Many visitors from Denmark say Solvang is more Danish than Denmark. This is a gracious and well deserved compliment, for the people of Solvang have worked hard to preserve the rich heritage of the original eleven Danish families who pioneered this new frontier in 1911. The generations since then have cherished and developed the magic ambience you'll experience here in California's Copenhagen.

Simply walk the center of town and take in the seductive old world ambience. You will become acquainted with dozens of interesting shops, restaurants and bakeries that you'll want to revisit later. One of the most popular year-round sports in Solvang is shopping; you can cover the entire village without ever moving your car. Sampling the fine local restaurants, cafes and bakeries and wine-tasting at a few of the more than 70 wineries are other high points for visitors, along with live theatre, golf, lake sports, hiking and house hunting.

For information about attractions, events and lodgings in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, click here.