Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingLocal Gem

Santa Ynez Valley

· Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Why you should go…

Visit Santa Ynez Valley is a not for profit, membership based destination marketing organization founded in 2001 that promotes the Santa Ynez Valley, covering the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. The valley offers wine tasting at more than 100 wineries along with cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Visitor centers operate in Buellton and Solvang, providing brochures, maps and in person trip planning help.

  • #wine country
  • #wineries
  • #small towns
  • #scenic drives
  • #tourism

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Santa Ynez Valley, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Huntington Beach

    Free

    Official tourism arm of Surf City USA, promoting Huntington Beach's coastline, pier, and surf culture.

    3.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Newport Beach

    Free

    Southern California coastal city known for its harbor, beaches and Fashion Island shopping.

    6.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Newport Landing Whale Watching

    Under $25

    Year-round whale and dolphin watching cruises departing from Newport Beach harbor.

    7.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Catalina Flyer

    $50+

    A 600-passenger catamaran ferry making the roughly 90-minute crossing between Newport Beach and Catalina Island.

    7.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Santa Ana

    Free

    Orange County's cultural hub, known for its historic downtown, 200+ murals, and diverse dining and arts scene.

    8.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Anaheim Topgolf Swing Suite

    $50+

    Indoor golf simulator bays with soccer, hockey and baseball games, steps from Disneyland Resort hotels.

    8.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions