Planning a California weekend trip that’s relaxing, scenic, and full of meaningful moments? This girls’ getaway to Solvang and Carlsbad, California was the perfect mix of charm, nature, and quality time with family. I traveled with my mom and aunty, and this short trip turned into one of the most wholesome and memorable experiences we’ve shared.

If you’re looking for things to do in Solvang, Carlsbad travel ideas, or inspiration for a family-friendly road trip in California, this itinerary is a great place to start.

Exploring Solvang, California: A Charming Danish Village

We began our weekend in Solvang, California, a small town famous for its Danish-style architecture, windmills, and walkable streets. Solvang is ideal for slow travel—no rushing, no strict schedule, just wandering and enjoying the atmosphere.

Some of the shops we visited included Jule Hus, Esko’s Mission Gifts and Souvenirs, Solvang Spice Merchant, and the Solvang Olive Press, where we sampled olive oils and vinegars. We also stopped by the Swedish Candy Factory, which was colorful, nostalgic, and fun to browse, and Coast Range, a great place for unique local finds.

Solvang is perfect for a relaxed morning, especially for a girls’ trip or multigenerational travel. Everything is close together, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Ostrichland USA: A Unique Solvang Experience

Just outside of town, we visited Ostrichland USA, one of the most unique attractions near Solvang. Here, you can feed ostriches and emus right on the property.

This experience was unexpectedly fun and memorable. Feeding the birds up close was equal parts hilarious and fascinating, and it’s a great stop for travelers of all ages. If you’re planning a Solvang itinerary, Ostrichland USA is a must-visit for something a little different.

Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields

From Solvang, we continued south to Carlsbad, where we visited the iconic Carlsbad Flower Fields. Open seasonally, the fields are filled with rows of vibrant flowers and scenic walking paths.

The Flower Fields are incredibly photogenic and family-friendly, making them a great stop for anyone visiting Carlsbad in the spring. Walking through the colorful blooms was peaceful and felt like the perfect way to slow down and enjoy nature together.

Strawberry Picking in Carlsbad, California

We ended the trip with strawberry picking in Carlsbad, which was such a simple yet joyful experience. Filling our cups with fresh, hand-picked strawberries was the sweetest way to wrap up the weekend.

Strawberry picking is a great activity if you’re traveling with family or looking for something low-key but memorable. Plus, the strawberries were incredibly fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect California Girls’ Trip

This Solvang and Carlsbad weekend trip was a beautiful reminder of how special traveling with family can be. Between charming towns, unique attractions, and time spent outdoors, the trip felt both refreshing and meaningful.

If you’re searching for California weekend getaway ideas, things to do in Solvang, or Carlsbad travel inspiration, this itinerary offers a balance of sightseeing, nature, and quality time. Sometimes the best trips aren’t about how far you go—but who you go with.