Solvang is a cute little town filled with Danish architecture and influence, roughly under a 4 hour drive from San Jose and 3 hour drive from Los Angeles. Read on to discover how to spend a weekend in Solvang, in this easy and relaxed Solvang itinerary. It’s a perfect location for a day trip, or if you are looking for an easy break from the mad rush of your daily lives, you can certainly spend 2 days here, just like we did.
Where To Stay In Solvang
There are several hotels to choose from for your quick stay, depending on your budget. We highly recommend staying at the Corque Hotel for a weekend in Solvang, which is closest to the historic Solvang Windmill and all the other attractions, including restaurants, bakeries and gift shops. You wouldn’t need to take out your car at all during your sight-seeing trip. This is a highly rated hotel, and the rooms come equipped a mini-fridge and parking is free!
How To Spend A Weekend in Solvang
Day 1: Arrive in Solvang and enjoy dinner
Depending on where you are driving in from, plan to get in to Solvang by 7 pm since most of the restaurants that are walkable from Corque hotel close by 8 pm. There are limited good options on Mission Drive under a 5 minute driving distance from the hotel that are open until 9 pm and beyond. If you are looking to get some cocktails after dinner, head to the Solvang Brewing Company; it’s a great spot for locals and tourists alike. Head back to your hotel room and grab some much needed rest.
Day 2: Visit Ostrichland and explore Solvang
Start your day with a filling traditional Danish restaurant at any of the cafes or bakeries nearby as you kickstart your weekend in Solvang. Our recommendation is Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, which is the oldest bakery in Solvang, and has been operating as a family-owned business for three generations. You can’t wrong with any of their delicious pastries, cookies and coffee!
Next, head over to Ostrichland USA, where you get to see many amazing ostriches and emus and even feed them! Tickets are required to enter, and you can buy bowls of food to feed the giant birds at an extra charge. You can also buy fresh eggs if you want! Spend an hour here before heading back to Solvang’s main attraction, the Solvang Windmill.
The windmill is right next to your hotel, so drop your car off at the hotel if you wish. This area is the touristy portion of Solvang, since the entire street is lined with buildings made in the Danish architecture style.
Spend a couple of hours here enjoying the scenery, clicking photos, and plan to grab lunch at any of the good restaurants out here.
After lunch, visit the Old Mission Santa Ines, which is right behind the Solvang Windmill. This mission was founded in 1804, so enjoy a stroll in the beautiful courtyards or hallways. Rest of the day is for you to explore the nearby gift and antique shops to buy some souvenirs. Remember that the restaurants close early for dinner, so do plan accordingly.
Day 3: Checkout and breakfast at Paula’s
Today, you will be checking out from your hotel and heading back home. Before you head home, definitely stop by at Paula’s Pancake House to relish upon Danish pancakes (these are Paula’s Special)! These pancakes are very thin, will feel almost like a crepe, but the flavors will blow your mind. Since the restaurant is on Mission Drive, parking is going to be tough, so be prepared for a bit of a walk and a bit of a wait since they do not take reservations.
After breakfast, bid goodbye to the little Dutch town and head home as you wrap up your nice weekend in Solvang.
Need Help Planning Your Vacation?
If you are looking for ideas on spending a weekend in Solvang or a magical 7-10 day vacation to anywhere in the world, email us and we can help put together a custom itinerary just for you and your family! Looking for more weekend ideas? Check out our blog post on how to spend 2 days in Napa and spending a weekend in San Francisco!