Explore the beautiful views of Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona in Maricopa County, Arizona. You can hike, horseback ride, go camping, and take in the stunning nature around you at this park. Here you will find 29 miles of trails to hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride.

Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Phone number: (602) 506-2930 extension 4

Usery Park Arizona Hours 

May 1 to October 31 - The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily.

November 1 to April 30 - The park is open from 6 am to 8 pm daily.

Nature Center Hours 

May 1 - October 31 - It is open from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday but closed on Sunday. 

November 1 - April 30 - It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

Make sure to view the Park Updates section for the latest information and news about Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Usery Mountain Park AZ Entry Fees

There are fees to enter. The prices may change, so you will get the most updated price once you are there. There are fees for different activities and car sizes such as school buses, commercial buses, motorized watercraft, etc. They also have a senior discount. The following list is not full, it's just to give you some examples. Be prepared to pay park fees based on things like party size or any activities that you plan on doing.

•  Spur Cross Conservation Area - $3 per person
•  Vehicle entry, all other parks - $7
•  Hike/Bike/Equestrian - $2
•  Annual Day-Use Entry Pass $85 - allows the cardholder to access all Maricopa County Parks.

And more!

Usery Mountain Regional Park Camping 

There are also fees associated with Usery Mountain camping depending on how many people are camping, what type of campsite you reserve, and more. Reviewers on Google mentioned that the Usery Park Campground was clean and that you could hear coyotes at night. They also say it is a good place for hiking and relaxing with nature around you.

Located in: Usery Mountain Regional Park 

Address: 2701 N. McGill Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207 

Phone: (480) 984-0032

Camping Reservation Fee - There's a non-refundable reservation fee of $8

Usery Park campground developed sites - These are specific camping sites with electrical and water hook-ups, dump station access, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills - $32

There are also semi-developed Usery Mountain camping sites, primitive camping, shaded RV sites, group and youth group camping which is for large groups, and more. Just remember that temperatures will vary based on the time of year that you go. One reviewer says they went at the beginning of April, and it was amazing weather.

Usery Mountain Trails

There are 29 miles of trails waiting to be explored. This list comes directly from the Maricopa County Parks website and shows the trail's one-way mileage.

- Amigos Wash: 1.2 miles each way 

- Blevins Trail: 3.0 miles - A relatively easy, family-friendly hike that allows you to experience classic Arizona desert landscapes. 

- Cat Peaks: 1.1 miles each way

- Cat Peaks Pass: 0.3 miles each way

- Channel: 1.2 miles each way

- County Line: 1.0 mile each way

- Crimson Wash: 0.9 miles each way

- Desert Hawk: 0.5 miles each way

- Levee: 1.6 miles each way

- Meridian: 0.9 miles each way

- Merkle: 0.9 miles each way

- Moon Rock: 1.4 miles each way

- Nighthawk Wash: 0.5 miles each way

- Noso: 1.0 miles each way

- Pass Mountain: 7.5 miles each way

- Ruidoso: 1.3 miles each way

- Signal Wash: 0.5 miles each way

- Spillway: 1.2 miles each way

- Vista: 0.5 miles each way

- Wind Cave: 1.5 miles (3.2 miles round trip) – This moderate hike takes you up to a cave in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Valley. 

Things to Do in Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona

•  You can view the sunset
•  Hike the 29 miles of trails of Usery Park 
•  Go mountain biking 
•  Go horseback riding
•  Reserve a picnic table and enjoy some time eating outside
•  See if there are any events on the day you plan to visit

The park is a favorite among nature enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and more. It's located about 20 miles away from Mesa and 33 miles away from Phoenix, Arizona. What's your favorite thing to do at the park?

San Luis Obispo is a refreshing city on the Central Coast of California. It's part of San Luis Obispo County and is a college town with students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While there, you'll probably walk around downtown SLO and its tree-lined streets. But what else can you do there? 

There are a few things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo before you leave the area!

