Valley Grind

Coffee, coffee, coffee…some days it seems like I cannot get enough Most of my weekdays start off at the Valley Grind in Santa Ynez where I pick up my caffeine to go and head off to work. Chelsey is there to greet me with a smiling face and cheery “Good morning!” and already has my [...]

The SYV Coffee House Bike Loop

This bike ride is may favorite loop through the Santa Ynez Valley. I have named it the SYV Coffee House Bike Loop simply because it passes by five of the best coffee houses in the Valley, any of which are a great meeting place to start your ride. I have chosen the Valley Grind as [...]

Refugio Road, Santa Ynez CA

Top of Refugio Road – Santa Ynez, CA

So, you’re in the Santa Ynez Valley, you don’t have a lot of time or money but want something active to do where you can experience “The Valley.” My suggestion would be a hike or mountain bike ride up Refugio Road. A few miles past the [...]

Longhorn Coffee Shop

Longhorn Coffee Shop – Santa Ynez, CA

The local hang out for breakfast in Santa Ynez is definitely the Longhorn Coffee Shop on Sagunto Street. Serving up breakfast and lunch daily for nearly 40 years, I think it is safe to characterize this place as one of the best greasy spoon in Southern California. [...]

Figueroa Mountain Road

California Poppies – Santa Ynez Valley

Spring has sprung in the Santa Ynez Valley. If you enjoy wildflowers the trek up Figueroa Mountain Road is well worth the trip for outstanding views and an abundance of California Poppies and Lupine. Be forewarned, the drive can be steep and windy and you should plan on [...]

Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar

Photo: Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar – Santa Ynez

If it is Mexican food you are craving then Dos Carlitos is a must. Serving the best Mexican food in the Santa Ynez Valley, Dos Carlitos’ dishes feature fresh quality ingredients cooked over an open fire grill that give each entree it’s own delicious [...]

Windhaven Glider Rides

Photo: Dad and Maria at Windhaven Glider Rides – Santa Ynez

If you want a completely unique experience while you are in the Santa Ynez Valley then make your way over to the Santa Ynez Airport, just off Highway 246, and check out Windhaven Glider Rides.  What better way to view the Valley than [...]

Maverick Saloon & Hayloft Grill

Photo: Maverick Saloon and Hayloft Grill – Santa Ynez

It’s Friday night in Santa Ynez and you have just finished dinner.  Now what?  Well, if you’re looking to party the Maverick Saloon is the place to go. With live entertainment, a huge dance floor and a hand shake from Ronny and a howdy from [...]

The Communities of the Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is approximately 35 miles north of Santa Barbara and rests between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north.  The area is comprised of the communities of Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard and Buellton and the total population is about 20,000.  A great [...]

Welcome!

I am so glad you found “Santa Ynez Valley Favorites.” This website is meant to point you to my favorite local spots in the Santa Ynez Valley including Los Olivos, Ballard, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez and places along Highway 154.  Restaurants, attractions, entertainment, bike rides, scenic drives, wine tasting, dining, nightlife, given time I hope [...]