Buellton CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Buellton, California.
1. Ostrich Land
UNIQUE BIRD ENCOUNTER
Ostrich Land is a popular specialty attraction in Buellton where visitors can interact with and feed resident ostriches and emus. Guests are provided with special feeding tools to offer food to these fascinating large birds. The unique experience offers an up-close encounter with exotic animals not commonly found in the United States.
2. PENCE Vineyards & Winery
PREMIER WINE TASTING
PENCE is one of Buellton's top-rated wineries and vineyards offering exceptional wine tasting experiences. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard setting. The winery showcases the region's ideal climate for growing grapes used in their celebrated Santa Ynez Valley wines.
3. Mendenhall's Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTION
Mendenhall's Museum houses an impressive private collection of vintage gas pumps, racing artifacts, and historic automobile paraphernalia. The museum offers appointment-based tours where visitors can explore this unique assemblage of automotive history. With its perfect 5.0 rating, this museum represents one of Buellton's most cherished attractions for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
4. Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
SUSTAINABLE WINE PRODUCTION
Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards is one of the most popular destinations in Buellton for wine enthusiasts. The vineyard is known for its sustainable practices and excellent wines produced in the Santa Ynez Valley region. Visitors can enjoy tastings while learning about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the area.
5. Highline Adventures
THRILLING ZIPLINE EXPERIENCE
Highline Adventures features one of the longest and fastest ziplines in California, offering adrenaline junkies a thrilling experience. The three-line course takes participants above and across the rolling hillsides, providing breathtaking scenery of the surrounding wine region. This adventure attraction delivers both excitement and stunning panoramic views of Buellton's beautiful landscapes.
6. Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides
SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE TOURS
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides offers immersive horseback riding experiences through the gorgeous landscapes surrounding Buellton. Riders can explore the rolling hills and vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley while enjoying the peaceful countryside. These guided tours provide a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty that can't be experienced by car or foot.
7. Andersen's Split Pea Soup Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING LANDMARK
Andersen's Split Pea Soup Restaurant is a historic dining establishment that earned Buellton the title "Home of Split Pea Soup" back in 1924. This iconic restaurant serves their famous split pea soup along with other traditional comfort foods in a charming setting. The landmark eatery has become a must-visit culinary destination for travelers passing through the Central Coast.
8. Valley Holistic Healing Center
WELLNESS AND RELAXATION
Valley Holistic Healing Center provides visitors and locals with rejuvenating wellness treatments and relaxation services. The center offers a variety of holistic health approaches designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Visitors seeking relaxation during their Buellton stay can enjoy massage therapy, meditation classes, and other therapeutic services.
9. Sideways Movie Locations Tour
FAMOUS FILM SETTINGS
The Sideways Movie Locations Tour takes visitors to various filming sites from the well-known Alexander Payne film that put Buellton on the map for many travelers. Film enthusiasts can visit the actual restaurants, wineries, and landmarks featured in this celebrated movie about wine country. The self-guided or guided tour options allow visitors to recreate scenes from the film while exploring the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
10. Industrial Eats
ARTISANAL FOOD MARKETPLACE
Industrial Eats is a popular culinary destination in Buellton featuring artisanal food prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. The unique marketplace-style restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted sandwiches, and other gourmet offerings in a casual, communal dining setting. Food enthusiasts appreciate the establishment's commitment to quality, creativity, and supporting local farmers and producers.
11. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. is a beloved craft brewery offering a wide selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming taproom atmosphere. Visitors can sample award-winning brews while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery represents Buellton's growing reputation for craft beverages beyond the region's famous wines.
12. Solvang
DANISH-INSPIRED VILLAGE
Solvang is a charming Danish-inspired village located just minutes from Buellton in the Santa Ynez Valley. Visitors can explore the distinctive architecture featuring windmills, half-timbered houses, and replicas of famous Danish landmarks. The town offers numerous bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, and museums celebrating Danish heritage and culture.
13. Los Olivos
UPSCALE WINE VILLAGE
Los Olivos is an elegant small town near Buellton known for its concentration of premium wine tasting rooms and galleries. The walkable downtown features Victorian-era buildings housing boutique shops, art spaces, and gourmet restaurants. Visitors appreciate the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that showcases the best of Santa Ynez Valley wine country.
14. La Purisima Mission
HISTORIC SPANISH MISSION
La Purisima Mission is a beautifully restored Spanish mission located a short drive from Buellton in nearby Lompoc. The historic site features the most extensively restored mission in California, with original buildings, furnishings, and gardens representing life in the early 1800s. Visitors can explore the grounds, attend living history demonstrations, and hike the surrounding 2,000 acres of mission lands.
15. Nojoqui Falls Park
NATURAL WATERFALL RETREAT
Nojoqui Falls Park features a picturesque 80-foot seasonal waterfall located a short drive from Buellton near Solvang. The park offers hiking trails through oak woodlands leading to the falls, along with picnic areas and recreational facilities for visitors. Nature enthusiasts especially enjoy visiting during winter and spring months when the waterfall is at its most impressive flow.