Cycling
Slow down and take life easy as you ride your bicycle through Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley while exploring Santa Barbara county wine country. Experience adventures as you cycle through the Central Coast of California. Pro-cycling, training camps, mountain biking, we have it all here.
Take a bike tour, explore bike shops, enjoy great rides on scenic country roads, stay in bicyclist-friendly places, or just rent a bike or surrey to ride in and around Solvang.
#1—A Family Ride: Windmills, Miniature Horses and a Playground
Easy ride along bike path or in bike lanes with stops for picnicking and sightseeing.
Length: As little as five miles, up to ten miles, depending on turn-around location.
Park at the Mission Santa Inés, 1740 Mission Drive. Children will enjoy the beautiful grounds and displays of early life in the Mission era. Ride east on Mission Drive (Highway 246) but take care, as there will be cars for the first half mile until the painted bike path begins at Alamo Pintado Road. A rustic windmill is located to your right, one of five in the Solvang area (others are located downtown; the children can do a windmill hunt to find them all). The bike path continues to the intersection of Refugio Road.
Turn around here and ride back towards Solvang, or turn right on Refugio, and proceed 0.9 miles to the entrance of Kalyra Winery (Open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., (805) 693-8864), one of the locations of the film "Sideways", which was filmed in and around Solvang. It is kid-friendly and relaxed, a nice place to eat a picnic lunch – and its deck has one of the finest views in the valley. A little further on is Sunstone Winery (Open daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., (800) 313-9463), a beautiful winery built in a Provencal French style, featuring two stone barrel-aging caves built into the hillside. The Rice Family farms their 78-acre vineyards in an organic, bio-sustainable manner.
Returning to the bike path adjacent to Highway 246, turn left and continue to Alamo Pintado Road and turn right. Approximately one-half mile north (along a bike lane, watch for traffic) is a new playground with a Danish theme in Sunny Fields Park. Built by community volunteers, it is a delight for kids.
If the kids are feeling ambitious, leave the park and continue north on Alamo Pintado Road for 1.5 miles to the charming Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch (1555 Alamo Pintado Road) where waist-high horses are bred and raised. Free viewing daily from 10am-3pm. Return by retracing your path back Alamo Pintado to Highway 246, then take a right turn back to Solvang.
For travel accommodation information or a free copy of the official Solvang & the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide, the public can contact the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau at (800) 468-6765, (805) 688-6144; fax (805)688-8620. Visitor information is also availableat the Visitor Information Center located at 1639 Copenhagen in the heart of the city, via www.SolvangUSA.com or by e-mail at: info@SolvangUSA.com
#2—Solvang to Ballard Canyon Loop
Combines the charm of a ride through Solvang, the Alamo Pintado Valley, and the country feeling of Ballard Canyon. Moderately easy. 12.5 miles, little elevation change. Adapted from sboutdoors.com/
Begin at the corner of Highway 246 and Atterdag Road in downtown Solvang. From Highway 246 heading west, turn right (north) on Atterdag and up Chalk Hill Road, the first of several climbs. At the top knoll, take one last look back over the river valley before a fast downhill section to the Ballard Canyon Road intersection.
After the stop sign, bear left, then curve to the right onto Ballard Canyon. A short climb brings you up into the upper canyon, which is not actually a canyon but a very pretty valley. The road is very quiet and rustic, level for the first part then rising steadily to a high point looking out to Los Olivos and the San Rafael Mountains. A quick drop leads to Highway 154, turn right and look for Mattei's Tavern to the right. Just past Mattei's Tavern, turn right on Grand Avenue into the town of Los Olivos and go south 0.9 miles, curve right across the creek and then turn left and follow Alamo Pintado Road for 4.2-mile return trip to Highway 246 (there is a bike lane the entire stretch). Turn right on 246 and ascend the slight rise into Solvang. For a slightly longer and more strenuous trip: rather than turning on Atterdag, start on Highway 246 in Solvang and follow it two miles west to the lower end of Ballard Canyon Road.
