Santa Ynez Valley

Travel 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.

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,917 reviews)
"Staff was great the walking distance to activities amazing, but the room had some flaws from a lot of dust, blankets wrinkled and the a/c was loud."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,176 reviews)
"This inn is as charming as the town and the staffs are all wonderful. Our room was on the second floor with a view of the gorgeous courtyard garden below. Sitting at the front courtyard is a treat as soothing, fragrant aroma from the spa gently drifts into the space. The garden at the back has a ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is P7,800 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P7,800
P9,066 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,718 reviews)
"Amazing time"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 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 WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa ...
6/10 (71 reviews)
Quick trip
"Check in process is very slow and our room was not ready Beautiful property and great location"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Tide Pool Villas
Los Aguajes

Los Aguajes

2 out of 5
118 Los Aguajes Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and ...
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 Sep 1, 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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