The Santa Ynez City Guide
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Living
The Santa Ynez City Guide
April 6, 2022
The Jenni Kayne Ranch wouldn’t be the magical place that it is without the magnetic allure of the Santa Ynez Valley. Located a few hours outside of Los Angeles, Santa Ynez is one of California’s best weekend getaways—in fact, Jenni grew up spending ample time with her family within the sun-kissed hills. While the Ranch is a destination in its own right, the town itself offers a reprieve from your everyday and is defined by its quaint look and feel with amazing restaurants, leading wineries, and a fair share of vintage shopping. From the best Santa Ynez restaurants to our favorite wineries, read on for our complete guide on where to shop, dine, drink—and everything in between—in Santa Ynez.
Hotels
The Landsby—This European-style, 41-room hotel in Solvang features elegant rooms with new and mid-century furnishings. Make time to enjoy the hotel courtyard garden as well as the stylish restaurant and bar during your stay.
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort—Set on a 10,000-acre cattle ranch, this rustic, Western-style resort is a fun, family-friendly spot. For something to do, choose from horseback riding, golf, tennis, swimming, and more.
Hotel Ynez—Nestled on 2 acres of land and outfitted with all the trims and trappings of outdoor enjoyment, Hotel Ynez is a new favorite of ours that celebrates the best of our surroundings.
The Jenni Kayne Ranch—While our Ranch isn’t available for everyday stays, we couldn’t create this list without dropping our own name into the ring. Tucked away within the sweeping hills of the Santa Ynez Vallley, it’s a retreat you never want to leave.
Restaurants
SY Kitchen—This cozy farmhouse restaurant serves fresh, modern Italian dishes and great wine. Various well-appointed indoor and outdoor spaces make dining there an adventure every time.
Lucky Hen Larder—Pick up picnic ingredients or groceries for a cozy meal at home (or your hotel) at this artisan and culinary goods store and deli.
Bob’s Well Bread Bakery—This rustic artisanal bakery is open for breakfast and lunch, until 3pm every day. Enjoy fresh baguette sandwiches with salad, pastries, and coffee.
Industrial Eats—This hip, family-style restaurant and butcher serves wood-fired pizzas and other Italian-inspired fare, all sourced from the Central Coast.
Bar Le Côte—After a long day of wine tasting, you’ll find us at Bar Le Côte eating fresh seafood and enjoying the ambiance.
Bell’s Restaurant—It would be a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley without a dinner at Bell’s in Los Alamos. The French-inspired bistro serves inspired dishes night after night, making it a must for any culinary fanatic.
Activities
Gainey Vineyard—One of our favorite activities while in the area is wine tasting at different vineyards and tasting rooms in the surrounding area. Gainey Vineyard is a stunning property with plenty of varieties to enjoy.
Roblar Winery—Afternoon visits to Roblar Winery are a must when in Santa Ynez. Their outdoor tasting area celebrates the best of nature while showcasing the winery’s well-sourced wines.
Vino Vaqueros—This beautiful property features horseback riding as well as farm-to-table dining and wine tasting. Choose from a variety of packages, and feel free to bring kids!
Clairmont Farms—Bring a picnic or simply stroll through the fields of this beautiful family-owned organic lavender farm, which also has a boutique where you can buy handmade products.
Sunny Fields Park—This huge recreational park with a unique wooden playground is a great, easy stop during a family trip. Your children will love it.
Shopping
Los Olivos General Store—Located in a refurbished garage, this charming home and kitchen boutique also sells jewelry, artwork, and gourmet foods.
New Frontiers Natural Marketplace—This California-based organic grocery store chain has all of the healthy and organic goods you need for your trip.
Bodega Los Alamos—We make sure to stop by Bodega any time we’re in the Santa Ynez area to explore their selection of natural wine and other artisan-sourced essentials.
Santa Ynez General—Don’t let the name fool you, because Santa Ynez General is anything but the expected. Filled with timeless pieces for your wardrobe and home, this is a go-to for any trip.
Photos by Scott Sanford