Turn right onto Ballard Canyon. This adds 3.5 miles to the ride and several miles of riding next to fast moving cars on Highway 246. However, the lower section of Ballard leads through a narrow and very pretty canyon for a mile then rises several hundred feetbefore dropping down to the Chalk Hill intersection. Bear left here andfollow the original route on Ballard Canyon Road.
#3—Alisos Canyon Loop
A great yet demanding country ride. Strenuous; 2,200' elevation gain, 850' climb in Drum Canyon and 600' in Ballard Canyon; 41.5 miles. Adapted from sboutdoors.com/
Begin at the corner of Mission Drive/Highway 246 and Atterdag Road in downtown Solvang. From Highway 246 heading west, turn right (north) on Atterdag and up Chalk Hill Road. After a fast downhill, bear left after the stop sign at the Ballard Canyon intersection, then curve to the right. The road is very quiet and rustic, then a quick drop down leads to Highway 154. Carefully cross it and proceed onto Foxen Canyon Road.
The ride follows Foxen Canyon for just a bit more than 10 miles, with several climbs and long stretches of country road. Two miles beyond the Fess Parker Winery, the road crests and from there it is a half-mile downhill to Zaca Mesa Winery —a very nice place to stop for a break. A mile of gentle downhill past the winery brings you to the Alisos Canyon turnoff (left). The first mile of the ride up Alisos is a bit of a workout but before long, you will be cruising downhill the next six miles to Highway 101. Once you reach the highway, look for a side road on the east side of 101. Turn right onto that road for about a mile, then turn left on the road that goes under Highway 101 and enter Los Alamos. There are a number of places to eat in Los Alamos as well as a small park right in the middle of town. Los Alamos County Park is a half-mile up Centennial Street aka Drum Canyon Road, and a nice place for a lunch break. Look for the Centennial/Drum Canyon turn at the flagpole. This is the gateway to Drum Canyon, a 3.5 mile, 850' climb to the top of the ridge, with lots of switchbacks. On the other side, there is a sharp downhill into a long, open valley dotted with cows and horses and ranches. Five miles of mellow riding bring you to Highway 246, where you turn left (east). The next six miles to Buellton will be the least fun part of the ride, though the shoulder is wide, there are many cars. Once you reach Buellton, continue ahead over Highway 101, three miles back into Solvang.
#4—“Sideways” Movie Tour Locations
A challenging out and back ride from Solvang takes you north to locations used in “Sideways” and offers wine tasting opportunities. (Please drink and bike responsibly.)
Strenuous. 32+ miles. Up to 1000' elevation change.
Adapted from " Sideways " Bicycle Ride, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Start from the corner of Highway 246 and Alisal Road in Solvang. There is a bike path adjacent to 246 from Alamo Pintado Road to Refugio Road, where you turn right and proceed 0.9 miles to the entrance of Kalyra Winery (Open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., (805) 693-8864).
While tasting wine at Kalyra, Jack (Thomas Haden Church) and Miles (PaulGiamatti) meet a flirtatious wine pourer, Stephanie (Sandra Oh), who Jack woos.
Return back up Refugio Road, pass 246, and continue 2.1 miles to Baseline Road (there is a bike lane for the first mile), turn left on Baseline and proceed one mile to Alamo Pintado (there is a bike lane for its entire stretch). Turn right on Alamo Pintado and follow it 1.2 miles, then turn left on to Grand Avenue and follow it into the town of Los Olivos. Stop at the Los Olivos Café (2879 Grand Avenue, (888) WINES4U)
Miles, Jack, Stephanie, and Maya (Virginia Madsen) enjoy dinner and several bottles of wine at the Los Olivos Café. Continue on Grand Avenue to Highway 154. Carefully cross the highway, follow Foxen Canyon Road north for several miles up over a 300' rise, and down to Zaca Station Road. Turn left and proceed one-half mile to the entrance of Firestone Winery on the right (Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., (805) 688-3940).
The foursome sneaks out of a wine lecture to share a romantic walk through the Barrel Room.
