A small California city known for its Danish-inspired architecture, culture, and tourism has been named one of the most charming small towns in the nation by National Geographic.
Solvang earned a spot on the magazine’s list of the 17 most charming small towns in the United States, praised for capturing the essence of the “American dream while preserving the traditions of Denmark.”
“The name Solvang, which means ‘sunny field’ in Danish, is apt,” National Geographic says. “Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, about 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara, the charming town has been featured in numerous Hallmark Christmas movies and various television series. It’s easy to see why.”
Here are some must-see attractions, top things to do, and standout dining spots to check out while you visit the picturesque town, where National Geographic notes, “Windmills are nestled among shops and restaurants, and nearly every building is designed in the Danish provincial architecture style, with signature elements like bindingsverk (half-timber) walls and faux thatched roofs.”
Must-sees/dos in Solvang
Here are some must-see spots and can’t-miss experiences to fully soak up Solvang’s European-style atmosphere.
Solvang Shoe Store: Curious about the world of clogs? Looking for a new pair of Birkenstocks for the summer? The Solvang Shoe Store is the place to go, first for its wide selection of popular Sven, Skånetofflen, and Dansko clogs, but also for the highly attentive and knowledgeable service from the staff who will make sure your new shoes are a perfect fit. And there’s a bonus: The town’s famous giant red clog sits outside the store.
The Book Loft: This independent bookstore tucked on Mission Drive in downtown Solvang is a dream for the avid reader: A charming and rambling storefront chock full of both new and used books with a friendly and helpful staff brimming with recommendations. Don’t miss the robust “Nordic Books” section for a Scandi souvenir of your time in this fairytale-like Danish(ish) town.
Other sights in the village: Visitors should be stroll the village to get a glimpse of Danish icons. Among those are the the Little Mermaid Fountain, a replica of Denmark’s The Little Mermaid statue. You can also find the Round Tower, which is a one-third scale replica of Copenhagen’s famous 17th-century astronomical observatory. Then, of course, there are the town’s windmills. Solvang features four wooden, Danish-style windmills, all within a four-block radius in the downtown area.
Immerse yourself in Danish history: Solvang’s museums may be small, but they paint a vivid picture of the town’s Danish roots and artistic spirit. Visitors can learn about early settlers at the Elverhøj Museum of Art and History, explore the history of fairy tales at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and see rare bikes at the Vintage Motorcycle Museum. Other museums in town include the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature; Old Mission Santa Inés; and Solvang Amber Museum.
Hitch a trolley ride: The Solvang Trolley & Carriages Company offers trolley rides, pulled by two draft horses, that feature a short, scenic tour that gives you a quick overview of everything that makes the Danish-style village unique.
Dining spots to check out in Solvang
From breakfast spots to an outdoor beer garden, there is no shortage of dining spots to check out in Solvang. Here are some top restaurants to stop by when visiting Solvang.
Paula’s Pancake House: The eatery is an iconic and beloved restaurant, and a go-to breakfast spot that blends Danish tradition with classic American comfort food. It’s known for dishing out thin, crepe-like Danish pancakes and traditional Medisterpølse, Danish sausage.
Copenhagen Sausage Garden: The lively outdoor beer garden leans into the town’s European roots with a focus on sausages, beer, and a relaxed atmosphere. It serves a wide variety of artisan sausages, giant pretzels, and local craft beers.
peasants FEAST: peasants FEAST is a locally sourced deli and eatery known for its seasonal sandwiches and patio dining. Located just off the town’s main strip, the eatery focuses on locally sourced ingredients from the Santa Ynez Valley. “There’s a story for almost every single dish, and that goes back into where that product came from and how it got to your plate,” the restaurant’s chef, Michael Cherney, says on the eatery’s website. “We’re not just here to feed people.”
Bit O’ Denmark: The restaurant is a place where you can experience traditional Danish cuisine in a historic setting. “Family Owned and operated for over two decades, The Bit O’ Denmark is a stop you must make while visiting Solvang,” the Solvang Chamber of Commerce says. “The building was built in 1911 and originally used as a school, then was remodeled and turned into a famous restaurant in 1963.”
Solvang Restaurant: And, finally, there’s Solvang Restaurant, which is famous for its to-go window where you can grab Æbleskiver, traditional Danish pancake balls topped with powdered sugar and jam. What really sets it apart is the large working-style windmill attached to the building.
You can find a full directory of Solvang restaurants on Visit Solvang’s website.
The Desert Sun’s Executive Editor Kate Franco contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Solvang makes National Geographic’s list of most charming US small towns
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
