Santa Ynez Valley Travel Guide

Tourist 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 holiday 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.

Sideways Inn
Sideways Inn
3 out of 5
114 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$285 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$285
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Buellton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
Stayed due to error at another property.
"We stayed there because Flying flags booked a Superior Vintage Trailer but upon arrival the notified us that it was not available."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Sideways Inn
Wine Valley Inn
Wine Valley Inn
3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,111 reviews)
"I loved staying in a cottage, it was so homey! My kids did not want to leave. We were a bit disappointed that our cottage didn’t have access to a hot tub. Based on the photos, we thought the hot tubs were accessible for all, but they are sectioned off for specific cottages. For families traveling ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort
Chumash Casino Resort
4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is NZ$262 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$262
9 July - 10 July
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! (1,664 reviews)
"Big lovely room and great staff."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 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.
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 air conditioning. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Solvang Vintage Motorcycle ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Amazing location and would stay here again
"My family came into town to celebrate my nephews wedding. This was our first time coming and with having seven adults we thought finding a house was our best bet. And we were right. This house was spacious and cozy. We all fit comfortably and the home was very clean upon arrival. The location was ..."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Game Room! Mid Century Danish Home
Casa Calzada: Private Retreat w/ Pool & Vineyard!
Casa Calzada: Private Retreat w/ Pool & Vineyard!
Santa Ynez
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ynez. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Santa Ynez Valley Historical ...
10/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
Great family friendly house
"We had a great time at casa calzada. The house was so spacious. The pool, hot tub and outdoor games were super fun. Everything was just as advertised. Very clean and easy to use."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Casa Calzada: Private Retreat w/ Pool & Vineyard!
CA dreaming in Wine Country!
CA dreaming in Wine Country!
Solvang
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Lincourt ...
10/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
What a lovely space!
"Beautiful house, very clean, beds comfy, well appointed kitchen. Perfect for 4-6 people. Great amenities like patio, washer/dryer, BBQ and fireplace. Relaxing country setting, super quiet, yet close to towns and wineries. We’re already planning when to come back."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

CA dreaming in Wine Country!
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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