Santa Ynez Valley, California

The Santa Ynez Valley, located between the Santa Ynez and Santa Rafael Mountains, is a small but beautiful valley that is frequently overlooked and underappreciated. To fully appreciate this magnificent natural setting, we advise visiting it while it is still a less popular tourist destination.

The Ynez Valley, which is not as well-known as Napa and Sonoma but has approximately 60 wineries, has some of the most beautiful natural settings in the state as well as a ton of great wines.

The lush mountains make for an excellent hiking destination, and the Lover's Loop is one of the most popular walks in the area. Solvang and Buellton are two of the Valley's most beautiful small towns where you should be able to find lodging.