Ostrichland USA is an ostrich farm just outside Solvang, a Danish town in California. We stayed only a few hours but these were some memorable hours. If you’re on a road trip up/down the California coast, definitely make Ostrichland USA in Solvang one of your stops.
Here’s a guide to what you should know to make the most of your time at this ostrich farm in Solvang, California.
Why Visit Ostrichland USA?
For fun. You might not have any interest in ostriches, which is perfectly fine. I mean, I never gave them a thought before arriving at Ostrichland USA. After visiting, though, I am really glad we stopped here — it was honestly SO much fun. Who knew ostriches could be so fun?
To learn about ostriches. No one in our party had ever seen an ostrich close up before, and several of us mentioned that they had a resemblance to dinosaurs. It was really interesting to interact with them. We even saw one lay an egg!
It’s famous. Ostrichland USA in Solvang is one of very few ostrich farms in California, and it’s gotten kinda famous. The ostrich farm has been featured in films and was even the inspiration for a Simpsons episode!
Quick Facts about Ostrichland USA
Location: 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Cost: $7 entry per adult plus $1 for a bowl of food to feed the ostriches/emus
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What to Expect at Ostrichland USA
A large, beautiful farm. Ostrichland keeps over 100 ostriches and emus; they’re contained behind fences and given a lot of land to roam. It is a beautiful property with sprawling hills and acres of greenery.
Get close to and feed ostriches. You’re able to walk up and watch the ostriches for free from the parking lot, but I’d highly recommend paying to feed them (I mean, it’s only $1 per bowl of ostrich food). When you do so, you’re able to enter through the store and walk deep into the farm, getting up close and personal with these ostriches and emus. (They’re, of course, still behind a fence.)
See ostriches lay eggs or see ostrich chicks. Ostrich chicks typically hatch in the summer while emu chicks hatch in late winter and early spring. We visited in spring and saw an ostrich lay an egg. You may be able to see a baby chick, though they do grow quickly.
Tips for Visiting Ostrichland USA
Spot the autographed eggs. Don’t miss the ostrich eggs signed by celebrities. They are in the small shop in a glass display. There is one signed by Khloe Kardashian.
Don’t be scared. The ostriches are large creatures, and they can be a bit intimidating. The way that they eat the pellets from the bowl is a little aggressive. Just be calm and follow the instructions you were given in feeding the ostriches properly. If it’s too much, try feeding the emus instead. They are smaller and not so aggressive.
Take your time. Walk around the property and visit with all the birds. It’s a beautiful property, and the ostriches and emus are quite interesting.
How to Feed Ostriches and Emus at Ostrichland USA
- Hold on to the handle of the bowl tightly with two hands. The birds may attempt to grab the bowl from you.
- Keep your fingers away from the bowl so they don’t bite you.
- Meet them halfway so they don’t stick their heads too far out and strain their necks.
- Do not touch the birds.
- Do not stand near the fence unless you are feeding.
Other Things to Do in Solvang, California
After your excursion with ostriches, head into Solvang for lunch and to explore. (It’s only 5-10 minutes away.)
Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, and it has since been transformed into an authentic Danish town with Danish architecture and windmills. It’s a beautiful small town in central California’s Santa Ynez Valley that receives over a million visitors each year. It’s definitely worth it to stop here or even stay a night or two to really explore Solvang.
But if you only have a few hours, here are some things you can do.
Where to Park in Solvang
There are free public parking lots and a lot of signage to direct you. Once you’ve parked, head out and start exploring on foot. The town is walkable, and there’s lots to see.
Activities in Solvang
- Walk around the Danish architecture: It was fun to just walk along the streets and admire all the Danish architecture. We also popped into any stores that caught our interest. Doing this, we came upon a store called Edelweiss that had shelves of cute fairy garden supplies. So magical.
- Windmills: There are six windmills in Solvang. You’re sure to spot them as they’re big and noticeable. One is at 1618 Copenhagen Dr. Another is at 436 Alisal Rd.
- The Little Mermaid Fountain: It’s not a huge mermaid statue, but it’s a nice one, just on the corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road. It was placed to commemorate the Danish author, Hans Christian Anderson, who wrote the Little Mermaid story.
- Hans Christian Anderson Museum: A small museum dedicated to showcasing the life and works of Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. It’s across the street from the Little Mermaid Fountain.
- Jule Hus Christmas Shop: For those who like to shop for Christmas items year round, you’ll probably be interested in the Jule Hus Christmas shop.
- Solvang Park: It’s a beautiful little park, and right across the street from the park is a clock tower, attached to the Old Mill Shopping Center.
- The Book Loft: Book lovers will love stopping in this charming little bookstore, The Book Loft. It’s right under the Hans Christian Anderson Museum.
Places to Eat in Solvang
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes to choose from in Solvang. We went to the Copenhagen Sausage Garden and ordered pretzels, but they also have vegetarian sausages as well as meat sausages.
There are also dozens of bakeries in Solvang — dozens! Some have Danish pastries like Danish kringles and aebleskivers, which to us tasted similar to a carnival funnel cake.
Restaurants in Solvang to try:
- Copenhagen Sausage Garden
- Bit O’Denmark Restaurant
- Viking Garden Restaurant
- Solvang Restaurant
- Solvang Brewing Company
Bakeries in Solvang to try:
I hope you enjoy exploring this beautiful little town and get to taste a pastry or two.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ostrichland USA
How long to spend at Ostrichland?
Expect to spend 1-2 hours at Ostrichland USA, feeding the ostriches and emus and exploring the property.
How much does it cost to go to the ostrich farm in Solvang?
The entry fee is $7 per adult, and then it costs another $1 per bowl of ostrich food (to feed the ostriches and emus).
What is the history of Ostrichland USA?
Ostrichland USA opened in the 1990s and is currently a 33-acre breeding farm. The farm is run by a small staff who care for over 100 ostriches and emus.
The ostriches are not being raised for meat, just for their eggs, and as the stars of the farm. Many visitors come to Ostrichland to see and feed the ostriches as it’s one of only a few ostrich farms in the state.
Where can I feed an ostrich?
You can feed ostriches at Ostrichland USA in Solvang, California.
What is the point of an ostrich farm?
Ostrich farms raise ostriches for the purpose of selling their eggs or meat. Some might just make money off the ostriches as a tourist destination, like Ostrichland USA.
Ostrichland USA is more like a petting zoo, as the ostriches are raised specifically to be fed by visitors and are not raised for their meat.
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