The Danish capital of America is no longer your grandparents Solvang. Sure, you can still find bakeries on every corner, but this quaint village in the Santa Ynez Valley is much more than a mere sugar stop on your way to L.A. Luxury hotels, good wine, and chef-driven restaurants make this picture-perfect Danish village a charming place for a relaxing getaway.

A boutique sanctuary in the heart of Solvang, The Winston pampers guests and their pets in whimsical rooms. Located in the historic Old Mill Clock Tower, each one of the hotel’s 14 dazzling rooms are outfitted with furnishings and art pieces collected from around the world, giving it an eclectic, bohemian feel.

If privacy is a priority, you’ll the love the ease of check-in here. When your room is ready, a text message relays an access code for keyless entry to a posh haven complete with a curated honor bar stocked with local libations and a spacious bathroom filled Malin + Goetz bath products. 

An undeniable highlight is the property’s location—interesting shops, tasting rooms, and exciting eateries are literally steps outside the front doors. Find fresh artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread at the Cailloux Cheese Shop, a European-style specialty food retailer, plus premium spices and teas at the Solvang Spice Merchant, and contemporary gifts The Copenhagen House. A short walk leads to Hans Christian Andersen Park featuring a lovely 1.3 mile hiking trail within its wooded grounds.

Solvang coffee shops deliver a dose of caffeine and buttery pastries to start your day. For over 70 years, Birkholm's Bakery & Cafe has been a mainstay for all the Danish originals: buckets of butter cookies, kringles, cinnamon crisps and almond tarts. Dascomb Cellars is a local favorite for wine and cheese pairings, and Arrowsmith's Wine Bar pours a nice selection of small batch local wines along with microbrews. On Wednesdays, fresh produce, flowers, and artisan foods fill the booths at the downtown farmers’ market.

The outdoor patio at Peasants Feast is a good spot for people-watching while devouring Chef Michael Cherney’s signature pastrami salmon sandwich. It’s not a trip to Solvang without a little bit of western-style charm. For this, head to The Hitching Post, a Santa Ynez barbecue institution, for a hearty dinner of oak-grilled steaks. Call it a night at The Vinland Hotel’s V Lounge for an innovative cocktail or glass of Pinot Noir.