When living in Southern California, you can go in practically any direction and find an excellent day trip for yourself and your family.
One of the coolest places to go for a daytrip or a one or two-nighter is Solvang, a small city in the Santa Ynez Valley mostly know for it's Danish style architecture and businesses offering a small taste of Denmark.
I've been to two of the bakeries there including the one below and was not disappointed by any of the items, I purchased. Danish bakeries have always been my favorite as they compliment my European/Scandinavian palate, and you can't go wrong with the Cardamon Danish, if you can get your hands on it.
Of course, if you're in the area, you may be forced to do some wine tastings. I know, I know. How could I even bring that up? How rude of me. But, seriously, you may want to make this trip a one or two nighter since there are dozens of tastings you could attend in the area, including some in nearby Santa Barbara.
In the heart of Solvang is the Old Mission Santa Inés, an early-1800s Franciscan church. It overlooks this beautiful property:
Now, you didn't hear me say this out loud, but the Chumash Casino Resort is within a few minutes of Solvang. If you decide to go, be sure to get in line for the "free" money cards, you can get when you arrive.
I hope you have a great time if you decide to explore this part of California.