Turn around and follow Zaca Station Road to Foxen Canyon Road and turn left. Proceed 1.4 miles, climbing to a point that overlooks the upper Foxen Canyon, a land that has changed little in time. Drop steeply downhill into the valley and Fess Parker Winery's entrance on the right (Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., (800) 841-1104).
Called “Frass Canyon” in the film, it is the site of the wine tasting where Miles, despondent after a call from his agent, guzzles the spit bucket.
Had enough? Return to Solvang via the same route. The adventurous can continue another 11 miles and up another pulse-pumping rise and through gorgeous scenery to Foxen Vineyard (Open daily, noon to 4 p.m., (805) 937-4251). During the split-screen montage, Miles and Jack help themselves to full glasses when the pourer's back is turned. Return via the same route, knowing there will be some challenging climbs but exhilarating descents with fine views.
Outdoor Activities
Ride a Segway, visit Ostrichland and a miniature horse ranch, try an ATV or jeep tour of the scenic hillsides, go horseback riding, pedal a surrey bike around town, take a hike in the national forest and rent a boat on Lake Cachuma. Take the kids for a fun afternoon at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang.
From quick day trips to mid-week getaways to hiking and cycling, Solvang, the only danish community and the most unique of California's Central Coast destinations, is the place to relax and enjoy the European ambience. Regional and state parks invite travelers to hike and country roads beckon cyclists, or just sit down and enjoy the great wines from Santa Barbara county's Wine Country.
Parks & Recreation
Welcome to the Solavng Parks and Recreation Dept. The main goals of our department are to provide programs, safe clean parks and excellent customer relations. We offer many recreation programs and activities.
411 Second Street Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-7529
Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours
This is your only full-service, locally owned tour center located in Santa Barbara wine country. We offer complete cycling vacations, daily tours, and custom cycling packages complete with the best routes, professional guides, gourmet picnic lunches with wine tasting, wonderful hotels and wine pairing dinners. Our Mission is to share and experience the beautiful and healthy lifestyle this area has to offer through cycling and the enjoyment of fine food and wine by creating a successful company that brings others to the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara area.1693 Mission Drive Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: 1-888.557.TOUR (8687)
Segway Tours Of Solvang
453 Atterdag Rd. Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-8899
Our Segway adventures in the Santa Ynez Valley are a on-of-a-kind blast just 40 minutes from Santa Barbara! Join us in one of our various tours for a trip you'll remember for a lifetime. Experience Solvang, venture around Figueroa Mountain, glide through a wine tasting, go off-road, or bask in the beauty of the evening, all on a segway! We're excited to have you come and visit us.
Solvang Farmer's Market
First Street Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 962-5354
Fresh produce, flowers and foods. Every Wednesday, rain or shine. Hours 2:30-6:00pm. Downtown Solvang, on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.
Solvang Festival Theater
420 Second St. Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 686-1789
Owned and operated by Solvang Theaterfest. This 700 seat outdoor theater is available to the community for rental. The enclosed garden/reception area is also available for private functions including luncheons, weddings, and events. For more information or to visit the site, contact Diane Devine at 805-686-1789. Hours: Show times vary
Solvang Park
Picnics are popular in Solvang Park. This is the center of the action for Danish Days, in September, Winterfest, in December, andFree Friday Night Movies in the summer Corner of Mission Drive and First Street Solvang , CA 93463
Solvang Trolley & Carriage Company
1618 Copenhagen Drive Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 794-8958
Since 1973, when H.H.H. Rasmussen made the Honen (The Hen in Danish), available to Solvang visitors, the Solvang Trolley pulled by two draft horses, has been providing narrated tours of the Village of Solvang, Little Denmark. Throughout the years, the company has grown to offer a variety of horse-drawn carriage services appropriate for almost any occasion. We offer a quaint, charming way to enjoy the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley that is relaxing, and in many ways, romantic. We are also available for various private events on location throughout the Santa Barbara County. Hours: Fri-Mon 11:30-5
Wheel Fun Rentals
475 First Street Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-0091
Offers a pedal-powered way to see the sights of Solvang. Bikes and Surreys. Rent wheelchairs, strollers, wagons and walkers.
