9) Solvang
Solvang is very special indeed. A perfectly-preserved Danish town with streets that would look a lot more at home in historic Copenhagen than Santa Barbara, Solvang is home to generations of Danish people who immigrated to America in the early 20th century. Settled in 1911, the name Solvang means ‘sunny field’ and Solvang’s traditional Bethania Lutheran Church, pretty windmills and colourfully painted cottages never fail to give visitors a sunny feeling. As you would expect the restaurants offering Danish cuisine and quaint gift shops in Solvang are definitely worth a visit for authentic treats and the town’s few museums give real insight into Danish culture and the history of those Danes who chose to settle in California. Solvang’s location in the Santa Ynez Valley is also fortuitous as it is in the very heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country and there are a number of fine vineyards nearby.
