Solvang was founded by Danish Americans in 1911, and the town has capitalized heavily on its heritage with Danish architecture, cobblestone walks, restaurants, and shops. It is now primarily a tourist destination.

More than 52 wineries here include some of California's most honored vintner names. Visit the idyllic valley towns of Buellton, Ballard, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos by following Highway 101 or scenic Highway 154, the back road along the old stagecoach route. Los Olivos, once a stagecoach stop, maintains its Old West feel.

Scandinavian ambiance abounds in the Santa Ynez Valley town of Solvang, where two-thirds of the residents are of Danish descent. Also in Solvang is the preserved 1804 Spanish-period Santa Inés Mission. Drive west to Lompoc, where you can view acres of blooming flowers and tour Mission La Purisima, established in 1787.

Driving north on Highway 101, stop at Santa Maria for world-famous barbecue that's cooked over hot coals of red oak wood. It's a tradition that dates back more than a century to the heyday of the local ranch cowboys. Sample award-winning wines along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail or luscious strawberries at the annual Strawberry Festival. At Gamboa Flower Fields or taste luscious strawberries at the annual Strawberry Festival.

West of Guadalupe off Highway 166 visit California's most extensive coastal sand dunes at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve. View the amazing diversity of plant life and more than 200 bird species throughout the year.