by Ann Hinds

Created on: November 06, 2011   Last Updated: November 07, 2011

Traveling north above Santa Barbara along the California coast, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, Coast Highway 1) and State Route 101 abruptly take a right turn at Gaviota. This is where PCH takes a more northerly route towards Lompoc and Vandenberg AFB while State Highway 101 travels into a surprisingly green valley of vineyards and picturesque villages. Dividing the two routes are the Santa Rita Hills.

The Santa Ynez Valley sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains with the Santa Ynez River flowing through the area. Not many people will recognize the name of the valley but there are some very famous locations that are known worldwide.

The Santa Ynez Valley is the location of Solvang (93463 and 93464), Buellton (83427), Ballard (93463), Los Olivos (93441), and Santa Ynez (93460).  In 1861, Los Olivos was a stop for the Overland Coast Line Stage. The route ran between San Diego and San Francisco. It has not grown into a large metropolis but has retained the Victorian flavor of a small town. In the middle of the wineries, it is a great place for wine tasting as well as boutique shopping and fine dining. Ballard is smaller than Los Olivos but certainly not a small part of the valley. Founded as a stage stop for Wells Fargo in 1880, the school that was built in 1882 is one of the tourist attractions that is still in operation today. Santa Ynez is the location of the local airport and has also retained its small town charm.

Buellton is better known and sits on the Santa Ynez River. It is the home of Pea Soup Andersen’s. Buellton is the first stop after Santa Barbara and a great place for a restaurant. Established in 1924, many travelers have stopped there for a meal. Most travelers who are familiar with the area plan their trips to insure that they make it there for the pea soup. It is fun for the kids too who may not appreciate pea soup but enjoy the gift shop and the cutouts for photo opportunities.

Solvang is the best known of the villages in the Santa Ynez Valley. This Danish community attracts visitor from all over the world and the smells from the bakeries can’t be overlooked. Founded in 1911, it was Danish-Americans who came west to establish a town in California. From the architecture to the foods served today, the town is still Danish. There are museums to visit and windmills to tilt.

The Santa Ynez Valley is in Santa Barbara County. It is 33 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. Between the sprawling vineyards, the homes in this affluent area are upscale. The school district is highly rated. Tourism is one of the major economic features of the area with more than 70 wineries and the historic towns that populate the Valley. It is also known for its equine industry and is the home of the Santa Ynez Valley Equine Clinic. Visitors can also pick apples at many of the apple farms.

The Los Padres National Forest is nearby with hiking and biking trails. Getting to and from the bigger cities is easy with the Amtrak stations in Solvang and Buellton. State Highway 101 continues through Santa Maria until it rejoins PCH near Pismo Beach.

Whether visiting the Santa Ynez Valley for a day or for a more extended trip, there is something around each and every corner to see and do.  

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