Located about 40 minutes from SBA (Santa Barbara airport) lies a charming California town with a unique twist. Known for its Danish-inspired architecture, beer and wine selection, and proximity to Santa Barbara, Solvang is a must-add to any traveler’s list.
During my day-trip last month, I discovered a highlight that lived up to the reviews!
Copenhagen Sausage Garden (Solvang, CA) – https://www.csg-solvang.com/
For a taste of Copenhagen, this charming sausage and beer hall is a foodie’s paradise. Food offerings include, but are not limited to Polish, German, Danish, American and other sausages, while drinks include a wide variety of beers and wines.
Following a laid-back meal, I recommend walking the streets of Solvang.
Activities in the area include: horseback riding, wine tasting, shopping, and my personal favorite – ice cream tastings!
Note for photographers – If you plan a visit around late March, you may time your visit with blooming purple wisteria, which serves as a wonderful contrast to Danish architecture.
How to reach Solvang:
From Santa Barbara (SBA) station, Amtrak offers buses that offer you the chance to see the California countryside and pass through the University of California- Santa Barbara campus. It is important to plan your visit as you can only book the bus ticket from the counter in the Amtrak station. At the time of writing (4/17/2025), there was not an option to buy the thru-bus via the Amtrak website. The ticket costs ~$3 USD round-trip.
Happy travels! – K
Stampchaser Photography 