Close your eyes and imagine a West Coast town that looks like it’s straight out of Europe.
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I’m not talking about Leavenworth, Washington—I’m talking about Solvang, California. Leavenworth, Washington, was built to emulate the alpine villages of Germany’s Bavaria. Further south, however, one tiny Californian enclave located in the Santa Ynez Valley was instead built to mimic Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen.
Welcome to Solvang, one of the oddest destinations in the United States. The town was built in the early 1900s when Danish immigrants fled west to escape the Midwest’s famously brutal winters. It was first created to be a self-sufficient colony that was home to a folk school, college, church, and more.
A headline in a major newspaper changed everything in the late 1940s, which put the town’s unique architecture on the map. Tourists flooded in to soak up the architecture and delicious bakeries and, eventually, the town evolved, shifting its focus from cultural preservation to hospitality.
Today, you’ll find a pretty surprising mix of culture, history, and pure kitschy delights throughout Solvang. You can hop around town to enjoy its most famous attractions, then head out to the surrounding area for horseback riding, hot-air ballooning, and other adventures.
While you can book a room at one of the town’s hotels or resorts, many are dated and pricey. If you tend to prefer private rentals, stick to one of these Vrbos in Solvang, California instead.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best Vrbos in Solvang, California
- Best overall: Hygge Tower Apartment
- Most budget-friendly: Studio Bella
- Best for couples: Alisal Cottage Daisy #2
- For small groups: Magnolia Cottage
- Professionally managed: Suite 2
Top 5 Vrbos in Solvang, California to experience the Danish Capital of America
Hygge Tower Apartment
The best Vrbo in Solvang is located in the town’s famous round tower replica of Copenhagen’s Rundetårn. It was even designed by Danes, giving you a truly hygge-like stay. The décor is modern, the design is minimalist, and the one-bedroom unit has a round shape thanks to being housed inside an actual tower. It creates unique features throughout, including a spiral staircase and curved kitchen counters. You’ll get a real dose of Denmark at this Solvang hideaway.
Studio Bella
Solvang, like many other Californian destinations, isn’t the cheapest. If you want to save a few dollars while staying in town, you can get a steal at this one-bedroom home. Though it’s small, it’s got a parking spot and a cute outdoor sitting area in the back. It’s also located right in the action of Solvang, close enough for you to walk to the town’s top attractions.
*Note: There are several units in Solvang from the same host, Michael Gowing. I’ve included another one of his listings below, Magnolia Cottage. You can click on his profile to check out his other units in town, if you want.
Alisal Cottage Daisy #2
Studio Bella is a solid pick for couples, but this one-bedroom cottage has a large outdoor sitting area that’s perfect for nightcaps and morning coffees. It also has historic charm, having been built to emulate a 1920s craftsman style. It’s cozy, has enough space that you’re not living on top of each other, and also has a great location close to Old Mission Santa Inés. If this cottage is booked, click on the host’s profile—they run two other ones close by.
Magnolia Cottage
You can sleep four guests in this comfortable two-bedroom cottage. One room has a queen, the other has a king, meaning no one is stuck in a tiny room. The cottage is close to Solvang’s most popular spots, giving you a great location during your stay.
Suite 2
If Magnolia Cottage is booked up, here’s another two-bedroom Vrbo to check out. The modern, hyper-clean home is professionally managed by a company that owns the building, which has multiple units. You can expect fast responses and hotel-style service when you book a stay. This unit also comes with garage parking and an EV charger.
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