Santa Ynez Valley

The picturesque Santa Ynez Valley is home to world-class wines and sprawling ranches.

Welcome to the Santa Ynez Valley 

The Santa Ynez Valley is home to world-class wines and sprawling ranches.


The picturesque Santa Ynez Valley encompasses six distinct communities: Ballard, Buellton, Los AlamosLos OlivosSanta Ynez, and Solvang. Each offers unique characteristics united by a love of wine and small town charm.

What to Love

  • Small town charm
  • World-class wines and award-winning dining
  • Sprawling ranches and horse properties

People & Lifestyle

The Santa Ynez Valley is known for its gorgeous vineyards, rolling hills, and small town feel. Tucked in between the Santa Ynez Mountains and San Rafael Mountain, the Valley invites its residents into a luxurious rural lifestyle. Residents enjoy slowing down with a glass of wine from a local winery, riding horses through endless bridle trails, or taking a drive up Figeroua Mountain for wildflowers and spectacular views.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

When it comes to dining, the Santa Ynez Valley is full of local favorites that will impress even the harshest critics. Stop by Bobs Well Bread for artisan breads, sandwiches, and pastries. Their old world baking style will not disappoint.

For an excellent lunch experience, head over to Industrial Eats, a local favorite with a modern menu featuring wood-fired pizza.

For fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, don't miss Bell's, a family-run, French-inspired bistro from Food & Wine “Best New Chef” and Per Se alums Daisy and Greg Ryan. This Los Alamos gem has earned the area's first Michelin Star. SY Kitchen, located in Downtown Santa Ynez, has garnered praise for its exquisite seasonal and local menu. The Gathering Table at the Ballard Inn offers a dining experience that would rival any big city in a cozy and rustic environment. Sear Steakhouse in nearby Solvang serves up delicious steaks and farm to table cuisine from the owner's nearby farm. 

When it comes to shopping, the Santa Ynez Valley is full of charming local options including the Los Olivos General Store, Solvang Antiques, or Jedlicka’s Western Wear.

Things to Do

Santa Ynez might be off the beaten path, but there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. For the most pleasant wine tasting experience, book your tastings in advance at tasting rooms such as, Sunstone, Carhartt, or Demetria.

Stroll through the streets of Solvang for a unique experience, "a little slice of Denmark in Southern California". Make sure to stop into a local bakery for a delicious pastry. 

If you are looking to get outdoors and experience the vast trails the Valley has to offer, look into Vino Vaqueros for an excellent wine-infused trail riding experience.

Schools

The Santa Ynez Valley is home to several excellent schools. Top educational institutions here include:

  • Dunn School
  • Ballard Elementary
  • Los Olivos Elementary
  • Santa Ynez Valley Charter
  • Santa Ynez Elementary
  • Solvang Elementary
  • Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
 

Overview for Santa Ynez Valley, CA

23,201 people live in Santa Ynez Valley, where the median age is 49 and the average individual income is $58,029. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

23,201

Total Population

49 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$58,029

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Santa Ynez Valley has 9,149 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Ynez Valley do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 23,201 people call Santa Ynez Valley home. The population density is 1,072.909 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

23,201

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

49

Median Age

47.78 / 52.22%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
9,149

Total Households

3

Average Household Size

$58,029

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Ynez Valley, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Ynez Valley. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Solvang Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 8th
4/5
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
5/5
Oak Valley Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
PUBLIC
K - 8th
5/5
Santa Ynez Valley Union High
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Santa Ynez Valley Charter
PUBLIC
K - 8th
4/5
Olive Grove Charter - Buellton
PUBLIC
K - 12th
3/5
Santa Ynez Elementary
PUBLIC
1st - 8th
3/5
College Elementary
PUBLIC
K - K
No rating available
Olga L. Reed Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 8th
2/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Ballard Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 6th
5/5

Around Santa Ynez Valley, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Ynez Valley, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

22
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Juicy Life, Crown Point Vineyards, and Olive + Lavender Farms.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.75 miles 16 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.52 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 4.93 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.39 miles 50 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Dining · $$ 4.94 miles 37 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Active 4.22 miles 30 reviews 5/5 stars

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