Two hours north of Los Angeles, and a scenic four-hour drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct communities in California’s Central Coast region. With more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and an authentic, relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder so many friends, families and couples converge here to sip, savor, and soak up all the valley has to offer. With so much to do, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. We’ve taken out the guess work to provide you with a Top 10 list of things you must do to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the Santa Ynez Valley.

1. Wine Country

The Santa Ynez Valley is famous for its wineries. With a unique, transverse mountain range that funnels cool air from the Pacific Ocean, our micro-climates and terrains result in one of the most diverse grape growing regions in the world. Take a day to explore the wineries and see the vineyards firsthand.

Interested in seeing the Santa Ynez Valley with the knowledge, care and comfort of a guided tour? Sign up with a local tour company for a professionally guided tour in a limo, jeep, van, private sedan or even a bike.

2. See Solvang, California’s Little Denmark

No trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is complete without a visit to Solvang. This quaint little village is famous for its Danish bakeries and architecture and filled with photo - ops. Perfect the art of the selfie in front of the little red clog or one of the town’s many windmills. If culinary travel is your thing, in addition to its five famed bakeries, Solvang has become known for its top-notch restaurants and food purveyors. Try a guided foodie tour with Eat This Shoot That for a curated experience that gives you a satisfying smorgasbord of Solvang eats.

3. Culinary Cravings

There are so many great places to dine in the Santa Ynez Valley it can be hard to choose! Italian food aficionados will be pleased to find a handful of eateries serving up Italian favorites (try S.Y. Kitchen, Leonardo’s, Trattoria Grappolo to name a few). Lovers of traditional American cuisine are well catered for with top-notch sandwiches and classic American steaks (don’t miss Hitching Post II for some Santa Maria style BBQ). If you’re looking for something with an eclectic vibe, the town of Los Alamos boasts innovative flavors (see PICO, Bell’s, and Plenty on Bell), while the towns of Ballard and Los Olivos continue to offer romantic, candle-lit fine dining options (don’t miss Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café).

4. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Drop in and visit one of the Valley’s museums. Discover local history and lore at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art and The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, or pop into Wildling Museum to appreciate works of art that draw inspiration from nature. If you’re looking for something a little more niche, find vintage and rare motorcycles at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, be dazzled by fairy tales at the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, or feast your eyes on one of the west coast’s largest petroliana collections at the Mendenhall Museum.

5. Take in a Local Event

From food-driven to family friendly, the Santa Ynez Valley hosts a number of small events to bring everyone together. Regular, more intimate events include painting in the vineyard at various wineries, kid crafts at local museums, and live music in the evenings on heated patios. Visit from September through December for some special events that celebrate each town’s unique history. Special events that return this fall will include Danish Days, Los Olivos Day in the Country, and Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley.

6. Craft Beer

If you can drag yourself away from the wineries, why not sample some of the superb local craft beers? From sours to stouts, three major breweries in the area offer award winning brews sure to please a wide spectrum of beer connoisseurs. Check out Barrelworks at Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Buellton Taproom, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company in both Buellton and Los Olivos, and Solvang Brewing Company.

7. Home Away from Home

Seeking something different from your hotel stay? Santa Ynez Valley hotels offer a more intimate and distinctly local experience. Hotels here could be better described as inns, some of which have a unique Danish feel, some provide rich luxury, while some even provide a safari glamping experience. With over 30 unique lodging properties, the Valley has a price and style fit for everyone.

8. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Need some fresh air? There’s no better way to clear your mind and relax than getting out and enjoying some of the local countryside. Figueroa Mountain is a great place to unwind and enjoy a picnic in the glorious California sunshine. Or if you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll through the adjacent Sedgwick Reserve by appointment, where volunteer staff guides you through the local terrain. If a family picnic is what you have in mind, head over to Nojoqui Falls Park down Alisal Road.

The rural country roads that connect the wineries and communities of the Santa Ynez Valley are also ideal for a two-wheel adventure. Whether you’re interested in doing an easy 5 miles with the family, 50 miles through rolling vineyards, or a multi-day tour of wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley and its less-trafficked roads make for a cyclist’s nirvana. Everything you need can be found at Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop, Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours, or Wheel Fun Rentals.

9. Find Artisan Treasures

With specialty shops located in almost every town, you’re bound to discover a hidden treasure. Shops in the Santa Ynez Valley stock a range of local artisanal products like jewelry, glassware, handcrafted shoes, leather goods, porcelain, clothing and a range of traditional and contemporary crafts. Some favorite local retailers include J. Woeste, Los Olivos General Store and Wildflower Women’s Boutique in Los Olivos, Forage Florals in Santa Ynez, and First Street Leather in Solvang.

10. Giddy Up

The Santa Ynez Valley offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore, from scenic vineyard-to-vineyard strolls, to more challenging trails rewarded with fields of wildflowers or incredible sea-to-valley vistas. What better way to explore the region’s hillsides than via horseback? Local trail rides can be enjoyed via Vino Vaqueros, KAP Land & Cattle, and Alisal Guest Ranch for a uniquely enriching and rewarding experience.

Want more? Plan the perfect itinerary at VisitSYV.com.