Whether your favorite getaways tend toward lakeside camping, RV road trips, casual hotels, or luxury boutiques, you’ll find the perfect place to lay your head for the night in the Santa Ynez Valley. Your range of daytime activities is just as wide, from hiking and horseback riding to fine dining and wine tasting, with lots in between.
Just two hours north of Los Angeles and about four hours south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley towns offer world-class wineries, craft breweries, mountain biking and hiking trails, waterfalls, history, and ocean breezes. Nearby farms, orchards, and ranches supply local restaurants with the freshest ingredients, and seafood from the Pacific is just minutes away.
Six communities make up the Santa Ynez Valley, each with its own charm. Old West-style Santa Ynez takes you back about a century, while Solvang transports you to northern Europe with its Danish bakeries and architecture. Laid-back Los Olivos was founded in the 1860s, boasting historic buildings and Victorian homes that remind visitors of its days along the stagecoach route. Buellton offers breweries, wineries, and the unique attraction, Ostrichland. Los Alamos reflects its western heritage, and tiny Ballard houses the “Little Red Schoolhouse,” a top-performing school dating to 1883.
From Camping to Glamping to Luxe Digs
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campgrounds: Hook up your RV or stay in one of their restored vintage Airstreams. Opt for an air-conditioned safari tent or rustic outdoor tent, or choose a fully equipped cottage or cabin. Enjoy amenities like swimming pools, Campfire Cafe, or the nearby Sideways Lounge for cocktails.
Sideways Inn: This casual, pet-friendly inn features renovated guest rooms, a pool, spa, and access to additional amenities next door at Flying Flags RV Resort.
Vinland Hotel & Lounge: Stylish and sophisticated, this hotel offers a pool, Malin + Goetz bath products, complimentary parking, and a V Lounge for innovative cocktails and local dishes.
The Winston: Fourteen beautifully decorated, unique guestrooms, including the splendid Clocktower Suite. Enjoy comfy seating areas and a well-stocked honor bar, with continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning.
Santa Ynez Inn: A luxurious property reminiscent of a historic inn, featuring elegant furnishings, a spa, gourmet breakfast, and a serene garden suitable for weddings.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort: Offering golf, tennis, spa services, and Western-themed studios and suites set on 10,000 acres, this ranch is a great destination for diverse activities.
From Casual to Fine Dining
Industrial Eats in Buellton offers wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, sandwiches, and seafood in a casual setting.
S.Y. Kitchen: Located in Santa Ynez, it serves modern Italian dishes, cocktails, and wine in an intimate farmhouse atmosphere.
The Hitching Post II: Specializing in traditional wood-fired Santa Maria Barbecue, this restaurant gained fame from the 2004 movie Sideways.
The Gathering Table: Located at The Ballard Inn, offering seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients in a blend of Asian and French cuisine.
First & Oak in Solvang offers wine country cuisine inspired by France, featuring a seasonal menu with local seafood and produce.
The Tavern at Zaca Creek: Set on a historic property in Buellton, with an onsite Fullblood Wagyu butchery and extensive spirits selection.
V Lounge in Solvang offers a diverse menu of sandwiches, salads, shareable plates, and craft beers.
From Horseback Riding and Hiking to Wine Touring and Tasting
Fertile soil, temperate weather, and unique geography allow the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County to produce premium varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and more. Wine tastings and tours are available at most wineries, and reservations are recommended.
Cachuma Lake offers camping, guided cruises, fishing, hiking, and nature walks. Enjoy horseback riding among the hills, trails, and vineyards followed by an optional wine tasting. Explore the area further on two wheels with a bike rental or join a bicycle tour for an immersive experience. The beauty of the rolling hills, vineyards, and tree-shaded roads will have you dreaming of your return to the Santa Ynez Valley.
