Guide: Springtime Activities & Events in the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is a special place to be in the springtime. Crisp mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons, ideal for sipping world-class wines, strolling through charming small towns, and indulging in farm-fresh cuisine. Take a scenic drive through vineyard-covered hills, hike wildflower-laced trails, or saddle up for a horseback ride under endless blue skies. If any of that strikes your fancy, take a look at our curated guide below and start planning your trip.
And don’t forget, right now you can get a $100 spending allowance courtesy of Visit SYV to spend on local experiences during your time in the Santa Ynez Valley! Here’s the deal: book at least two consecutive midweek nights (Sundays - Thursdays) for stays before April 30th, 2025 at participating hotels like Skyview in Los Alamos or Hotel Ynez in Solvang, and receive a $100 reward at check-in to use toward activities like wine tasting, dining, boutique shopping, and more!
All you have to do is make sure your reservation meets the eligibility requirements, book your stay directly, and then forward your hotel confirmation email to info@visitsyv.com. Only while supplies last. New, direct bookings only. Terms apply.
DIG INTO NATURE
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Every Wednesday, 2:30 - 5:30pm
Borrow a bike from Hotel Ynez and cruise on over to First Street in downtown Solvang where you will discover a beautiful bounty of fresh fruit, veggies, flowers, and more — all grown and harvested right here on the Central Coast.
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Elder Flat Farm is a labor of love by Carla & Mike Malloy. On their 102 acres of luscious land in Los Alamos, the family grows organic veggies, fruits, flowers, and pasture raise chickens, sheep, pigs, and beef cattle.
You can visit the Farm Shop on Bell St. Thursdays - Sundays from 12 to 5pm. Check out their event calendar for seasonal offerings like workshops, tastings, and more.
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Located in Buellton’s River View Park, the Botanical Garden is open daily, rain or shine, for guided nature walks, workshops, garden parties, and season concert series.
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Although it’s best known as the Santa Ynez Valley’s favorite pumpkin patch, Summerset Farm is a year-round treat. Throughout the Spring and Summer, you can help yourself to you-pick-berries, and stop by the Farm Stand to stock up on local honey, small-batch sauces and jams, artisanal olive oils, pickled goods, and more.
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O + L Farms is a beautiful, charming property boasting a stunning olive grove and lavender garden. There, enjoy complimentary tastings of their estate-grown olive oils and balsamic vinegars paired with Bob’s Well Bread samples for dipping.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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Difficulty: Moderate
Trail: One Way Point to Point
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,574 ft.
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Challenging
Trail: Out & Back
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,404 ft.
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail: Out & Back
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 75 ft.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail: Out & Back
Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 590 ft.
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes
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Founded by instructor Cori Lassahn, Vineyard Yoga SYV partners with local wineries and vineyards to offer various yoga classes against a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, stunning live oaks, wide open sky, and miles of grapevines. Click here for a schedule of upcoming classes.
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From scenic vineyard rides to rugged backcountry trails, the Santa Ynez Valley offers a variety of horseback experiences for every level of rider.
Vinos Vaqueros at Estelle Ranch & Vineyards
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Located in the west hills of Buellton, Highline Adventures offers ziplines with breathtaking views of the Valley, an adventure course where you’ll climb ladders, cross rope bridges and maneuver various obstacles as you safely navigate through the treetops; and a guided walking tour through exotic Protea flower fields.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
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Every Third Saturday of the Month
The community of Los Olivos wine country comes together at Saarloos & Sons to showcase handcrafted goods, delicious bites, and incredible finds at the monthly Artisan’s Market. Whether you’re a lover of fine art, unique jewelry, handmade crafts, vintage gems, or local farm provisions, there’s something for everyone!
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Saturday, April 12th, 11:30am - 4:30pm
Over 60 craft breweries come together at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. in Buellton for Lagerville 2025! General admission tickets include unlimited tastings, a souvenir glass to take home, and live music by False Puppets and DJ Peete. Food will be available for purchase. Get tickets now — this event will sell out.
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Saturday, May 3rd
This annual event celebrates the heritage of the Santa Ynez Valley community and the connection it has to the Western lifestyle. The Rancheros Visitadores is a longstanding tradition that brings together horseback riders from near and far in a parade beautifully adorned horses, wagons, and riders clad in classic Western attire, celebrating camaraderie and the enduring legacy of the American West.
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Saturday, May 3rd, 11:30am - 4:30pm
55+ craft breweries, wineries, cideries, distillers, merchants, and more take over River View Park for a fun day of tastings, live music, food trucks, lawn games, and community. Bring a lawn chair, an appetite, and enjoy! This event sells out every year - so get your tickets now.
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Friday, May 9th - Sunday, May 11th
Nominated for The Best Half Marathon in California, this scenic route takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley and finishes in Solvang with a post-race wine festival. Sample, drink and enjoy the best local wines from the vineyards you just ran through at the Finish Line Wine Festival. Tickets required for festival entry. Learn more about the weekend here.
