Go for: something different
10 guides
vibe
Ostriches, karaoke in a windmill and odd wineries. All Good for lists
10 guides
Sideways filming locations
Miles and Jack's 'Windmill Inn' (now Sideways Inn), the Hitching Post 2 bar and Fess Parker Winery as 'Frass Canyon', 20 years on. What moved, what closed, and a half-day and full-day route.
Unique wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley
Shop vintage at Babcock, ride a horse through Buttonwood's vines, or feed the animals at Folded Hills' weekend Farmstead. Seven wineries where the flight is the second reason to go.
Bars in Solvang & the valley
A speakeasy behind a homebrew shop, an Irish pub, the Vaquero Bar pouring to midnight, a saloon open to 2am and a dive in an 1882 train depot, with hours.
Maverick Saloon
Paper money pinned to the ceiling, two-step lessons and bands most weekends at the Santa Ynez honky-tonk open since 1963, until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Solvang nightlife
Solvang goes quiet early, but not everywhere. The Vaquero Bar pours until midnight, plus a vinyl lounge, karaoke in a windmill and a saloon that serves until 2am.
OstrichLand USA: know before you go
Feed 80-plus ostriches and 70 emus from a bowl (hold it with both hands) on a 32-acre farm on Highway 246. Hours, holiday pricing and dog rules.
Santa Maria-style BBQ: what it is & where to eat it
Prime top sirloin over red oak at Hitching Post 2, then the three classic houses 41 to 56 minutes north, with hours the old guides got wrong.
Things to do in Lompoc besides the Wine Ghetto
California's most completely restored mission, over 30 Old Town murals, Surf Beach and the closest public spot to watch a Vandenberg launch, 26 minutes west of Buellton.
Taste · Santa Ynez Valley
Wine tasting experiences in the Santa Ynez Valley
Ride a horse through the vines for $150, meet a camel and a zebra on a private ranch tour, or blend your own bottle. Prices, lengths and booking for each.
Taste · Santa Maria
Santa Maria Valley wineries & wine caves
Presqu'ile's chef, cave and horses, Bien Nacido's Gatehouse, Foxen Canyon Road, four wineries with caves and tri-tip after.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons and Unsplash. Photo credits and licenses