Bubblegum Alley 

This novel stop is a must-see while roaming around downtown San Luis Obispo. You can stay briefly at Bubblegum Alley. In fact, it's a swift stop. If you have kids or teens, it's a fun activity to chew your gum and carefully place it on the wall. It's lined with old black, dusty gum, and newer colorful pieces.

Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurants 

You'll find many restaurants in the area based on your preference. Mistura Restaurant brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine to the table with a range of interesting flavors. Mistura has both indoor and outdoor seating and prioritizes locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish.

Thursday Night Farmers Market

Locals often recommend attending the Thursday Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market Higuera Street while visiting the area. Obviously, this is only possible if you're there during that time. You can find it on Higuera Street starting Thursday at 6 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Over 100 vendors gather to sell food, produce, art, and more. It's a fun family activity and a great way to people-watch.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Walk around Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

View art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or SLOMA. The art museum is located on the west end of Mission Plaza at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, California 93401. SLOMA has various exhibitions and events.

Jack House & Gardens

This historic building is a two-story Victorian home where you can get a guided tour of the inside and the garden. Check ahead to confirm the tour date and time. Located at 536 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Boutiques and Shopping

There are many small businesses and boutiques that you should explore while in the downtown area. You'll find a record shop (Boo Boo Records Inc 978 Monterey St), an eco-friendly kids shop, a book store, gift shops with lots of knick-knacks, and more.

Parking

Most of the nearby parking in downtown SLO is paid parking. If you're okay to walk, you'll find some spots further away. I recommend driving around the area to get the lay of the land before committing to a parking spot. There isn't a lot of traffic on the average day, so you'll find a paid spot quickly. 

Depending on what you like to do, there's a lot to appreciate in downtown SLO. You can dine on delicious cuisines, explore the area, walk around the streets and mission, and enjoy a good view. If you're not sure what to do, head over to the San Luis Obispo Visitor Center to get some insights.

Beaches

Although not in downtown San Luis Obispo itself, there are beaches and bays in the surrounding areas of Avila Beach, Morro Beach, and Pismo Beach.

Hotels and Where to Stay

There are a couple options in the downtown portion of SLO, but more choices if you can be a mile or more away. Hotel San Luis Obispo and Granada Hotel & Bistro are right in the heart of downtown. Apple Farm is further down the road but it's quiet and has quaint amenities like fresh cookies each day or a small wine tasting. Of course, there are options further away as well. But you're still close to town.

Is San Luis Obispo a walkable city?

Yes and no. The downtown centre area is pretty concentrated so you can walk a lot of it, but you'll definitely want access to a car or transportation to get any further than that.

While there are several things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo, the best one is to just stroll about and enjoy your experience.

Irvine Spectrum Center has shopping, dining, and plenty of outdoor walking space. The parking garages are free, so you don't have to pay for a spot. This mall is great for all ages with its range of shops, entertainment, and food.

Irvine Spectrum Center Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618 

Phone number: (949) 790-4871

Dining and Restaurants

Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County has restaurants with full-service dining, fast food, and other places to grab a bite. These include BRIO Italian Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Dave & Busters, Habana, Javier's Cantina & Grill, P.F. Chang's, Silverlake Ramen, and other sit-down eateries.

If you prefer to eat someplace quicker, there are a lot of options. Head to Luna Grill, The Melt, Panda Express, Pieology Pizza, Sweetgreen, or other casual food spots. There are also quick eats like Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Hello Kitty Cafe, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and more. Learn more about the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine, CA at Irvine Spectrum.

Shops

Find retailers for men, women, kids, and beyond. This includes Brandy Melville, Claire's, Cotton On, Foot Locker, H&M, Hot Topic, Nordstrom, Old Navy, MINISO, Quicksilver, Target, and more. You'll find accessories and clothes that suit your style.

Irvine Spectrum Target

900 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618-4958 

Phone: (949) 885-0114 

Website 

Irvine Spectrum Center Anthropologie

Website

Irvine Spectrum Nordstrom

800 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 Store #330

Phone: (949) 255-2800

Website

Family Bathrooms

The Irvine Spectrum Center is very family-friendly, not only because it's a mall with plenty of outdoor spaces and things to look at, but because they have an entire family restaurant. You can breastfeed in a private space on a chair with a curtain. There are private bathrooms with changing tables, a small sink, and a small toilet for littles. 

