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 vacation 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.

Hotel Corque
Hotel Corque
4 out of 5
400 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,348 reviews)
"It’s conveniently right next to all of the shops and restaurants"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hotel Corque
Wine Valley Inn
Wine Valley Inn
3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,142 reviews)
solvang get away
"clean and comfy"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort
Chumash Casino Resort
4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is ₹10,484 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹10,484
₹12,209 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,701 reviews)
"I loved it"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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.
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (183 reviews)
"Great property!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Casa Jardin
Tide Pool Villas
Tide Pool Villas
4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa ...
6.2/10 (70 reviews)
Quick trip
"Check in process is very slow and our room was not ready Beautiful property and great location"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Tide Pool Villas
Los Aguajes
Los Aguajes
2 out of 5
118 Los Aguajes Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara ...
Perfect place to stay near beach .
"A beautiful place very clean, communication with host was excellent. If you are planning to stay here just a word of advise there is no AC and second the train is very loud expect to be awake by all the way to 10:45."

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2024

Los Aguajes
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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