Flag Is Up Farms
901 East Highway 246 Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-6288
Flag Is Up Farms is the internationally renowned starting point for some of the world's most successful performance horses and highest earning racehorses. It is also the home of the Monty Roberts International Learning Center and equine celebrity Shy Boy. - See more at: http://www.montyroberts.com/ab_about_monty/flag__intro/#sthash.uKlwYWb4.dpuf Flag Is Up Farms is the internationally renowned starting point for some of the world's most successful performance horses and highest earning racehorses. It is also the home of the Monty Roberts International Learning Center and equine celebrity Shy Boy. Hours: Open Daily 9-5
Hans Christian Andersen Park
775 Atterdag Rd. Solvang , CA 93463
Hans Christian Andersen Park is a huge, beautiful park filled with large live oak trees. To enter, you drive through a castle arch! Then you come to the skate park which has cavernous half pipes that will challenge any skater! A small wooden playground is behind the skate park, which is handy if you have an older skater and a young child. Continue driving through the park and you come to a playground with tall slides in a grassy area . Climb a ladder to the third level and then slide down the curved tunnel slide. It's a blast even for older kids! There's a music-making station with well-tuned chimes, and a rock-climbing wall. Plenty of trees and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, including a child-sized picnic table at the playground. On the way to this park, you will pass Bethania Lutheran Church on the corner of Atterdag Rd and Laurel Ave. It's the sweetest architectural accomplishment! Inside, it is themed around the seafaring Scandinavians and a ship hangs from the ceiling. Check it out!
River Course At The Alisal
150 Alisal Rd. Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-6042
The River Course at the Alisal presents golfers with breathtaking panoramas of the brilliant hues of the foothills and the Santa Ynez Mountains and Valley. The Course features four lakes and often follows the meandering path of the Santa Ynez River. Gentle mounds define the manicured fairways and bentgrass greens accented by mature live oaks, native sycamores and elderberry trees, creating a "must play" golf experience for all.
At 6,830 yards, the Par 72 layout is challenging but not punishing. The strategic placement of a variety of hazards rewards length & accuracy without severely penalizing recreational golfers. The moderate central California climate and meticulous golf course maintenance provide excellent year-round playing conditions. The fairways appear wide, but mounding along the sides requires accuracy to avoid sidehill lies. Elevated tees offer sweeping vistas of the fairways below, while the greens are large with moderate undulations that roll consistent and true. Hours: 7am - 5 pm
Sunny Fields Park
Kids love the playground. For schedule of events, call 805-688-PLAY. Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang , CA 93463 Phone: (805) 688-7529
Camp Whittier—operated By United Boys & Girls Club Of Santa Barbara
2400 Hwy 154 Santa Ynez , CA 93460 Phone: (805) 962-6776
Camp Whittier is a camp and retreat center available for rental year-round. We are owned and operated by the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.
Circle V Ranch Camp—operated By Society Of St. Vincent De Paul
2550 Hwy 154 Santa Ynez , CA 93460 Phone: (805) 688-5252
Circle V Ranch Camp is nestled in the Los Padres National Forest surrounded by mature oak trees and miles of hiking trails located 18 miles from beautiful Santa Barbara. Circle V Ranch Camp embraces youth-centered programming and is committed to the growth and development of children through positive, meaningful, and rewarding activities.
Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding
2178 Mora Ave Santa Ynez , CA 93460 Phone: (805) 944-0493
Enjoy a private, guided horseback ride through the hills and vineyard of Estelle Vineyards in Santa Ynez. Our most popular package, the "Ride and Wine" (125.00 per person) is concluded with a glass of wine from the grapes you will ride past!
We also have a "Ride Only" (115.00 per person) option for those who do not want wine. Children 10 and up are welcome and discounted, children under 10 are case by case, so please feel free to call with any questions. We have plenty of space to picnic, so come spend the day with us!
Please check out our website, www.vinovaqueros.com, for current rates and packages, as they are seasonal.
