{"id":1287,"date":"2021-08-20T09:12:17","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T09:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/3-day-guide-to-the-central-coast-of-california-the-blonde-abroad\/"},"modified":"2021-08-20T09:12:17","modified_gmt":"2021-08-20T09:12:17","slug":"3-day-guide-to-the-central-coast-of-california-the-blonde-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/3-day-guide-to-the-central-coast-of-california-the-blonde-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"3-Day Guide to the Central Coast of California \u2022 The Blonde Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"


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This post was written by\u00a0Chelsea Loren, one of our Expert Travel Contributors!<\/h4>\n

Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, just about an hour above Santa Barbara is one of the loveliest hidden gems of California.<\/p>\n

While you may have heard of Solvang \u2014 also known as the Little Danish Town, did you know that scattered around the area are a number of small towns with some of the best wine tasting rooms?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a relaxing getaway where you can unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and see a part of California that likely doesn\u2019t come up on the radar \u2014 Santa Ynez Valley, located on the Central Coast is for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sample delights at the local restaurants (they\u2019re big on everything being local<\/em>), spend a day wandering the Danish-inspired streets of Solvang, or sample wine from one of the 40+ tasting rooms in Los Olivos!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a 3-day guide \u2014 meant to be taken at a slow and leisurely pace \u2014 of the Santa Ynez Valley, located on California\u2019s Central Coast!<\/h4>\n

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About the Santa Ynez Valley<\/h2>\n

While Napa and Sonoma usually take the cake for the go-to wine spots in California, the Santa Ynez Valley shouldn\u2019t be overlooked!<\/p>\n

Plus, the region delivers charm in SPADES.<\/h4>\n

Much of the area was built in the late 1800s; the valley was part of a 40-mile long route that stagecoaches followed from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos.<\/p>\n

Folks thought the railroad was going to cut inland and bring business to the area. That didn\u2019t end up happening, nor did the places grow from their meager beginnings, so the towns are small with beautiful old architecture \u2014 it\u2019s like taking a step back in time.<\/p>\n

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Olive Branch Farm<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Where to Stay<\/h2>\n

The valley has several different small towns\u00a0 \u2014 while some of them are within biking distance, others you\u2019ll likely want to have a car to get to and fro.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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As far as picking a spot to lay your head, we found a gorgeous VRBO \u2014 and I could not recommend it enough! If you\u2019re traveling with family or a group of friends, this modern farmhouse is extremely charming, plus it\u2019s got a wonderful pool and jacuzzi.<\/p>\n

I highly recommend checking out Olive Branch Farm.<\/h4>\n

Because this trip is geared toward relaxing and taking time to really chill, I\u2019d highly recommend finding a lovely short-term rental or inn to stay at. Somewhere charming to lay your head!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Here\u2019s a quick rundown of the different towns in the area:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Los Olivos<\/h3>\n

You might recognize this place from Sideways. The 40+ tasting rooms that dot the main street of town have turned Los Olivos into a wine lover\u2019s mecca.<\/p>\n

Los Alamos<\/h3>\n

Famous for being an Old West stagecoach stop, this town will give you a glimpse into life back in the 19th century. And, that\u2019s what I love about California! You can hop from a fancy wine tasting over to an Old West saloon in no time.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Ballard<\/h3>\n

Amongst the fields of wildflowers, you will find the tiny town. With fewer than 500 people, it\u2019s not exactly hopping, but it\u2019s got that small-town charm.<\/p>\n

Stop to grab a bite at Gathering Table or Bob\u2019s Well Bread to mingle with the locals.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recommended Stay: Olive Branch Farm or Ballard Inn<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Solvang<\/h3>\n

With just under 6,000 people, Solvang is the biggest town in Santa Ynez Valley. Famous for its Danish heritage, this gorgeous little spot is filled with unique shops and European-inspired architecture.<\/p>\n

Santa Ynez<\/h3>\n

Like many places in this Central Californian region, Santa Ynez Wine Country is famous for its homegrown vintages. And, while the vino tends to steal the limelight, the local craft beers are well worth sampling as well.<\/p>\n

Buellton<\/h3>\n

Home to the famous Andersen\u2019s Pea Soup Place, this small town packs a powerful punch when it comes to artisanal eateries and craft beers.<\/p>\n

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First Night: Gathering Table for Dinner<\/h2>\n

I implore you to spend the time and take the scenic route.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re coming in from Southern California, you can take Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) the whole way and take in the stunning views.<\/p>\n

