There’s nothing ordinary about this small town in Southern California that feels more like a European village than a SoCal destination. If you haven’t had the chance to visit this unique village yet, I really can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re a million miles away even when you’re not far from home. Take a look at this delightful destination that we’re lucky to have right here in Southern California.
Did you know the Danish Capital of America is right here in Southern California?
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Solvang, which translates to “sunny field” in Danish, is a city in Santa Barbara County that was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish settlers who wanted to establish a Danish colony out West.
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Just one glance at this unique place and you can instantly tell that Solvang isn’t your ordinary SoCal town. It’s actually unlike any place you’ve ever visited in the Golden State.
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Solvang is actually so different from the rest of Southern California that when you arrive here you may have to remind yourself that you didn’t just hop on a plane and leave the country.
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When you arrive to Solvang, one of the best ways to experience this town is by taking a horse-drawn trolley ride around the main attractions of the village.
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Along the main street you’ll find all sorts of shops and restaurants that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a quaint Danish hamlet.
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There’s really no need to rush. Make sure to let yourself wander so you can take some time to appreciate the architecture all around you.
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Whether you’re on foot or going by trolley, you’ll soon discover that no matter what street you encounter you’ll find yourself gazing at the impressive European style buildings throughout the village.
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Like this Danish-inspired windmill that is a landmark in this quaint town. It’s one of the first things you see when you arrive because it’s pretty hard to miss.
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While visiting Solvang you can even add some artsy culture to your visit and make a stop at the Solvang Festival Theatre to catch a concert or a show.
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Don’t forget to take some time out for a snack. One of the most mouthwatering places to stop is Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.
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Go ahead and indulge in a decadent treat like this tasty Marzipan Pistachio square. With all the exploring you’ve done, you’ve earned a few calories.
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And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, you stumble on this darling sitting area and realize that there’s magic at every turn in Solvang.
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Even Hamlet Square looks like something right out of a storybook…because in many ways Solvang IS right out of a storybook.
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No matter where your itinerary may take you in Solvang, make sure to take some time out to be silly. There are plenty of photo opportunities here where you can strike a memorable pose so don’t forget to snap some pictures.
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The town of Solvang is located in Santa Barbara County. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day or an entire weekend. Have you ever spent any time in this charming SoCal village? For more information about the Solvang Trolley Ride, you can get all the details right here.
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