Santa Ynez Valley Tours

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 Vintners Wine 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.

Plan a trip to see Santa Ynez Valley

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Club Wyndham Canterbury
DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco South Airport Blvd

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Ynez Valley

Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
Chumash Casino Resort
The Genevieve

The Genevieve

4 out of 5
3627 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, CA
The Genevieve
ForFriends Inn Bed and Breakfast

ForFriends Inn Bed and Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
1121 Edison Street, Santa Ynez, CA
ForFriends Inn Bed and Breakfast
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Wine Valley Inn
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
400 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA
Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hotel Ynez

Hotel Ynez

2.5 out of 5
2644 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Hotel Ynez
Royal Copenhagen Inn

Royal Copenhagen Inn

2.5 out of 5
1579 Mission drive, Solvang, CA
Royal Copenhagen Inn
King Frederik Inn

King Frederik Inn

2.5 out of 5
1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
King Frederik Inn
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.

Things to do near Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways, offering a variety of activities such as wine tastings, wine tours, and serene picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy recreational spots and golf courses while indulging in wellness experiences. This picturesque valley invites you to explore its beauty and savor the local wines, making it an ideal vacation spot for those seeking relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in Santa Ynez Valley, visit the Camino Real Marketplace, a vibrant public market 30.6km away. If you're looking for more options, head to Paseo Nuevo Mall, a lively shopping center 43.5km away, perfect for families and entertainment. Don’t miss the Rafael Gonzalez House store, also 43.5km away.

Recreation

Sunny Fields Park offers a tranquil space just one mile from Santa Ynez Valley, perfect for relaxation and leisure activities. Valley Holistic Healing Center, located four miles away, provides rejuvenating body treatments in a calming atmosphere. Nojoqui Falls Park, seven miles away, features stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Adventure

Lost Valley Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience, 33.8km from Santa Ynez Valley, surrounded by stunning scenery and adventurous vibes. For biking enthusiasts, the Cabrillo Bikeway, located 43.5km away, provides a scenic outdoor ride. Jesusita Trail, 38.6km away, combines adventure with picturesque landscapes for hikers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Solvang Festival Theater, just 3.2km from the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic setting. For a cozy pub vibe, head 27.4km to Cold Spring Tavern, perfect for drinks and lively entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, and beach fun, making it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore a variety of points of interest, including beautiful beaches, charming churches, and urban parks. The area's attractions cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun, ensuring a memorable trip for all travelers.

  • Old Mission Santa Ines: Experience the rich history and culture at Old Mission Santa Ines, a charming church located 3.2km from Santa Ynez Valley. Its beautiful architecture and serene gardens offer a peaceful retreat and insight into California's mission heritage.
  • Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum: Located 3.2km away, this unique transport museum showcases a diverse collection of vintage motorcycles, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Discover the fascinating stories behind each bike and immerse yourself in the passion for two-wheeled history.
  • River Course at the Alisal: Just 4.8km from Santa Ynez Valley, this golf course offers a picturesque setting for golfers of all levels. Enjoy friendly service and a variety of excursions, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and recreation.

Best time to go to Santa Ynez Valley

The best time to visit Santa Ynez Valley is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September68.9°F (20.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Ynez Valley

To save money on your trip to Santa Ynez Valley, plan your visit during the cheaper months of January to February or November, avoiding the peak summer season. Consider booking your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotels, especially eco-certified options. Look for package deals that combine hotel stays with flights and activities to maximize savings. Additionally, keep an eye out for beverage discounts and flash sales to further reduce your expenses during your vacation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Ynez Valley are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Ynez Valley is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Ynez Valley is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to customize your travel experience by allowing you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Santa Ynez Valley with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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