It's Official: Southern California's Very Own Buellton Is One Of The Country's Best Small Towns To Visit This Year
By Natasha Kayes|Published February 08, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
“Explore” and “discover” are buzzwords for travel lovers. We get excited at the prospect of new places, foods, and experiences, and for that, small towns will always have a special kind of allure. If you are wondering which is the best small town in Southern California to start with, look no further. Matador Network recently published a list of the country’s best small towns to visit in 2023 and the lovely town of Buellton is one you don’t want to miss.
The friendly town of Buellton is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, at the crossroads of California’s Highway 101 and State Route 246. It is a simply perfect getaway, scenic and tranquil while offering spectacular wines, fine dining, and a variety of activities.
Buellton is wine country and a particularly scenic town, with rolling hills, oak trees, and expansive vineyards. The warm days and cool nights are not only perfect for a great vacation, but they happen to be ideal for producing epic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Once the home of an Arabian horse farm, Brick Barn Wine Estate is a true celebration of the land and the region’s ideal grape-growing conditions. The original barn is now a spectacular winery and gathering space with an elegant tasting room.
Many of the wineries in the area have wonderful picnic areas, like Pence Vineyards and Winery, with its sprawling grounds and tranquil pond. Pack a lunch or purchase snacks from the tasting room, along with your favorite wine, and enjoy a leisurely al fresco lunch.
While Buellton is a quintessential wine-tasting town, there are some world-class brews to be tasted as well. Make some time to visit Barrelworks, Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Wild Ale cellar where the focus is beers made using locally foraged ingredients.
Claiming the “World’s best BBQ steaks,” The Hitching Post II should certainly be on your list of places to eat while in town. Enjoy steaks grilled over a red oak fire, a local cooking tradition that dates back to the era of the Spanish Rancheros and is referred to as Santa Maria Barbecue. Combine that with locally-sourced ingredients and award-winning wines and you have a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
You are in for a one-of-a-kind adventure when you visit Buellton’s Ostrichland USA. Watch these incredibly big birds as they roam free on the ranch or buy a bowl of food for a unique hands-on experience. Over 100 ostriches and emus occupy the ranch. Don’t forget to peruse the gift shop!
Named for the 2004 movie that featured scenes from the town, Sideways Inn is a great choice for an overnight (or longer) stay Buellton. Comfortable rooms with charming decor, communal outdoor fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs, an onsite lounge, and breakfast delivered to your door - what more could you ask for?
The areas immediately surrounding Buellton also beg to be explored. From the picture-perfect Danish town Solvang to the quiet beaches of Lompoc, Buellton is an amazing place for a relaxing escape.
Buellton is one small town that has a little something for everyone and is well worth a visit. Would you agree? Have you ever been to Buellton? We would love to hear about your experience and your favorite small towns to visit in the comments.
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