Santa Ynez Valley, CA

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 Vintners Wine 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.

Wine Valley Inn
Wine Valley Inn
3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is NT$5,817 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
NT$5,817
NT$6,623 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (1,917 reviews)
"Great place to stay, with amazing staff. Rooms were clean and very comfortable."

Reviewed on 2024/11/19

Wine Valley Inn
Sideways Inn
Sideways Inn
3 out of 5
114 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA
The price is NT$4,137 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
NT$4,137
NT$4,731 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Buellton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,344 reviews)
"The fire pits around the pool gives a romantic environment"

Reviewed on 2024/11/17

Sideways Inn
Hotel Corque
Hotel Corque
4 out of 5
400 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA
The price is NT$5,469 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
NT$5,469
NT$6,222 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (2,431 reviews)
"Beautiful property, friendly and helpful staff. We will stay here again on our next trip to Solvang. The check-in and check-out processes were smooth and easy. Our room was clean and spacious. Three of us roomed together and it worked great. Lovely bathroom with good water pressure in the ..."

Reviewed on 2024/11/22

Hotel Corque
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.
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"Highly recommend this place. The space was used efficiently, it was very clean, and had the eco/sustainable amenities needed for a great stay. When needing to contact the ‘front desk’ via text, they were responsive within a few minutes or less. Would def recommend this place and will plan on coming ..."

Reviewed on 2024/11/20

Casa Jardin
Tide Pool Villas
Tide Pool Villas
4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara ...
6/10 (50 reviews)
"Room was large, with kitchen. Free parking and breakfast were provided. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Location was close to beach and shopping. Great value for area."

Reviewed on 2024/8/3

Tide Pool Villas
The 3 Dux
The 3 Dux
2.5 out of 5
402 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 20 beach bars. Popular attractions Stearns Wharf and Santa ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"We stayed 4 nights and would definitely return if visiting Santa Barbara again. Communication with our host Debbie was great. Everything was as described in the listing."

Reviewed on 2024/8/19

The 3 Dux
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

Cities near Santa Ynez Valley