Things To Do
Enjoy Bagels & Sweets
This is one of our favorite lunch spots!
Craft House At Corque
Delicious food! Weekend Brunch, Lunch & Dinner everyday. Happy hour 3-5:30pm everyday with $10 cocktails and $10 pizza!
Ellie’s Tap & Vine
Delicious home-cooked meal style. One of our favorite places to go for a quick and easy bite to eat that is not fast food!
Nella Kitchen & Bar
If you are looking for one of the nicest restaurants in the valley, Nella is the place for you. This is our favorite date night destination but beware your wallet will not enjoy the night.
Demetria Estate & Vineyards
If you are interested in wine tasting, this is our all time favorite winery! Be prepared to spend 2 hours enjoying the scenery and taking a journey through their tasting flight. There is no food offered on property but we highly recommend picking up a sandwich or charcuterie board from one of the local shops to take with you and enjoy while you are tasting!
Brick Barn Wine Estate
Great wine! Charcuterie plates offered! Live music 4-7pm weekdays, and 2-6pm weekends.
Ostrichland USA
This is an activity that can take as short or as long as you would like. You cannot pet the ostriches as they can be very aggressive but you are welcome to feed them and take as many pictures as you want. Its not every day that you get to see the worlds largest bird up close and personal!
Seein' Spots Farm
A local petting zoo, with the main attraction being miniature donkeys, a must stop for all animal lovers!
Old Mission Santa Ines 1804
The description of this historic mission is best put from a tripadvisor reviewer: " Every California Mission is a historical landmark, and Mission Santa Ines is exceptionally well preserved and in a very peaceful setting at the edge of Solvang village. This Mission offers a very nice self-guided tour through their small museum, there are four rooms in series where you press a button in each room to hear the exhibits described. They have artifacts from early days of the Franciscan Mission, and some paintings and vestments. The tour then leads into the sanctuary, which is impressive, and then out to the large peaceful courtyard with nice landscaping. The tour only costs $6 per person and is a good value, plus it supports upkeep of the Mission. "
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
A great place to visit for the active guest! La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is open nearly every day for self-guided tours. The park interpreters lead a free one o’clock tour most days. The park frequently provides a re-creation of mission life during the 1820's, when the residents engaged in weaving, pottery making, candle making, blacksmithing, animal husbandry, and leatherwork.
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides
This is a great experience for the adventurous spirit. Unfortunately we cannot offer rides at Alisal, but we did meet leading horseback rides so if you want to get into the spirit of the Semder wedding sign up for a 1 or 2 hour ride!
Sky's the Limit Ballooning
This is something you definitely want to plan for in advance, but the hot air balloon ride is nothing like you have ever experienced. You can either choose a sunrise or sunset ride, both are equally extraordinary. But this adventure is not for the faint of heart.
Lovers Loop
A moderate hike with absolutely amazing views. There is a slight up hill in the middle of the loop but if you take your time even an inexperienced person with some determination would be able to complete this hike.
Lake Cachuma
Many things to do here! There is a hiking trail about 2 miles long that goes along the shore of the lake. You can also rent numerous boats depending on whether you are wanting to just explore the lake or take your time fishing, this is the spot for you if you are looking for a relaxing day.
Riding Horses at Slim Shack Ranch (where we live)
We have 6 high performance horses which are not suitable for beginners. However, we do have Tommy. While Tommy is not a high performance horse he has been known to "act out" at times. So with full football gear and a titanium helmet, anyone is welcome to ride Tommy....for as long as he will allow.