Ferris Wheel or the Giant Wheel

See the world up high on the Irvine Spectrum Center Ferris wheel, also known as the Giant Wheel. It's unique to experience at a mall, that's for sure.

They have other attractions and entertainment, too. Irvine Spectrum Center has a carousel, Spectrum Climber, which is a climbing sculpture. There are many outdoor chairs and spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view or nice weather.

Spend the whole day at Irvine Spectrum Center. Start out by walking around to get the lay of the land, then head to the Giant Wheel, shop, and grab a bite to eat.

Hours

This may vary by the store or restaurant so you can check it online or when you visit in person.

Shops Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Attractions Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Quick-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm 

Full-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm

Irvine Spectrum Center is family-friendly for all ages. It's a fun place to spend the day walking around, ordering food, shopping, and being outside. Just park and enjoy your time there. There's a lot to do in the Irvine and Orange County area.

There are many fun things to do in the summer, whether you stay home or venture somewhere fresh. The important thing is to write down a summer bucket list so you can make sure you're making the most of your time. This way, you can look at the list to see what you still need to do and can plan around it. This is a great idea for families that want to keep the kids entertained. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Not everything has to be expensive, like a trip to Disneyland. You can do free and affordable things like having picnics at local parks or regular outdoor activities like playing kickball or soccer with family. Or you can buy exciting experiences like science kits.

There are plenty of summer activities and fun ideas to keep you busy all season long. Summer break doesn't have to be dull or filled solely with scrolling TikTok or watching movies all day long. Family members of all ages can enjoy fun activities together.

Summer Bucket List Ideas - 100 things to do in the summer

68. Make cotton candy 

69. Roast marshmallows for s'mores - make the process even easier with a s'mores kit

70. Sign up for a class and try to make new friends

71. Attend a summer camp

72. Go camping

73. Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary

74. Invite friends over (100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends)

75. Sit in a hammock

76. Write and send someone a physical letter in the mail

77. Host a game night with family or friends

78. Go ice skating

79. Go to a rollerskating rink

80. Cook a new recipe - look online or through cookbooks for inspiration on what to make

81. Go on a hike

82. Volunteer someplace like your local library or animal rescue

83. Pick strawberries at a local you-pick farm 

84. Make a time capsule of your summer - get a time capsule kit or make it yourself

85. Make ice cream from scratch and include your favorite add-ins 

86. Take a dance class 

87. Create an obstacle course in your yard 

88. Watch a sunset

89. Watch a sunrise

90. Ride a Ferris wheel - This way you can get a better view of the area around you.

91. Build your own bird feeder

92. Go to a miniature golf course 

93. Visit an amusement park or a theme park

94. Bake homemade pizza (just be sure to buy the ingredients ahead of time and plan out your toppings)

95. Stay cool by tossing water balloons - try reusable water balloons

96. Check online to find a cafe or someplace that has live music

97. Head to your local farmers market for fresh summer produce 

98. Take a road trip (can be just a day trip or longer) 

99. Sit outside at one of the nearby parks and cloud watch

100. Go to a garage sale

101. Spend quality time with your besties or family

Summer bucket list ideas

Fun Ideas to Create Your Own Summer Bucket List

These summer bucket list ideas should keep you entertained. Write down your own list based on things you want to do the most. Aim for a list of 20 things to do, which gives you time to complete without feeling overwhelmed. After all, it is summer and sometimes you just want to sleep in and watch 5 seasons of your favorite show. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow during the summer months. But if you're feeling adventurous you can make your fun summer list as long as you want. Many creative ways exist to have a fun summer and cross things off each person's bucket list.

Rain or shine, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you and the kids busy throughout the year. Take a look at this list of over 100 things to do outside to ensure you'll stay entertained no matter what. Most of these great ideas can be customized for adults, little kids, or for the family. Some of these are nature-based, while others are some of the best outdoor activities. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

There are many fun things to do outside for all ages, from hosting an outdoor movie night to a water balloon fight in the local park.

