The Santa Ynez Mountains are mostly famous for the stunning Santa Barbara coastline, where they meet the sea. But the real hidden gem of this region is tucked away on the other side – the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Santa Ynez Valley is a part of California wine country. Its many rolling hills and mild climate are ideal for vineyards, earning the region an American Viticultural Association (AVA) designation. Visiting some of the beautiful wineries is a top thing to do here, but that’s not all.
There are all kinds of unique things travelers can do and see here: a whole town that looks like it was transported from old Denmark, an ostrich farm, and a Native American-run casino are a few of the best. That’s not to mention the host of historical sites to visit, the endless hiking and recreation in the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean beaches just a few miles away.
The valley isn’t huge, and you should be able to visit all the attractions easily from any accommodation within it. But there are some really interesting places to stay around here, so you’ll want to be sure to pick the best one for you! Below, we’ll take a look at some of the local towns, as well as some of the great Santa Ynez Valley hotels in each of them.
TL;DR – Our Favorite Accommodation in The Santa Ynez Valley
Areas to Choose within The Santa Ynez Valley
- Best area for first-timers/tourists – Solvang
- Best area for families – Buellton
- Best area for adults/solo travelers – Santa Ynez
- Best area for luxury travelers – Los Olivos
Where to Stay in The Santa Ynez Valley
1. Solvang: Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists
First up is perhaps the best-known town of the Santa Ynez Valley: Solvang, also known as the “Danish village of California.” While the origins of Solvang come from a Spanish settlement, a group of Danish Americans from the Midwest purchased thousands of acres of land here in the early 1900s in an effort to create a little community for themselves.
That’s where the quaint Danish architecture that the town is famous for comes from. You’ll find cobblestone streets, timbered houses, and windmills among the Danish bakeries and Scandinavian-named businesses. There aren’t a ton of Danish people still living here today, but the uniqueness of Solvang makes it a top destination in America among Scandinavian travelers who want to see the place.
Besides wandering the picturesque streets,…
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