Santa Ynez Tickets

Santa Ynez
The Santa Ynez valley is located in the popular Santa Barbara County in California. This valley runs through the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains. The gushing Santa Ynez River flows through the valley from east to west. This valley constitutes of small towns, rolling hills and majestic oaks.

The valley is famous for its unspoiled mountains, waterfalls and fruit orchards. The calm beaches and spectacular countryside add to the scenic beauty of this valley. The valley is eminent for its beautiful ranches, friendly people and authentic Spanish mission.

The valley has a population of about 20,000 residents living in the communities of Solvang, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and Ballard. People living in these communities are known for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. Each of these communities is popular in their unique ways.

Ballard is a rural town, with a little red school house and a couple of restaurants. Buellton is a relatively lively town with good accommodation options for travelers. Los Alamos has an old-time Western feel with a long main street. This street boasts of an antique mall in a historic train depot, modern shops, restaurants and parks.

Los Olivos has a touch of California with art galleries, art museums, boutiques and inns located in the heart of the town. The Santa Ynez community is a popular hangout for cowboys and features a historic saloon, inns, stores and a museum.

Solvang is a Danish-inspired community with a popular stop for traditional bakeries, featuring Danish pastries, breads and foods. Additionally, more than 200 European style shops, antique stores, museums as well as dozens of inns, hotels and resorts make Solvang a must visit sight.

Economy
The economy of the Santa Ynez Valley is mainly driven by agriculture (particularly viticulture), the equine industry, and tourism.

Wineries
Santa Ynez has ideal climatic conditions for growing grapevine, especially for winemaking. The wine industry is a major part of the Santa Ynez Valley's economy. The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists over 70 wineries and tasting rooms on their website. Besides grapes, the valley also has numerous apple farms.

The Bridelwood Winery is one of the popular names among wineries in Santa Barbara. The grapevine is built over a huge lawn with a beautiful view. Among their best wines is Syrah.The Gainey Vineyard is also one of the premier tasting experiences among Santa Barbara wineries. They attract a large crowd and also have tasting rooms reserved for wine club members.

The LinCourt Vineyard is a relatively low priced winery among Santa Barbara wineries. They offer a pleasant picnic area.The Sunstone Winery overlooks the Santa Ynez River, and is known for its excellent view among Santa Barbara wineries. They have good wine including Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and others. Their wine is comparatively expensive than the others but it is worth the extra money spend.

Equine
The Santa Ynez has kept the historic Western atmosphere alive with prominent ranches. You can see well-bred horses throughout the valley, adding to the natural splendor of the valley. Among the notable ranches, most common names are Monty Roberts' Flag Is Up Farms, River Edge Farm (thoroughbreds), and the nationally-known Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.

The Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables is a renowned ranch, located in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest. This ranch is spread over hundreds of miles of riding trails. The valley is encapsulated with mountains and the rich history of Rancho Oso combines to provide one of the most memorable riding and recreational experiences in the Santa Barbara County.

Similarly, the newly renovated Rancho San Marcos Golf Course is considered by many, to be the premier golf experience along with riding trail in Southern California. This golf course and ranch spectacularly captures the natural beauty and uniqueness of the surrounding valley.

Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association
The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association originally began as an Arabian Breeders club over 30 years ago. This association provides a platform to many nationally accomplished trainers and internationally recognized Arabian breeding farms. People beginning their venture into the world of Arabian Horses come here and share their ranches and stories with experienced Arabian horse owners in the Santa Ynez Valley. All the horse lovers get together and talk about horses.

Tourism
The Santa Ynez valley has become a hotspot for tourist all around the world for its ranches, wineries, art galleries and antique stores. Due to good climatic conditions, people engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in the Los Padres National Forest. The Santa Ynez Valley is famous for providing entertainment to people of all age groups.

Activities
The Santa Ynez valley provides plenty of activities for tourist. Visitors and locals indulge in hiking, biking, gliding, riding and fishing. Moreover, there is plenty of opportunity for touring wineries, horse ranches, seeing wildlife or taking your family on a picnic in a vineyard.

People commonly like to take hot air balloon flights in the Santa Ynez Valley. These flights soar high to several thousand feet, providing stunning valley views over the vineyards, ranches, fields and oaks. This becomes a mesmerizing experience for tourists.

Cachuma Lake Nature Center
The Cachuma Lake Nature Center holds exhibitions for visitors. The Center is situated in a lovely location. The exhibition focuses on local human and natural history. Each year large groups of children on field trips, youth organizations, camping clubs, and tour groups visit this, free of charge.

Clairmont Farms
Clairmont Farms is a lavender farm owned by a family. This farm is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Los Olivos. There are five acres of a variety of lavender, known for its healing quality. The fields are breathtakingly beautiful with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Filmmakers, photographers and painters arrive each year and capture the spectacular scenic beauty. The driveway is lined with olive trees that were planted by the Spanish Missionaries over 175 years ago.

PCPA Theaterfest
The PCPA Theatrefest is the only outdoor venue for live theatre on the Central Coast in Solvang. This theatre encourages artists and takes places under the stars making it a memorable experience for the viewers.

BIKING
One of the best ways to experience the sights and sounds of Santa Ynez Valley is on two wheels. Several cycling contest also take place throughout the year.

CACHUMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
The Cachuma Lake Recreation area is located 10 minutes from Santa Ynez. This lake is a beautiful body of water and is home to fish, deer and bobcats as well as 275 species of birds, including migratory bald eagles in the winter.

There are also boat rentals, fishing, and picnic, camping and playing facilities near this lake.

FARMERS MARKET-SOLVANG
This market displays fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and local items for selling. Locals and Visitors come here every Wednesday in downtown Solvang.

Conclusion
Santa Ynez is a lively valley, with plenty of opportunities of entertainment for the family. This is a place where you cannot get bored. From various outdoor activities, to the tour of vineyards, from the PCPA Theatrefests summer performances under the stars to the huge ranches, the valley is vibrant and happening. Anytime is the perfect time to discover and visit the Santa Ynez Valley.