Many of these activities for the great outdoors are free (outdoor dance party, scavenger hunt, etc.), but some require payment, such as miniature golfing. Many of these can be done with items you likely already have at home, like making DIY bubbles. See how many of these you can do in a day or during summer vacation.

100 Things to Do Outside 

1. Make an obstacle course in the backyard or front yard 
2. Spend the afternoon at an amusement park 
3. Make a fairy garden 
4. Play hide and seek 
5. Walk around to see how much street art and graffiti you can find
6. Do a nature scavenger hunt 
7. Plan an outdoor movie night (you can get an outdoor projector screen or simply watch it on your phone or laptop)
8. Make or play with slime outdoors
9. Go to a local outdoor concert 
10. When life hands you lemons, make a lemonade stand 
11. Head over to your local farmers market for fresh air and produce 
12. Calm down with outdoor yoga 
13. Visit a dog park 
14. Stroll your local botanic garden 
15. Go geocaching 
16. Play basketball 
17. Play tennis
18. Spend the afternoon cloud-watching
19. Go stargazing
20. Pull weeds from the backyard
21. Paint a shower curtain (try a clear shower curtain or liner for this)
22. Make a sensory bin
23. Play with Legos or blocks
24. Go horseback riding 
25. Get binoculars to go bird watching (you can get a bird watching book and binoculars to better spot the wildlife)
26. Take photos
27. Plan a trip to a national park 
28. Take a bike ride 
29. Attend a basketball or baseball game
30. Build an outdoor fort  
31. Find a quiet spot in a park to read a book or listen to a podcast 
32. Play frisbee golf 
33. Play freeze tag
34. Go to an outdoor ice skating rink 
35. Spend time at a state park 
36. Build a mud kitchen 
37. Get artistic and draw on the pavement with sidewalk chalk (buy sidewalk chalk online here)
38. Visit a pumpkin patch 
39. Play board games outside 
40. Go kayaking or conoeing
41. Run through the sprinklers on a hot day
42. Play or build a treehouse 
43. Paint pet rocks 
44. Do an outdoor workout
45. Create a playlist and listen to it outside 
46. Grill burgers or veggies outside
47. Get the whole family to do an outdoor dance party
48. Go on a walk to see if you can identify the nature around you (plants, flowers, trees, etc.)
49. Tie dye shirts or beach towels outside so you don't stain anything (you can get a tie dye kit and pick color themes like neon colors, etc) 
50. Get vitamin D and take a long walk on the beach 
51. Wash your car inside and out 
52. Hike local trails
53. Go to a water park
54. People watch outside
55. Go swimming at a local pool, lake, beach, etc.
56. Go surfing
57. Run through the sprinklers 
58. Cool off in the splash pad (there are splash pads for different ages, so you can keep this in mind)
59. Look for bugs
60. Watch the sunset or sunrise
61. Try your hand at paddle boarding
62. Try out your green thumb and plant a garden in your backyard 
63. Fly a kite 
64. Pitch a tent in the yard and camp there
65. Explore your local park, beach, or forest 
66. Write in your journal in a park (100+ Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery)
67. Go rock climbing
68. Play a game of tug of war 
69. Do a puzzle outside 
70. Eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner outside
71. Give your patio, balcony, or welcome mat a good wash 
72. Paint rocks in fun shapes like fruits or vegetables 
73. Hug a tree 
74. Make s'mores (there are electric flameless s'mores kits if you don't have access to a fire)
75. Go camping 
76. Have a picnic in nature 
77. Take an outdoor nap 
78. Go skiing or snowboarding
79. Check out a book from the local library and read it outside
80. Eat homemade popsicles in your backyard 
81. Hula hoop (buy hula hoops online or at the store)
82. Play hopscotch
83. Climb a tree
84. Make a bird feeder
85. Walk the dog
86. Lay in a hammock 
87. Play capture the flag 
88. Grab old magazine and make a collage outside
89. Meditate in the great outdoors
90. Play hopscotch 
91. Build a fairy garden
92. Head to a zoo or petting zoo
93. Play catch
94. Build an obstacle course
95. Make DIY chalk paint 
96. Make DIY bubbles (but you could go fancy with a bubble gun or bubble machine)
97. Feel the grass on your skin on a sunny day 
98. Attend an estate sale or garage sale
99. Host a garden party
100. Cool off with a water balloon fight (they also have reusable water balloons)
101. Play mini golf
102. Go fishing

There are many fun things to do in the great outdoors. If you can't think of anything, refer back to this list. This is a fantastic way for kids to stay occupied during school breaks or vacations. 

