On our way back from Los Angeles to Cupertino in United States, we stopped at a most unusual place to visit in USA – Solvang. Attractions in Solvang included Ostrichland, an ostrich farm in Solvang. Ostrich farm feeding is the top draw here. Lucky, we visited a spot that was so offbeat and fun place to travel in USA!

Ostrich farm Solvang

During our recent trip, we covered a host of popular attractions in US. And we did some most unusual activities too. One such offbeat thing to do in USA was feeding ostriches!

It all started when we saw Ostrichland boards on the highway on our way back from Los Angeles to Cupertino where we were staying. A huge ostrich cutout was almost swooping down at us. The children in the group would have none of the we-can-do-it-next time excuses. We were anyway spending the night at Santa Ynez Valley Mariott which appeared to be in the vicinity of the ostrich farm in Solvang  so no one did mind really.

Solvang is a quaint town in Santa Ynez Valley, California. Steeped in century-old Dutch traditions, this place still has windmills and horse-drawn carriages. Straight out of the inside spread of a fairy tale book, Solvang itself was a pleasant revelation. It was difficult to believe that behind the glamorous fascia of US life, there could be such a peaceful hamlet too.

Ostrichland, Solvang

Solvang had many surprises in store. It was the address of Ostrichland, a ranch that bred ostriches and emus. The birds were kept in large open spaces with wired fencing and we could not spot the boundaries of their pens. The area was part of the Santa Ynez Valley surrounded by hills. The hills provided a beautiful canvas for the big birds in a very Wild West cowboy setting.

Ostrichland was not just any random farm space opened to the public. The ostrich theme was evident in the décor as well. Ostrich photo booths, cast iron basins in that shape, and painted wings, it was a proper well thought out design. Yet it did not interfere with the surrounding natural beauty. At the entrance, just after the parking, there was a souvenir shop. A visitor could buy ostrich eggs, items made with ostrich feathers, knick-knacks, and stationery from here.

We went on a weekday. Nevertheless, it was rather crowded. We could see that Ostrichland was a popular attraction in the area.

Ostrich farm feeding

 

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On our way back from LA, we came across Ostrichland, an ostrich farm in Solvang. The #ostrich are kept in pens but #tourists are allowed to feed them at feeding stations. Some of the big birdies were hungry while some had just too much breakfast. Many of them were tallll like about 7 feet! But not a single guy was aggressive or charged at the human visitors. In fact, the ostrich almost had a sense of sympathetic indifference towards the people folk. . . . . . . . #Wanderlust #ustravel #aroundtheworld #travel #travelingram #backpacking #travelblog #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelholic #worldcaptures #exploretocreate #travelphoto #artofvituals #mytravelgram #wonderful_places #instavacation #discoverearth #worldplaces #traveldream #vacationmode #instavacation #travelandleisure #usa

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The visitors to Ostrichland could buy plates of ostrich food and feed the birds at feeding stations on the wired fence. They would have to place the food bowl on a stand made in a narrow slit and the birds would come and peck the food pellets away. Some of the big birdies were hungry while some had just too much breakfast. Many of them were tall like about 7 feet! But not a single guy was aggressive or charged at the human visitors. Rather, the ostrich almost had a sense of sympathetic indifference towards the visiting people folk.

Ostrich farm Solvang hours

Ostrichland at Solvang has variable opening hours depending on the seasons throughout the year. When we went early winter last year, they were open from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Ostrichland ticket

Unlike many other activities we did in USA, Ostrichland was one of the most affordable. If our memory serves us correctly, we paid a modest USD 5 for entry and USD 1 for buying the plate of food.

Ostrich farm experience

We do not know whether this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us or whether we shall be able to visit an ostrich farm again. All we know is that our trip to Ostrichland would be unforgettable. It has been a few months and we still cherish the time we spent in watching and feeding the ostriches and emus. When we look at the photos we took at the photo booths, it all appears so incredible. Seeing the birds up and close was beyond our wildest dreams. The scenic beauty of this area is also something etched in our minds. It was so well worth the stop in our rather busy itinerary. If you are in this part of the world, Ostrichland is a must-visit.

Pro-tip

Try and make it early to Ostrichland. The birds tend to have no appetite later in the day and may not be interested in the food you offer. That may be disappointing since feeding the ostriches and emus is an experience you would not want to miss if you are here.

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