Buellton

Buellton is a unique, peaceful town on California’s Central Coast, nestled into the countryside about a 45-minute drive northeast of Santa Barbara. The town’s mild climate—a mix of warm, bright days and cool, dry evenings—is the perfect combination for growing berries to make the Santa Ynez Valley’s celebrated wines).

Travelers may recognize Buellton since it was a key filming location for the well-known Alexander Payne film, Sideways, or they may know it for its famed ostrich farm. They may even be familiar with it as the “Home of Split Pea Soup,” an accolade it earned back in 1924. And though checking out Sideways filming locations, meeting the friendly ostriches, and trying the famous dish at the historic Andersen’s are all must-do experiences, there are plenty of other spots to explore in Buellton.

Adventures in Buellton

Adrenaline junkies shouldn’t miss a trip to Highline Adventures, home to one of the longest and fastest ziplines in California. The three-line course takes participants above and across the rolling hillsides of this wide-open region to soak in breathtaking scenery—including stunning views of the surrounding wine region.

Sightseeing fans can also embark on a horseback ride with Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides for an immersive opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous local landscapes. At Ostrichland USA, interact and feed the resident emus and ostriches.

Or make an appointment to tour The Mendenhall Museum, which showcases an impressive private assemblage of vintage gas pumps, racing artifacts, and historic automobile paraphernalia.

Wining and Dining in Buellton

Buellton’s prime location in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley makes it a convenient base camp for wine country exploration.

Start a day of wine tasting at Tierra Y Vino, which translates to “earth and wine,” to try top-notch Chardonnay and Syrah in an intimate, rustic setting. Or, check out Brick Barn Wine Estate to enjoy the picturesque vineyard vistas from the cozy outdoor patio, which is outfitted with fire pits and heaters—making tasting outdoors an enjoyable experience no matter the season.

Buellton might be best known for its wine—but there’s also an impressive selection of beer and spirits spots to visit in town. For beer lovers, there are Buellton taproom locations of multiple award-winning breweries, including Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

For those who prefer something distilled over fermented, family-owned and operated Dorwood Distillery crafts a range of spirits worthy of an upscale cocktail and hosts tastings of their gin, vodka, and whiskey, among their other spirits, on-site at the distillery.      

When it’s time to eat, there’s no excuse not to stop by Pea Soup Andersen’s, which has stood the test of time as a town landmark for nearly a century. Visitors travel from across the world to try Andersen’s famed, freshly made split pea soup each year.

At The Hitching Post II, diners will enjoy traditional Santa Maria barbecue that’s beloved across the Central Coast.

Buellton Hotels

Those searching for a luxurious, pet-friendly place to spend the night can retire to Hotel Hygge, a hotel property in Buellton. This Danish-style boutique hotel, named after the Danish and Norwegian word that means coziness, contentment, and wellness—lives up to the resulting expectations with amenities like soft blankets and relaxing scented bath products inside and a lush, sun-soaked courtyard with a bocce ball court for relaxing outside.

Those who prefer a laid-back glamping experience can spend the night at Flying Flags Resort, which hosts a collection of vintage airstreams, charming cabins, and safari tents. During the day, guests can lounge under a cabana by one of two swimming pools or play a friendly game of bocce ball or horseshoes. At night, the firepits offer an ideal gathering spot to sit under the stars and roast s’mores.

In Sideways, characters Miles and Jack explored Santa Ynez's wine country and stayed in a hotel that has since transformed into Buellton’s Sideways Inn. The property was recently revamped into a luxury boutique hotel outfitted with a contemporary design and charming original elements like the signature windmill lobby space.