galleries & Performing Arts in Santa Ynez Valley

Museums and Art

History and Culture

Past and present go hand in hand throughout the Santa Ynez Valley…innovation, imagination and fun!  The towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang each have their own personalities. Their colorful adventurous past encourage  discovery and exploration. Here you can encounter extraordinary cultural and historic landmarks including ranching and agriculture as well as Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences.

Art Galleries

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Santa Ynez Valley, art enthusiasts can embark on a cultural journey through its charming museums and art galleries. Learn about historic tales depicted in the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.  Browse contemporary masterpieces at galleries like Gallery Los Olivos.

Cultural Museums

There’s something to captivate every visitor. Explore nature art works at the California Nature Art Museum. Delve into Solvang’s rich Danish heritage at Elverhøj Museum or the Chumash Indian history at the new Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. Whether you’re drawn to classic paintings, sculptures, or innovative installations, the Santa Ynez Valley offers a diverse array of artistic experiences against the backdrop of its stunning wine country scenery. Dive into creativity and history, and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene that defines this enchanting region.

Several of the Santa Ynez Valley communities offer live theater of performing arts. Solvang offers live musicalstheater performances during the summer season, in the Santa Barabara Wine country,

Rich Heritage

Celebrate this rich history every day in vibrant museums that celebrate each town’s unique history.  The arts are also celebrated among local galleries and artistic communities integrating art into our lives. Capturing and preserving the nature and charm of these six distinct towns and the creative artists that inhabit the area.


Plan Your Trip


Community Clayworks

Community Clayworks

37 Industrial Way, Unit 111, Buellton, CA 93427
(646) 709-7861

Community Clayworks is an inclusive ceramics studio where people of all ages come to play, learn, and create. Make clay part of your weekend away!

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PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre

PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre

420 2nd Street, Solvang, CA 93463
Box Office: (805) 922-8313

For 54 years, PCPA has been presenting exemplary theatre and providing excellent training with a resident company of theatre professionals.

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Old Mission Santa Inés

Old Mission Santa Inés

1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA  93463
(805) 688-4815

Old Santa Inés Mission is the 19th of 21 California missions established by the Franciscan Fathers. Padre Junipero Serra founded the first 8 missions.

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Santa Ynez Valley Historical  Museum

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum

3596 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-7889

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House celebrate the rich history of the Santa Ynez Valley.

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Solvang Fine Art

Solvang Fine Art

482 First St, Solvang, CA, 93463
(805) 691-9702

Solvang Fine Art offers historic museum quality and contemporary original prints by American and European artists.

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Renaissance Antiques

Renaissance Antiques

496 First Street, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-1976

Renaissance Antiques, California’s Premier Antique Gallery for over forty years.

We heartily invite you to visit our antique gallery in Solvang, CA.

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Mendenhall Museum

Mendenhall Museum

24 Zaca St. , Buellton CA, 93427
805-689-2402

The Mendenhall Museum is a private collection of gasoline pumps and petroliana located in California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.

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Gallery Los Olivos

Gallery Los Olivos

2920 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-7517

Gallery Los Olivos offers excellence in art that will enhance your life and personal style whether your tastes are traditional or more contemporary.

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Wildling Museum

California Nature Art Museum

1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-1082

The Wildling is an art and nature museum with a classroom, library, and unique store. Spaces are also available to rent for your meetings and events.

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Standing Sun Wines

Standing Sun Wines

92 Second Street Unit D, Buellton, CA 93427
8056939413

Standing Sun Wines specialize in small lot, Rhone variety wines, from Santa Barbara County... with Standing Sun LIVE and ART Gallery.

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Art Spot on Wheels: Painting in the Vineyard

Art Spot on Wheels: Painting in the Vineyard

Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 325-8092

Discover your inner artist while you sip on a glass of wine and paint the scenic Santa Ynez Valley vineyards! We offer private events as well.

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Elverhoj Museum of History and Art

Elverhøj Museum of History and Art

1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 686-1211

History, Heritage, Art: Exhibits tell Solvang’s rich history, celebrate the colorful heritage of Denmark, and feature changing gallery art shows.

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