When planning our #UnminivanMoments #CaliforniaGold road trip up the California Coast, we made a choice, almost immediately, to stop by Ostrich Land USA. I mean, really, who doesn't want to see an ostrich or emu up-close?!
Ostrich Land USA is located near Solvang, off the 101 Freeway in Buellton. It's a great first stop when you’re headed to Solvang or any of the Santa Ynez Valley wineries.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by the friendly staff and you can poke around the gift shop before your self-guided or staff-guided tour. From ostrich eggs, to ostrich feathers and other ostrich-themed items, it was a kitschy start to our tour.
Ostrich Land USA is a zoo or wildlife reserve of sorts, that allowed us to get up close and personal with these big birds. The land on which they roam is quite lovely; and seeing them walking about on the plain that resembles their native desert gives you the sense that you are somewhere else other than in the middle of the California Central Coast.
The highlight of a
visit to Ostrich Land is feeding the ostriches and emus. These big birds are a rare and unique sight in this part of the world, so I had no idea how they would react: Trust me when I say this: use two hands to feed the birds and keep the phone away from them - they will try to eat it!We were also in the right season to meet the newest arrivals to Ostrich Land, baby emu's and ostrich's! O.M.G! Absolutely adorable!!!
Our tour guide Sonya mentioned that many folks ask to buy the babies - but of course they are not for sale. But you can view them during the summer months. They grow quickly and will be "juveniles" by the time winter arrives.
Before we left, we were also introduced to an outdoor "shop" within the Ostrich Land USA property that sold local fruits, nuts, honey and even ostrich meat. If you are planning on continuing your trip or in the middle of a roadtrip like we were, it was a nice place to stock-up on healthy snacks for the road.
Ostrich Land USA
610 E Highway 246
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 686-9696
Hours:
Open Daily, 9am to Dusk
Admission:
Age 12 and below: $1 + Ostrich/Emu Food
Age 13 and above: $4 + Ostrich/Emu Food
NOTE: Contact Ostrich Land before planning your visit with 15 or more travelers/tours