Solvang Day Trip- Food, Amazing Pastries, Photo Ops, Wine and more!

Solvang is a tiny Danish town about 2.5 hours northwest of Los Angeles. Most people visit to experience the center of the town; see the colorfully painted buildings, Danish architecture and visit nearby renowned wineries. Amy and I added it to our ‘adventures’ to-do list for the summer a couple of months before school ended. Y’all know I love colorful places so this was happening. Also, shoutout to all the friends who support my whimsy side. Just where would I be ❤️.

Some Cool Historical Points

Most of the colorful buildings you will see in the town center were built and painted colorful colors, although authentic to Danish architecture, for tourist attraction. Solvang means ‘ sunny field’. Three Danish men settled there back in the early 1900s built a corporation, bought out 10 acres of land and opened up the town to more Danish immigrants, and so the town grew. There’s an annual Founding Celebration, a three-day event, where the natives dress up and perform Danish folk dancing on the streets.

The Ride UP

The views were breathtaking. I took the 101 and for part of the ride, we were driving along the coast, passing by Mondo’s Beach and Rincon Beach. Then for the last third of the drive, we were going through the mountains and we were mesmerized. Sadly, because we were driving along the side of the mountains, with quite a few curves, there weren’t great opportunities to stop and take photos so Amy, Lennox and I will just live to tell the story. I would be down to go again for the views alone.

What We Did

Had lunch at Viking Garden, which was composed of sausages, sauerkraut, mashed potato sides, and beer. I had a big breakfast so I did not partake but Amy and Lennox were pretty vocal about being less than satisfied. The beer was enjoyable. That’s that on that.
Tried free samples at the Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe. I’m super picky about chocolate chip cookies and they exceeded my expectations. Top three activity, at #3.
Visited Flea Market Finds. Definitely super cute but the items cost an arm and a leg.
The Rasmussens store has beautiful paintings and all sorts of other antique items from Italy.
Walked around, through stores.
Had gelato at Solvang Flavors. I have feelings for the pistachio flavor. Top three activity, at #2.
Spent the rest of the day at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Top three activity, at #1.

Overall Sentiments

Solvang is a cute day trip. It could be worth two days if you’re into winery hopping.

I really cherished being able to spend time with two of the many awesome people I’ve met here and with whom genuine friendships have developed. We played all of our favorite Disney songs on the way there and sung at the top of lungs. Drank too much wine with names we struggled to pronounce. We laughed and shared how much we are dreading starting year-two of our program. While those feelings are very real, I’m glad we will have each other to remind one another to play hard just as much as we’re working hard.

Anywho, the day couldn’t have been better 😊.

Here’s Solvang! Feel free to ask any questions.