A Danish village and some very curious birds in California wine country. We did this as a spur of the moment day trip on a longer California road trip.
If you ever find yourself in Southern California looking for a day trip that feels completely different from the beaches and big cities, head north into the Santa Ynez Valley and spend a day exploring Solvang. It’s about 2.5 hours from L.A. and is a wonderful distraction from the craziness of the city!
Often called the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang is a small town filled with windmills, half-timbered buildings, bakeries, and cozy streets that make it feel like you’ve suddenly been transported to a little corner of Denmark.
And just a few minutes outside town, you’ll find one of the most unexpectedly fun stops in the area — OstrichLand USA, where you can get up close with some very large and very curious birds.
It makes for a surprisingly perfect combination for a relaxed day trip.
Strolling Through Solvang
Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, and the town has leaned fully into its heritage. Walking through the streets, you’ll see traditional European-style architecture everywhere — colorful half-timbered buildings, windmills, bakeries, and small boutiques lining the main streets.
One of the things we loved most about Solvang is that it’s incredibly walkable. You can park once and spend hours wandering around, popping into shops, grabbing coffee, or stopping for pastries.
The town square areas like Hamlet Square are especially charming, with windmills and outdoor seating that make it feel like a tiny European village tucked into California’s wine country.
Some highlights while exploring:
- Danish bakeries serving fresh pastries
- Small wine tasting rooms featuring local vineyards
- Unique gift shops and artisan stores
- Plenty of photo spots with windmills and traditional buildings
Even if you only spend a couple hours here, it’s a fun place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
A Quick Stop at OstrichLand USA
Just a short drive outside Solvang is OstrichLand USA, and it’s exactly what it sounds like — a ranch where you can see and feed ostriches and emus.
It’s one of those roadside attractions that you might not expect to be that interesting… but it turns out to be surprisingly fun.
When you arrive, you can buy a small bowl of feed and walk up to the fenced areas where the birds gather. And trust us — they know when food is involved.
The ostriches and emus come right up to the fence and eagerly peck at the feed bowls. They’re huge, curious, and honestly pretty hilarious to watch.
Some of them are gentle, others are a little chaotic, and all of them seem extremely interested in whatever food you’re holding.
If you’ve never seen an ostrich up close before, their size alone is pretty wild.
What Makes This Day Trip So Fun
What makes the Solvang + OstrichLand combo work so well is how different the experiences are.
One minute you’re strolling through a picturesque European-style village eating pastries…
…and the next you’re being aggressively stared down by a six-foot-tall bird that wants your bowl of feed.
It’s quirky, memorable, and exactly the kind of unexpected stop that makes travel fun.
Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few quick tips:
- Arrive early
Solvang can get busy, especially on weekends. - Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll want to walk around town quite a bit. - Bring a little cash
Some smaller shops and roadside stops still prefer it. - Don’t skip OstrichLand
Even if it sounds a little silly — it’s part of the fun.
Final Thoughts
Solvang is one of those places that feels a little unexpected. It’s charming, unique, and a fun break from the typical California scenery.
Adding a stop at OstrichLand turns it into an even more memorable day — one that mixes small-town charm with a bit of quirky adventure.
And sometimes those are the trips that end up being the most fun.
If you’re exploring the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Just be prepared… those ostriches are very serious about snack time.