Family Fun in Solvang: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Danish Culture

Solvang, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paula's Pancake House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Paula's Pancake House, famous for their fluffy pancakes and traditional Danish fare.
Located conveniently in downtown Solvang.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Solvang Windmill

After breakfast, head over to the iconic Solvang Windmill for some fantastic photo opportunities and a taste of Denmark.
It's a short 5-minute walk from Paula's Pancake House.
Free, 30 minutes

10:15AM

Explore Solvang Park

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Solvang Park, with its playgrounds that your kids will adore.
Just a 5-minute walk from the windmill.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Elverhøj Museum

Discover Solvang's Danish heritage with interactive exhibits at the Elverhøj Museum.
A quick 8-minute walk from the park.
USD 5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Red Viking Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Danish dishes, perfect for refueling your family for the afternoon's adventures.
Just a 5-minute walk from the museum.
USD 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Toyland

Spend the afternoon at Toyland, a charming toy shop filled with unique games and toys that your children will love.
A 2-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free to browse, shopping costs vary, 1 hour

3:15PM

Farmers Market Visit

If it's Wednesday or Saturday, explore the local Farmers Market where you can enjoy fresh produce and snacks.
Located in the central plaza, about a 10-minute walk from Toyland.
Free to browse, costs vary for food, 1 hour

5:00PM

Ice Cream at Scoop's

Wrap up the day with a delicious ice cream from Scoop's, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy every sweet tooth.
A quick 5-minute walk from the Farmers Market.
USD 20, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hitching Post II

Enjoy an amazing dinner with family-friendly options in a rustic environment.
A short 7-minute drive from Scoop's.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll in Downtown

Finish your day with a relaxing evening stroll through downtown Solvang, taking in the twinkling lights.
Walking back to the hotel if staying in downtown.
Free, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Nature and Adventuring

Solvang, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bakery Cafe

Start your day with delicious pastries and fresh coffee at The Bakery Cafe, a local favorite.
Close to your accommodations, just a short walk.
USD 40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

Admire the collection of vintage motorcycles as your kids learn about transportation history.
A 10-minute walk from the café.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Ride Horses at Solvang Horseback Riding

Engage the family with a memorable horseback riding experience through the beautiful vineyard trails.
A quick 15-minute drive to the riding center.
USD 150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blacksmith Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly menu at The Blacksmith Restaurant, known for its hearty meals.
5-minute drive from the riding center.
USD 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Santa Ynez Valley History Museum

Discover the rich history of the area at the Santa Ynez Valley History Museum, which often has interactive demonstrations.
Just a 10-minute drive away.
USD 5, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Picnic at the Scenic Park

Enjoy a lovely picnic with some snacks you packed or bought at the Farmers Market, soaking in the Californian sun.
10 minutes back towards downtown Solvang.
USD 20 for snacks, 1 hour

5:00PM

Fun at Solvang Bowling

Strike up some fun at the local bowling alley where the whole family can join in on the action!
A 5-minute walk from the park.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Solvang Hotel Restaurant

Relish a delicious dinner as you wind down from a day full of adventures.
Located within the hotel, very convenient!
USD 90, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Movie Night

Enjoy a cozy movie night back at your accommodations, perfect for unwinding together.
All settled in your hotel!
Free, Varies
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Day 3: Wine and Relaxation

Solvang, CA

8:30AM

Breakfast at Solvang Restaurant

Start your final day with a Danish aebleskiver pancake breakfast at Solvang Restaurant, a local gem.
Just a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Santa Barbara Wine Tour

Take a brief family-friendly wine-tasting excursion in neighboring Santa Barbara, where even kids can enjoy the scenery and snacks.
A 30-minute drive to the wineries.
USD 120, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Caffe Primo

Refuel with a delicious Italian lunch at Caffe Primo, ideal for family dining.
30-minute drive back to Solvang.
USD 80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ostrich Land

Experience a unique family outing at Ostrich Land, where you can feed and learn about these fascinating birds.
A short 10-minute drive from Caffe Primo.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Attend a Cheese & Wine Pairing

Round off your culinary experience with a charming cheese and wine pairing event at a local winery, making memories as a family.
Just a 10-minute drive back to the winery region.
USD 60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Hotel Pool

Wind down and relax at the hotel pool, allowing the kids to splash around while you take a break.
Back to your accommodations, just a short drive.
Free for hotel guests, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at the Fireside Restaurant

Celebrate your time in Solvang with a farewell dinner at the cozy Fireside Restaurant, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A quick drive or walk back to downtown.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stargazing

Finish off your Solvang adventure with some stargazing in the clear skies—a perfect end to a memorable trip.
Find a quiet spot nearby, perhaps at the park.
Free, Varies
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