Planning Tip: Before you go, grab these tips on the top stops along the Pacific Coast Highway.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regardless of where you\u2019re coming from, I\u2019d recommend getting in early to avoid the traffic if you can swing it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Once you are settled in, head to Gathering Table in Ballard for dinner. Be warned this place is hopping though!<\/p>\n

Book in advance to make sure you get a table<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Day 1: Los Alamos<\/h2>\n

Head to Los Alamos to soak in the Old West vibe. Explore the western town then stop by then 1800 Saloon. Linger over lunch or just grab a drink and a few photos.<\/p>\n

If you booked a place with a pool \u2014 this is the perfect time to unwind with a local bottle of wine.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once dinner time rolls around, go for upscale Italian at S.Y. Kitchen. Like many local hotspots, you\u2019ll definitely want a reservation here so plan ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 2: Bike Tour & Los Olivos<\/h2>\n

Breakfast at Bob\u2019s Well Bread<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re up early, get over to Bob\u2019s Well Bread for breakfast. It\u2019s just across from the Gathering Table and it\u2019s the perfect spot to fuel up for the day.<\/p>\n

However, if you\u2019re in a rush \u2014 grab something quick to go and head off to the bike tour.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Bike Tour<\/h3>\n

Starting in Solvang, a wine country bike tour\u00a0is a dreamy way to spend a sunny afternoon. You\u2019ll follow the meandering paths through the scenic wineries then stop off in Los Olivos.<\/p>\n

If you like biking (or don\u2019t mind it for the scenery), I would highly recommend this trip. It was one of the key highlights of the trip and my entire family loved it.<\/h4>\n

Our guide shared all the ins and outs of the valley, highlighting different spots, and took it at our pace. If you\u2019re not into scaling hills or want to take it easier, e-bikes are available, too!<\/p>\n

We finished off our tour with a wine flight and an alfresco lunch. It was absolutely delightful.<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, if you have little ones along or aren\u2019t into the whole biking and wine thing, there are other directions you could go with your day.<\/p>\n

Book a Biking Tour of Wine Country Here<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Los Olivos<\/h3>\n

Another fab pick is olive oil tasting in Los Olivos at Olive Hill Farm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was a wide array of options and it was great to try different pairing ideas. I especially love finding local specialty items like this because I can bring them home as souvenirs and actually use them.<\/p>\n

These olive oils are now a mainstay on my salads, so it was definitely worth it!<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not completely filled up on samples, make your way down the street to have lunch at Wine Merchant Caf\u00e9. Another spot made famous by the movie, Sideways, this is a good place to linger and wind down for the evening.<\/p>\n

After all this, you\u2019ll need a nap! Head home, order dinner, and just unwind.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do be aware in advance that delivery options are limited if you\u2019re farther away from Solvang. If you\u2019re in the outskirts, plan on going out to collect your dinner.<\/p>\n

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Day 3: Solvang<\/h2>\n

You can\u2019t leave Central California without visiting Solvang!<\/h4>\n

Start your day by sampling the mouthwatering danish bakeries. This little town is famous for its breweries, Danish-inspired architecture, Danish pastries, and Ebelskivers (which are Danish pancakes that pair well with lingonberry jam!).<\/p>\n

There are a number of Danish bakeries around, so take your pick from the lot!<\/em><\/p>\n

I found a cool pair of kicks at The Copenhagen House, a one-of-a-kind Danish store with specialty imported items. They have all kinds of things that you won\u2019t find anywhere else outside of Denmark.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to walk around and see the town, or you have an option to rent a moke car and romp around the streets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Bonus<\/h2>\n

This is only the tip of the iceberg! If you\u2019re looking to extend your trip around Central California, you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n

One of my personal fave is San Luis Obispo. Whether you\u2019re looking for grassy green hills, a hip downtown area, or funky breweries, this spot ticks all of the boxes.<\/p>\n

Another wine lover\u2019s paradise, I stopped by Paso Robles \u2014 and it really shouldn\u2019t be missed!<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re ready to venture a bit farther south, Santa Barbara is a must. Another beach town where you can name your adventure, you can\u2019t go wrong here.<\/p>\n

Even if it\u2019s just a pitstop, swing by the Cold Spring Tavern for breakfast. This old stagecoach pitstop will transport you back in time.<\/p>\n

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Have any favorite places along the Central Coast? I\u2019d love to hear about them in the comments!<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n