We will be on a cruise ship excursion on Mother's Day next year and have three free hours in Solvang. We are hoping to meet my in-laws for lunch, but being Mother's Day, we are not sure if it is a very busy day for dining and if it is a good idea to have them drive from Santa Barbara. Thank you for all suggestions.
Solvang is always busy on the weekend with day-trippers from the LA area (we did it several times 40 years ago when we lived in Orange County). You can be certain that Mother's Day will be a total zoo there! Any chance you could meet for lunch at a nice spot in Santa Barbara? Although it will be busy there as well, I think you'll have better luck than in Solvang. (More GOOD restaurants to choose from, too.)
Forty years ago people did go to Solvang from LA! Maybe not so much anymore. ; )
If the cruise ship drives you to Solvang, then ask your in laws to meet you up there. It's only a 45 minute drive, and in the spring it will be nice. Sure it will be busy, but if you have reservations, you won't be waiting to get in a restauant.
