About a week ago, I took a trip along the California Central Coast. Although there are many tourist attractions along the California coast, one particular stop is one that should not be missed.

The town of Solvang, Ca, about 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara along hHighway101, is a chance to see motif-laden Danish town in the middle of California. The town is very walkable and a majority of its attractions can be done in an afternoon.

Here are five reasons why you should stop in Solvang if you are taking a trip along California's Central coast.

1. Danish Pancakes

Paula's Pancake House: 1531 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463

I wasn't aware I needed to try Danish pancakes until I ate them for the first time in Solvang. Along with my roadtrip pals, we decided to try a restaurant named "Paula's Pancake House". Although it was mid-afternoon, we thought that it wouldn't hurt to eat pancakes in the middle of the day.

I was surprised at how light and airy the pancakes way, and despite my portion appearing large, I was able to eat it along with the strawberries they were topped with, as well as the eggs and bacon that came with the meal. These danish pancakes are definitely worth a try if you ever visit Solvang, whether they're topped with seasonal fruit and whipped cream or plain.

2. Easily Walkable

The tourist town only sprawls a few blocks, so its easy to walk through most of Solvang in a couple of hours. The streets are laden with Danish themed architecture and allusions to the Danes, such as the naming of a "Hamlet Square" and a bust of Hans Christen Andersen along one of the main roads.

There are also many gift shops and eateries, from sit down restaurants to places that serve traditional Danish deserts such as aebleskiver (donut balls topped with a fruit jam) to their customers along the street.

3. Unique Tourists Gifts

Although most tourist destinations have the typical magnets and symbols to signify their specific locale, Solvang has tourist gifts that stand out from the typical tourist stand.

Seemingly hand crafted, gifts include magnet shaped shoes that appear handcrafted, to mugs that depict a 3-D Danish windmill. Most of these gifts are unique to Solvang and make for adorable gifts for traveling tourists.

4. A Chance To See A California Mission

Mission Santa Ines is located just on the outskirts of the town, on the eastern side. It is a great opportunity to see a California mission if you have never been to one.

The mission is smaller in size, compared to other old Spanish California Missions, and a tour of the mission grounds and church takes less than an hour.

5. Only 45 minutes North Of Santa Barbara

Solvang is also a nice mintrip for those visting Santa Barbara, since Solvang is roughly 45 minutes north of the city, along the 101. The drive to the small town is nice, with travelers able to share highway one with sweeping views of the coastline for several miles along the route.

In an afternoon one can drive from Santa Barbara to Solvang, see the town, and visit one of the many state beaches along the stretch of coastline before checking out the Santa Barbara nightlife. There is really no excuse to not visit Solvang, even if its just a stop to eat some Danish pancakes.