Escape the hustle and bustle of LA this weekend and picture this: after a short, scenic drive from Los Angeles, the charming town of Buellton awaits, nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley.
The welcoming town of Buellton is a perfect launching pad for creating family memories. Buellton offers a haven where quality time and unique discoveries go hand-in-hand. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend adventure, yet distant enough to truly feel like you’ve left the everyday behind.
Read on to hear about all the fun things we found for the whole family!
About Buellton and the Santa Ynez Valley
Located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley wine region, Buellton is a terrific home base for a family trip – or even a romantic getaway. Unlike coastal towns that can be subject to seasonal fog banks, visitors to Buellton can count on sunny days most of the year.
Learn more at Discover Buellton.
Best things to do in Buellton for the Whole Family
You’ll find both outdoor adventures and indoor fun. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Buellton as a family, and as a bonus, you can easily visit Solvang and Lompoc nearby for even more fun. We recommend giving these activities a try on your next visit.
Ostrichland USA
610 E. Highway 246, Buellton, CA 93427
This one-of-a-kind attraction promises visitors an up close and personal experience with Emus and Ostriches. This 32-acre farm is home to more than 80 ostriches and over 70 emus.
These large birds roam free around their large enclosure, and have learned to come close to the fence line when visitors come, making it easy to take part in the signature activity: feeding them!
A bucket of Ostrich and Emu feed costs only $1 and gives you the wild experience of feeding these Buellton inhabitants. Highly recommend!
Fun facts:
- Male ostriches are the ones with the black feathers, while the females’ feathers are brown-ish gray.
- Ostrich eggs are the approximate equivalent to 24 chicken eggs.
- Female ostriches can lay between 30-60 eggs per season.
- Emu eggs are the approximate equivalent to 12 chicken eggs.
- Male ostriches can weigh up to 300 pounds.
Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana
24 Zaca Street., Buellton, CA 93427
The Mendenhall family has been collecting gas station, automobile, and other memorabilia for decades, and their personal collection is beyond impressive!
Jack Mendenhall began collecting over 50 years ago, and now his son and daughter-in-law (Mark and Vickie) run the place. And they also live there!
The Museum has one of the largest collections on the West coast, including gasoline pumps, globes, and gas, oil, and road signs. There are also race cars, racing memorabilia, license plates, and super cool neon signs.
Perfect for fans of vintage automobile history and car buffs, the museum is available for 1.5 hour guided tours by appointment only. Note that children must be supervised at all times.
River View Park
151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton 93427
River View Park is a great place to relax and unwind and let the play and run. This gorgeous open space has a couple of picnic areas and play structures, and is located alongside the river.
At one end of this beautiful park is the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Gardens.
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Gardens
151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton 93427
This hidden gem is a fantastic place to play with kids. Clearly designed with children in mind, this whimsical garden is filled with delights for kids to discover.
From the butterfly garden, to the willow maze, kids and adults alike will find wonderful things to see and do. Don’t miss the chance to add a wish to the wish tree.
Santa Ynez Valley Library
202 Dairyland Road, Buellton 93427
Need a break from the outdoors? Stop by and read a book in this cozy library that’s not too far from the park. As a bonus, there’s a big grassy area surrounding the library, which provides another place to play.
Highline Adventures (Ziplining and Ropes Course)
700 E. Highway 246, Buellton 93427
Known for having California’s biggest and fastest ziplines, put this on your list if you love soaring over the hills! New this year: they’ve opened the Skynet Playground, which is perfect for younger (and smaller) kids, so everyone can have fun together.
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides
Located in River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton 93427
Fancy a ride along the Santa Ynez river? Offering trail rides and pony encounters for ages 2 and up.
Santa Barbara Blueberries
1980 US Highway 101, Gaviota 93117
When blueberries are in season, this farm allows visitors to pick their own, and it’s located right over the hill from downtown Buellton.