When you're trying to think of a fun way to spend the day outside, you have to figure out what type of activities you like to do first. Do you prefer being active, like doing outdoor yoga or a bike ride? Do you like leisure activities like bird watching or strolling around a garage sale? Do you just want to do something minimal and be outside, such as reading? Figuring this out will help you find your favorite things to do for yourself, your family, and your kids.

The Lake San Marcos marina community provides beautiful scenery, restaurant dining, luxe accommodations, and an endless array of waterfront activities. Spend time with friends or members of your family complete with a day on the boat, lunch on the land, and an evening relaxing in your room with a view. How perfect!

Lake San Marcos California 92078 is located in San Marcos, which is part of North County San Diego, California. It is surrounded by nearby cities like Escondido, Oceanside, and Vista. Learn more about Things to Do in North County San Diego such as visiting the Oceanside Pier or checking out one of the Encinitas coffee shops.

In this post, I cover Lake San Marcos restaurants, hotel/resort, marina activities such as boat rentals and fishing, and more. This community offers everything you need to make the day a good one.

Restaurants

Sip on a beverage or savor a delightful meal with an incredible view at one of the dining experiences at Lake San Marcos marina. 

Amalfi Cucina Italiana 

Dine at Amalfi Cucina Italiana for Italian cuisine overlooking Lake San Marcos or opt for Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside) on the water. The Dockside bar is a phenomenal spot for a drink; they have more than dozen beers on tap, daily drink specials, top-shelf liquor, and fine wines. Learn more on their website. The address for Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside - Downstairs) is 1035 La Bonita Dr. San Marcos, California 92078.

The Grill at St. Mark Golf Club

From chilaquiles for breakfast or wagyu beef and white bean chili for dinner, stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Lunch is not served until 3pm on weekends. Find out more here. The address for Grill at St. Mark Golf Club is 1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Lake San Marcos Community in North County San Diego

From boat rentals to beverages, Lake San Marcos will be memorable no matter your age. Bring children, teens, family, and friends, or relax with a date. This marina community offers dining options, shopping, entertainment, and more in one area.

Lake San Marcos is a resort-based community by the Lake San Marcos reservoir. As of the 2010 census, the population is 4,437. What's the average age of a Lake San Marcos resident? The median age is around 63; the area attracts a large number of retired and elderly residents but younger families with children are moving in as well. Lake San Marcos Marina is open every day 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Good for kids and dogs. There is street parking and gender-neutral restrooms.

Marina San Marcos Lakes Hotel | The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Spend the night by the water at the Marina San Marcos Lakes Hotel, on property at The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. You can fish, rent kayaks, stand up paddleboard, and enjoy lake cruises on the sunny shores of Lake San Marcos. The LakeHouse Hotel & Resort has 144 resort accommodations and amenities such as serene pool-view studios, private suites with extra-large balconies, lakefront cottages, and even fun suites for families. Visit The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort website to learn more about availability and rooms.

Activities: Boat Rentals, Kayaks, Fishing

Have fun on the water of Lake San Marcos. Rent Duffy electric boats, pontoon boats, duffy boat, maybe a double kayak. Catch fish or cruise around on the pedal boats, but make sure to bring your own fishing gear. Call ahead to check the current price or ask when you book your reservation. Make your reservation online or via telephone. Waivers are signed before arrival. After some time living it up on the water, head back to land and have a little picnic table lunch, order take-out order at the restaurant on the marina, or eat at a restaurant. Stay for the sunsets. It is marvelous at dusk.

Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts will have a great weekend exploring the marina, finding their favorite place, watching the birds on the water, and spending time outdoors with their kiddos.

Gondola Rides in San Diego

As far as attractions, go on one of the gondola cruises by Black Swan Gondola Company, Lake San Marcos's only Venetian gondola company. Makes for a romantic date or cool tour of Lake San Marcos. Learn more on their website. 

Lake San Marcos Housing Market

Lake San Marcos, California does have real estate and homes for sale. Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, three-bedroom homes, and more might be for sale in the nearby area. In January 2022, the median listing home price is $872.5k, with a median of 48 days on the market. 

You might be able to find a beautiful fully remodeled single-story golf course home in Lake San Marcos with a cul de sac location. Keep a lookout, there is single-story a range of options. Find a local real estate broker if you have an interest in purchasing a home in the region. 

Schools in Lake San Marcos, California

Some schools include San Elijo Elementary School, La Costa Meadows Elementary School, Discovery Elementary School, San Elijo Middle School, Pivot Charter School - San Diego, San Marcos High School.

Lake San Marcos Marina Restaurants, Resort, Boat Rentals, and More

Search no further for an active afternoon day trip. Located in gorgeous North County San Diego, the Lake San Marcos community offers food, drink, water sports and activities, living opportunities, rented hotel stays, and more to explore. Lake San Marcos marina makes for a chill place to cruise with your family and hang out with friends. Let Black Swan Gondola Company cruise you around Lake San Marcos on one of their Venetian-style gondolas. 

Whether you rent a small pontoon boat or you dine near the water, there is a range of cool things to do in the city of San Marcos, no matter what you may be interested in. It's a great location to visit year-round. Step back from the bustle of daily life and experience waterfront views in this buzzing North County town.

Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad

Have you visited Lake San Marcos? What's your favorite thing to do?

Feel as though you've been transported to Denmark when you visit the city of Solvang, California. There are a handful of places in the United States that look like you've traveled across the globe and Solvang is certainly one of those places. It has its charm and quaintness that makes you feel like you're either in a romance film or about to be in one. Make the trip! Whether you venture to a couple wine tasting rooms or want to learn about Danish culture, there are plenty of things to do in Solvang, California.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Solvang is a small Danish city in Santa Barbara County, California. It's nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley and often referred to as "The Danish Capital of America" or Little Denmark. Drive or stroll down Copenhagen Drive to get a feel of the Danish village. Solvang has bakeries, wineries, and just about anything you need to feel like you've teleported out of the United States for a few hours. 

When you visit Solvang, CA you might see notable Danish icons and attractions such as the Little Mermaid Statue Fountain, five windmills, the big red clog, as well as the Round Tower. But there are other things to do in Solvang, too.

Did you know that the word "solvang" in Danish translates to "sunny field" in English?

Food 

Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy tasting their way through Solvang, California. Find foods and Danish bakeries in abundance. It feels like you're getting a taste of Denmark with options like Danish pancakes and pastries.

There's a lot of food and Danish delights to munch on. Make sure to try Æbleskiver (Aebleskiver) which are round sphere-shaped pancake balls. The name literally translates into "apple slices." 

Cafe Dolce Belgian Café Big Bopper Drive-In if you're in the mood for a 50s-style drive-in with both indoor and patio seating. Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Cecco Ristorante for rustic Italian cuisine, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Pho 805 for Vietnamese food, and much more. Learn more about food, restaurants, and eateries on the Solvang website! 

Full List of Restaurants and Eateries in Solvang, CA

Cafe Dolce, Belgian Café, Big Bopper Drive-In, Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Bit O’ Denmark Restaurant, Brekkies, Cailloux, the Solvang Cheese Shop, Cecco Ristorante, Chomp Burgers, Fries and Shakes, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Danish Mill Bakery, Domino’s Pizza, First & Oak Restaurant at the Mirabelle Inn, Fitzpatrick’s Tavern, Good Seed Coffee Boutique, Mad and Vin at the Landsby, Mortensen’s Bakery, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Osteria Grappolo, Panino for sandwiches, Paula’s Pancake House, peasants FEAST, Pho 805, Ramen Kotori, Red Viking Restaurant, Silk Roads Kitchen - Mediterranean Flavors, The Solvang Bakery, Solvang Brewing Company, Solvang Restaurant, Subway, Succulent Cafe, The Coffee House by Chomp, Toscana Pizzeria, Tower Pizza, Viking Garden Restaurant, California Tacos, Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, New Frontier’s Natural Foods & Deli, River Grill Restaurant & Bar, Taco Roco, A J Spurs, Ballard Inn Restaurant, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Hitching Post II, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe.

