10 Things to Do in Santa Ynez Beyond the Wine Tasting Rooms

Santa Ynez is synonymous with world-class wine. But here is the thing that most visitors miss: the valley is packed with experiences that have nothing to do with swirling a glass. The rolling hills, the small-town charm, the deep-rooted Chumash history, and the unexpected food scene all make for a trip that goes way beyond the tasting room counter.

The short answer? The best things to do in Santa Ynez include hiking to Nojoqui Falls, exploring the brand-new Chumash Museum, riding horseback through vineyard trails, tasting artisan olive oils, wandering through Solvang’s Danish streets, biking the valley’s back roads, and a whole lot more.

Now here is the full breakdown.

1. Hike to Nojoqui Falls

Nojoqui Falls (pronounced nah-HOO-wee) is an 80-foot waterfall tucked into a shaded canyon about 7 miles southwest of Solvang. And the best part? The hike is only about 0.65 miles round trip with roughly 175 feet of elevation change, so it takes about 15 minutes.

The trail follows a wide path through oak groves, crosses the creek over wooden footbridges and gradually narrows as it approaches the falls. The rock face is covered in moss and ferns, and the falls are fed by rain and natural springs.

Quick details:

• Distance: ~0.65 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy, kid-friendly and dog-friendly (leash required)
• Cost: Free parking and free access
• Best time: Late winter or early spring after good rainfall

This is a perfect morning warm-up before heading out for a day in wine country. It takes almost zero effort and delivers a surprisingly beautiful payoff.

2. Visit the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center

This is one of the newest and most important additions to the valley. The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opened to the public in May 2025. It is a 14,000-square-foot facility showcasing a portion of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ collection of more than 24,000 cultural items, including baskets, musical instruments, hunting tools, ceremonial items, and regalia.

Outdoors, the 3.5-acre cultural park features exhibits and over 11,000 California native plants, including nearly 100 species historically used by the Chumash. In 2026, the museum also launched a self-guided audio tour and a free “Second Thursday at the Museum” lecture series open to the public.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for teens, seniors, and active military, and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Plan for at least 60 to 90 minutes inside, and budget more time if exploring the full grounds.

For anyone compiling a list of culturally rich things to do in Santa Ynez, this museum is a must.

3. Go Horseback Riding Through the Vineyards

Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding in Santa Ynez offers guided rides through vineyards and ridge-top trails with panoramic valley views. Each rider gets paired with a horse suited to their experience level, so even families with younger kids can feel comfortable.

There is something about seeing the valley from horseback that a car window just cannot replicate. The slower pace, the open air, the quiet. It is one of those experiences people talk about long after the trip ends.

4. Stroll Through Solvang

Solvang, meaning “sunny field” in Danish, was founded over 100 years ago by a group of Danish immigrants, and it still looks the part. The walkable village center is a mix of half-timbered buildings, windmills and bakeries serving traditional aebleskiver, those iconic powdered-sugar-dusted Danish pancake balls with raspberry jam.

But Solvang goes beyond pastries and photo ops:

• Elverhøj Museum of History & Art tells the story of Solvang’s Danish heritage through rotating exhibits
• The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a small but fun family stop
• 150+ boutiques and shops sell everything from Danish chocolates to handmade lace
• Danish artist Thomas Dambo has even installed one of his signature recycled-wood trolls in the area

And if timing lines up, the annual Solvang Danish Days festival in September is a celebration of Danish food, folk dancing, parades, and music. For a deeper look at what Solvang has to offer beyond pastries and windmills, check out this full guide to things to do in Solvang, California.

5. Taste Artisan Olive Oils

Wine gets all the attention, but the olive oil scene in the valley is quietly excellent. Rancho Olivos is a family-run farm in Santa Ynez where the owners grow olives and craft extra virgin olive oils. Tastings happen at a stand right next to the beautiful olive groves, which feels surprisingly intimate and relaxed.

Over in Los Olivos, Olive + Lavender Farms sits on a historic Stagecoach stop at Lansing’s Crossing, with over 100 imported olive trees and a tasting bar offering seven organic olive oils and three balsamic vinegars. The property includes a greenhouse, a lavender garden, and plenty of room to just sit outside and soak it all in.

