Discovering the Dutch delights of Solvang, California

No drive down the PCH is complete without a stop in the quaint town of Solvang. This area of Santa Barbara county was settled by the Dutch in the early 1900′s.

 

Their famous architecture and bakery goods draw over one million visitors each year.

There’s much to do in Solvang, no matter your time frame. If you have a day, go straight to downtown and soak in the architecture, the traditional shops and baked goods. If you have a weekend, stay at a bed and breakfast and bike around the outskirts of town enjoying the Dutch inspired landscape.

 

 

On just about every corner there’s a bakery or sweets shop that sell traditional Danish delights like the ableskiver, a fried dough ball with powdered sugar and fruit jam. They were delicious!

 

Solvang is also known for it’s Hans Christen Anderson museum. It’s located above the bookstore, and is free to the public. It’s a very small museum, but it’s interesting to see some of the early editions of his famous novels like The Little Mermaid.

 

Even if you only have a half day to explore, it’s worth a visit to come to Solvang. Take a walk around downtown to soak in the architecture and grab some treats for the road. You’ll be glad you did!