Wine Tasting for the Grownups
If wine tasting is something you enjoy, this region is a fantastic place to visit. With literally hundreds of wineries located in Santa Barbara County, you’ll find many, many wines to try.
Where to Stay in Buellton
There are at least a dozen places to stay right in Buellton, which are all conveniently located close to the 101. Here are a few we’re highlighting.
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott
555 McMurray Road, Buellton 93427
Conveniently located near the freeway and in the heart of Buellton, this hotel features updated, spacious rooms, an onsite bar/restaurant, free parking, a heated outdoor pool, and a specious and modern fitness room.
The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is place where business meets pleasure, where your senses are indulged and your spirit is renewed, a place where your most pressing decision is pinot noir or chardonnay.
A mix of countryside charm and modern amenities, the newly renovated Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is designed for an unpretentious Santa Barbara wine country escape. Envelope your senses and renew your spirit in the serenity and beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Our stay was very comfortable, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground
180 Ave. of the Flags, Buellton 93427
Located in the heart of Buellton and the Santa Ynez Valley, Flying Flags is an RV destination resort. Catering to all types of recreational vehicles with nicely landscaped, grassy pull-thru, full hook-up sites. Over 300 different RV sites to choose from including premium spots for large RV’s.
Don’t have an RV…No worries. Flying Flags offers cozy cabins, cottages, or vintage trailers. Enjoy the resort campground and all of the amenities even if you don’t have an RV. The cottages are fully furnished, free standing units that will make you feel like you’re staying in a hotel suite without the feeling of being stuck in a hallway.
Flying Flags offers an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and an adult only Jacuzzi, as well as some cabanas for your own private relaxation. Also you’ll enjoy a game-room for the kids, laundry facility, playground, small dog park, a cafe serving up all sorts of good eats, and an outside fire-pit for social gatherings. A beautiful gift shop carries forgotten items, souvenirs, daily coffee service, and beer & wine.
Hampton Inn and Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley
600 Mc Murray Road, Buellton 93427
Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton is located in wine country, nestled among the rolling hills and large oak trees of the Santa Ynez Valley. On the eastern border of Santa Rita Hills Wine Trail, which is known for its award winning vineyards and tasting rooms.
Where to Eat When You’re in Buellton
There are many dining options in town, including some fast-food restaurants, and some locally-owned spots. Check out this great list of where to dine on Discover Buellton’s page for more. Here are a few we’re highlighting.
Hitching Post 2
406 E. Highway 246, Buellton 93427
This Central Coast icon is best known for its authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue and acclaimed wine list. Well-known and loved locally for years, this restaurant was made famous to the rest of the world when it was featured in the movie “Sideways”.
The Hitching Post specializes in Red Oak-Fired Santa Maria Barbecue of perfectly grilled meats, seafood and local farmed vegetables. And this is the kind of place you would feel comfortable, whether you’re having a celebration dinner for grownups, or taking the kids for a special family meal.
The steaks and lamb chops are amazing, of course, and as a bonus, the vegetable sides are super fresh and delicious. They’ve also got a special kids’ menu and they’re very family-friendly.
We loved the Filet Mignon and the Rack of Lamb we ordered, along with their famous garlic bread, and a lovely Crème Brûlée for dessert.
Ellen’s Danish Pancake House
272 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton 93427
This local favorite is super family-friendly, and serves up classic American and Danish comfort food. With generous portions and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to take the whole family for breakfast or lunch.
Vega Vineyard and Farm
9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton 93427
Families can enjoy a meal – and mom and dad can enjoy a wine tasting at this family-friendly vineyard. It’s also a working farm where kids can interact with farm animals.
Buellton Getaway for the Whole Family
We had a blast visiting and exploring Buellton to see what it had to offer for families, and we were honored to be guests of Discover Buellton. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are our own We highly recommend this destination for families!
Sarah Auerswald is the co-Founder and Managing Editor of MomsLA.com.
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