Wine Tasting

Downtown Solvang, California hosts around 20 wine tasting rooms for you to choose from. Santa Ynez Valley offers delicious wines, wine tastings, wine bars, as well as craft beer from Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. There are more than 120 wineries in the vicinity. Check the events for wine tasting events in the Santa Ynez wine country. You can do a wine tasting tour by walking to a couple places! 

The Oscar-winning film "Sideways," starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh, was filmed almost entirely on-location throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Get a sample of the local Santa Ynez Valley wineries while you're in the area and head to a wine tasting room.

Solvang CA California Danish Village Novelty Souvenir T-Shirt. Shop it on Amazon.

Boutique Shopping - Things to do in Solvang

Exit through the gift shop! Whether you're on the hunt for a good antique at A Piece of the Past Antique and Vintage Mall or want to check out t-shirts at Copenhagen T’s & Gifts, there are plenty of shops and boutiques in Solvang Village. 

Solvang has a bustling range of businesses ready for you to patronize. Shops include Book Loft, Edelweiss (collectible dolls, jewelry, and other gifts), Mole Hole, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Pavlov Art Gallery, Solvang Shoe Store, Inc. and much more. You can find a gift for everyone. Learn more on the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau website.

Museums

As you explore Solvang, CA take some time to dive into a museum or two. Whether you're into rare and vintage motorcycles or want to visit exhibits to understand more about the Danish-American spirit, you'll want to check out these museums and historical spots. You'll find that the Solvang attractions keep you interested with every turn. 

Museums and things to see in Solvang:

• Bethania Lutheran Church
• Elverhoj Museum of History & Art (Elverhøj Museum of History Art)
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum
• Old Mission Santa Ines
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
• Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
• Mendenhall Museum
• Solvang Amber Museum - The Copenhagen House (Temporarily closed)
• Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum & Parks Janeway Carriage House

Events

Depending on when you visit, there might be some fun events and things to do in Solvang, CA. There are events like Solvang Julefest, Solvang Grape Stomp, and Solvang Danish Days depending on the time of year you visit. 

Dowdle Jigsaw Puzzle - Solvang Danish Village - 1000 Piece. Find it on Amazon.

Solvang Festival Theater

Support local arts at the Solvang Festival Theater, where you can see all kinds of shows, plays, musicals, and more. From June to September, Solvang Festival Theater is home to the professional theater company, PCPA. The rest of the year, it's a venue for a range of events and concerts such as the haunted house in October and the Julefest Nativity Pageant in December. 

Outdoor Activities

As you traipse your way through Solvang, CA, soak in the wonderful California temperature with some outdoor activities. 

Hans Christian Andersen Park

Drive through the castle arch as you enter Hans Christian Andersen Park. It feels a bit majestic filled with oak trees. Find a rock climbing wall, a little skate park, slides, a playground, and more.

When you come to Solvang, the immediate thought is that it's a cute little Danish town in California and that it is. But it also has so much history and intrigue to discover, whether it's at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Solvang Festival Theater, or as you sip your way through delicious wine or pastries.

Stop by for a Danish from one of the local bakeries and walk about the town. You'll feel like you took a journey into Europe. Learn about Danish art and history at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, or as you visit Old Mission Santa Ines. 

There are so many things to do in Solvang to stay full and entertained as you take in Danish architecture. You can do it in a day or afternoon if you'd like; it doesn't have to be a long trip. What are your favorite things to do in Solvang? You should definitely visit the California Dutch town if you can.