Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House — Attraction in California

We took the Express transit from Solvang and was excited to check out this little museum. Came here and there was a sign on the door that said please ring the door bell and someone will be with you.

It was a Saturday and their hours are from 12-4. We got there at 3 and rang the doorbell twice. No one came but we saw that there was a private event soon to happen because people were setting up in the back courtyard. We flagged someone and they got the owner.

He said sorry they have a private event and that they were closed. Asked if we were here tomorrow. Umm..very unprofessional. It would be helpful if they had a disclaimer on the website saying that they would be closed for a private event on this date then we would have not made the visit.

It was inconvenient and inconsiderate of the owner. Would have been nice if he would let us in for 10 minutes or so.

Glad we only spent $3 round trip from the Express Transit instead of a double digit...

Santa Ynez Historical Museum is a "Hidden Gem" in the Santa Ynez Valley, just when U thought all was to see in Solvang, just drive East 10min further & find the Museum & Carriage House with amazing sit down courtyard, Cool exhibit rooms, 1800's & early 1900's relics older than your grandparents. Jaw dropping custom crafted Cowboy Saddles & ahh just too much to express. So I'll let the pics tell a lil story.. Have fun on your visit.. Ask for Joleen, Dottie, Krissy or Shoshana!...

Spent an afternoon exploring this little gem of a museum. Loads of local history and a fabulous collection of wagons and coaches, some accompanied by detailed stories about them. They are currently restoring a chuck wagon to add to the collection. The only downside I can see is that the museum is only open on Fridays and weekends. It's well worth visiting this place if you're anywhere in the...