5 Things to Know Before Visiting the Santa Ynez Valley
With six charming country towns, six distinct vibes, six Michelin-rated restaurants, and so much more, the Santa Ynez Valley is Southern California’s hottest destination for outdoor adventure, rich culture, culinary bliss, and excellent wine.
Courtesy of the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
No longer the best kept secret for travelers looking for that bucolic California that time forgot, the Santa Ynez Valley has seen a gold rush of Michelin-rated restaurants, forward-thinking wineries, and design-minded lodging. But it’s still got all the charm, authenticity, and friendly vibes that put it on the map in the first place (thanks Sideways; more on that later). Only two and a half hours from L.A., four hours from San Francisco, and with nearby Santa Barbara Airport offering direct flights from 12 major markets, it’s one of the easiest ways to get a dose of the old California we love. Think rolling hills dotted with ranches, picket fences, ancient oaks, lush vineyards, independent businesses run by passionate locals… but with all the modern cultural and culinary upgrades and outdoor activities that make it satisfying for the most sophisticated of travelers. As you plan your summer and fall travel, here are five essential tips for making the most of this bucket-list Southern California getaway.
Track the Michelins
Carter Hiyama
Bell’s in Los Alamos put the SYV on the map for hardcore foodies with its ranch-y French cuisine and the Michelin star that followed, and it’s been joined by five more must-book, Michelin-rated spots. Hit Coast Range for cocktails and grilled meats, Peasants FEAST for superlative sandwiches, Bar Le Côte for Iberian-Californian cooking, First & Oak for prix fixe perfection, and Mattei’s Tavern for globally influenced culinary excellence.
Get Culture, or Nature
Courtesy of Highline Adventures
The Valley’s most exciting cultural institution is finally opening: the new Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center celebrates the indigenous history of the region and offers locals and visitors an immersive and essential experience. In Buellton, the quirky Mendenhall Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of vintage gasoline pumps and gas station memorabilia. For the more outdoor minded, Highline Adventures gives thrill seekers a wire’s eye view of the Valley, which offers extensive hiking and riding for those who prefer to stay on the ground.
Go Sideways
Courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley
Attention Set-Jetters (folks who seek out famous film and TV locations on their travels): 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the film Sideways, which helped put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map for wine lovers. Take a Sideways van tour to easily visit the locations, or make a pilgrimage to the Hitching Post 2 for a meal starring local wines and the culinary prowess of Frank Ostini.
City Hop
Courtesy of Craft & Cluster/Visit the Santa Ynez Valley
SYV is home to six distinct communities, each with its own culture and vibe: from Solvang, an authentic Danish-American hamlet, to Los Olivos, a bucolic hub of quaint wine tasting rooms and restaurants, to Los Alamos, an Old West town that has become a foodie mecca.
Get a Room
Courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley
Skyview in Los Alamos set the standard for Instagrammable retro stylish lodging, but in recent years The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos added true luxury to the mix along with The Genevieve in Santa Ynez, joining the design-minded standby The Landsby in Solvang. Alisal Ranch offers a true taste of throwback dude-ranch luxury and the glamping tents at Flying Flags RV Resort round out the rich offering of lodging options.