Both make a great mid-day stop that pairs perfectly before or after wine tasting. Many visitors pair these stops with a private wine tour through Santa Barbara’s boutique vineyards, where all tasting fees and an organic lunch are already included.

6. Wander a Lavender Farm

Clairmont Lavender Farm in Los Olivos is the valley’s best-known lavender destination, though it shines brightest when the lavender is in bloom (typically late spring through early summer). The Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is another option, and their annual Lavender Festival in mid-July draws visitors from across the region.

These farms are the kind of place where the pace drops to almost nothing. Walk the rows, breathe in the scent, buy a bundle. Simple, but surprisingly effective at resetting after a busy week.

7. Bike the Valley’s Back Roads

E-bike tours through the Santa Ynez Valley let visitors pedal through farms, small valley towns and stunning vineyard scenery at a comfortable pace. Several outfits in the area run guided half-day rides that include stops for tastings and lunch.

Biking Ballard Canyon or the roads between Los Olivos and Solvang puts visitors right in the middle of the scenery rather than just driving past it. For travelers wanting active things to do in Santa Ynez, this hits the mark.

8. Eat at The Hitching Post II

Anyone who enjoyed the movie Sideways knows The Hitching Post II in Buellton is basically a pilgrimage stop. But beyond the movie connection, it is genuinely one of the best restaurants in the valley for oak-grilled steaks and locally sourced dishes. The restaurant also makes its own wines, so it doubles as an experience.

Other standout dining spots across the valley include Nella Kitchen & Bar in Los Olivos, which uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients, Industrial Eats in Buellton for a more communal vibe, and Bells in Los Alamos, which earned one of Santa Barbara County’s first Michelin stars.

9. Browse the Boutiques in Los Olivos

Los Olivos is a small town with an outsized charm-to-size ratio. The Los Olivos General Store is a crowd favorite for gourmet foods and gifts, and the streets are lined with galleries, artisan shops and tasting rooms.

In Santa Ynez proper, Charlotte’s Treasures is known for handcrafted silver jewelry and western art, while Valerie’s Vintage & Supply Co. offers a fun browse through curated vintage finds.

These towns reward the kind of traveler who likes to poke around without a rigid agenda. No rush, no crowds, just good finds.

10. Try a Zipline Adventure

For anyone craving a bit of adrenaline, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to what is described as the longest and fastest zipline in California. Soaring high above the valley’s canopy gives a completely different perspective on the landscape.

Zipline adventures are featured as part of regional events like the annual Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley festival (October 1 to 4, 2026), but they run year-round through local adventure outfitters. It is a surprisingly popular add-on for couples and groups looking to break up a day of wine tasting.

Why This Matters for Wine Country Visitors

Here is the honest truth: a great wine country trip is never just about wine. The best trips weave together food, movement, culture, and a little bit of the unexpected. That is exactly what makes the Santa Ynez Valley so special. It offers all of that within a 20-minute drive.

Whether visitors pair a morning hike with an afternoon of private tastings, or swap one winery stop for horseback riding and olive oil, the variety here keeps the trip feeling fresh from start to finish.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Santa Ynez besides wine tasting?

Top activities include hiking Nojoqui Falls, visiting the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum, horseback riding with Vino Vaqueros, exploring Solvang’s Danish village, tasting artisan olive oils, and biking the valley’s scenic back roads.

Is Santa Ynez good for families with kids?

Absolutely. Nojoqui Falls is an easy, kid-friendly hike. The Chumash Museum offers interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors. Solvang has bakeries, toy shops, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. And horseback riding outfitters accommodate children with appropriately matched horses.

What is the best time of year to visit Santa Ynez?

Spring (March through May) is ideal for wildflowers, green hills, and flowing waterfalls. Summer brings lavender season and warm weather. Fall (especially October) features harvest events like Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley. Winter is the quietest season but still mild and enjoyable.

How far is Santa Ynez from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles?

Santa Ynez is roughly 30 to 40 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara and about two hours north of Los Angeles, making it a very doable day trip or weekend getaway.