Self Guided Walking Tour of Solvang: Discover the Danish Charm

Santa Barbara , United States

Self Guided Walking Tour of Solvang: Discover the Danish Charm

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the enchanting streets of Solvang on a self-guided walking tour that highlights the town's rich Danish heritage. As you stroll past iconic windmills and charming half-timbered shops, take in the delightful aromas from cozy bakeries that have been part of this community since 1911. The tour features notable landmarks such as Old Mission Santa Inés and the Elverhøj Museum, enhanced by engaging storytelling through location-based audio. Experience Solvang's unique blend of history, culture, and artistry at your own pace, making it an ideal adventure for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a cultural escape.

- Self-guided tour allows you to explore Solvang at your own pace
- Discover key landmarks like Old Mission Santa Inés and the Little Mermaid Fountain
- GPS-activated audio provides immersive storytelling

Available options

Standard rate Flexible Departure

What's included

Flexible Usage (tours is yours to keep)

Audio Guide & Route Map (in-app)

App and Tour Download

Detailed itinerary

Founded in 1804, this beautifully preserved Spanish mission overlooks Solvang and offers sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Stop 2

One of Solvang’s most iconic landmarks, the wooden windmill stands as a whimsical tribute to the town’s Danish roots.

Housed in a former artist’s home, this museum explores Solvang’s Danish heritage through exhibits on art, culture, and local history.

Dedicated to Denmark’s beloved storyteller, this small upstairs museum celebrates the fairy tales that inspired Solvang’s whimsical character.

An open-air venue surrounded by gardens, this beloved community theater hosts live performances under the Central Coast stars.

Stop 6

Once the heart of Solvang’s early education movement (a former folk school) this historic building now serves classic Danish fare in a cozy restaurant setting.

Built by Solvang’s founding settlers, this graceful church remains a cornerstone of the town’s faith and community life.

Stop 8

A local favorite for decades, Olsen’s tempts visitors with authentic pastries, butter cookies, and kringles fresh from the oven.

Stop 9

A peaceful, tree-shaded park honoring Denmark’s famous author, featuring playful sculptures, murals, and winding paths just a short stroll from downtown Solvang.

What's not included

Smartphone (bring your own)

Available languages

Audio guide

EN ES

Written guide

EN ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts on the sidewalk in front of Bit O'Denmark. Once there, open the Drives & Detours app and tap "Start Tour" to begin.

Important notes

IMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: SPF505 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW -

To access your tours, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading your tours in advance.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:

1. Open app, tap "Walking Tours", then "Danish Delights"
2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")
3. Tap "Download Tour" (takes 1-2 minutes)

STARTING THE TOUR:

1. Open app, select your tour
2. Go to start location shown
3. Tap “Start Tour”

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Once downloaded, the tours are yours to keep!
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920

About Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city in Southern California known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious wine, and outdoor activities, it offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a historic pier and popular tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. It features shops, restaurants, and a museum, as well as stunning views of the coastline.

Beach/Historical 1-2 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. It features beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and a museum showcasing the history of the mission and the local area.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish Revival architecture. It features a clock tower, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and coastline.

Architecture/Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

East Beach

East Beach is a popular beach in Santa Barbara, offering a wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and stunning views of the coastline. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Beach 2-3 hours Free (some activities may have fees)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre garden showcasing the diverse plant life of California. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a museum showcasing the natural history of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours $15 (adults), $10 (seniors and students), Free (children under 12)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A popular dish in Santa Barbara, featuring fresh local fish, crispy batter, and a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made gluten-free with a corn tortilla and without the batter.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue

A traditional California Central Coast dish featuring beef or tri-tip cooked over an open flame and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Dinner Can be made with other proteins such as chicken or vegetables.

Ahi Poke

A Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, and served over rice or salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with other types of fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Santa Barbara Style Pizza

A local favorite featuring fresh local ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Surfing Mountain biking Rock climbing Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for outdoor activities, beach trips, and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

16-27°C (61-81°F) 61-81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Barbara is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
• Only use licensed taxis and tour operators

Getting there

By air

Santa Barbara Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

By bus

Santa Barbara Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

MTD operates a network of buses that serve the city and nearby communities. The buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Barbara The Funk Zone Mission Canyon Westside Eastside

Day trips

Solvang

45 km (28 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day

Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, windmills, and bakeries.

Los Olivos

50 km (31 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day

Los Olivos is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and beautiful countryside. The town is a popular destination for wine lovers and those looking to explore the local wine country.

Channel Islands National Park

20 km (12 miles) offshore from Santa Barbara • Full day to overnight

Channel Islands National Park is a group of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, known for their rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Festivals

Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Late January to early February Santa Barbara Wine Festival • June Santa Barbara Greek Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the coastline and delicious seafood
Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens for a glimpse into the city's history and culture
Stroll along State Street for shopping, dining, and street performers
Take a day trip to Solvang or Los Olivos for wine tasting and scenic countryside views
Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and education