Been in this area many times but never knew this place existed. It's a rescue farm that's been around since 2005. It's by appointment only on weekdays, and open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. It's a guided tour that lasts about 20-30 minutes. Price was $10 per person with a $40 minimum at the time of our visit (7/21/2022). We got to pet and feed some of the animals. I may have forgotten some but there were chickens, turkeys, geese, goats, donkeys, small cows, a large tortoise, a rabbit, and even a zonkey (zebra and donkey mix). You can also purchase fresh eggs here for $7/dozen. read more

SEEIN' SPOTS FARM IN SOLVANG, CA. My Hubby - Tim with Chinese Goose resident of the farm - Mr. Bill!!!! We travel up once, sometimes twice a year to the Santa Ynez Valley (our FAVORITE region in the world)and we always make an appointment to visit at the Seein' Spots Farm while we're up there to spend time with all of the rescues/animal family members who reside with Linda (the owner) which always leaves our spirits lifted for months afterward. We were up there this past week. This video is of my Hubby - Tim with MR. BILL - the 25 yr old Chinese Goose who does NOT like females and won't let any females near him...just his thing https://youtube.com/shorts/8D5cqdhsELw?feature=share4 MR. BILL does loooooove my Hubby and will scream at him watching through the chain link fence when he leaves his area while pacing back & forth at the farm to join me with the Goats, Donkeys, Sheep and Pigs in the adjacent area. MR. BILL has climbed up the rocks in the small pond area of the enclosure space for the Avians & HUGE Desert Tortoise - Turbo - and when my Hubby sees his beautiful friend peeking over the 6ft chain link fence from the rocks he climbed up to keep calling him back he ALWAYS feels guilty and states, "I have to get back to Mr. Bill!" MR. BILL will face Tim, stand on his shoes, tuck his long neck and head down between my Hubby's legs while Tim sweet talks him and keeps petting him. MR. BILL gives my Hubby little nibbles (gentle love nips?) on his hands sometimes as he pets him and when MR. BILL decides to step off of Tim's feet and stroll he expects Tim to follow...and he does On this visit I sat at the round table about 6 feet away from Tim while MR. BILL had ventured about 10 ft away for a moment and when BILL saw me near my Hubby he gave me "the stare" as he waddled back over to move me further away from Tim....SHEESH!! LOL....MY HUBBY BELONGS to MR. BILL when we visit...we loooooove it!!!!! MR. BILL and my Hubby have long conversations & interactions while I am off with the Donkeys, Mini Donkeys, Sheep & Goats giving brushings, pets and "chatting" with the critters and the goat I have a special affinity for...S'Mores. If you are ever in the Santa Ynez Valley area, go visit and interact with Linda and her lovely rescues/animal family members. Linda has one the most beautiful spirits we have ever encountered and her love for all of the residents at the farm...many who they have rescued from kill pens or harmful situations...exudes from every cell of her body. Visit and soak in the joy of all the animals that are so lovingly cared for at the Farm and ask Linda the names of the beautiful babies... aaaaaaand each one does have their own story and Linda will gladly tell those stories if you ask. Seein' Spots Farm is a non profit and they ask for a very small donation per person when you visit and a slightly ( very slightly) larger donation for groups of 10 or more for a M-F appointment time. The hours M-F are 11AM - 3PM for appoinments. Open to the public on Sat 11AM to 3PM with no appointment time needed and a small donation per person requested. read more

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This is a little hidden secret gem in the small town of Ballard. Ballard, population 450, is about 10 to 15 minutes from Solvang. The town has a sweet little coffee shop, some farms, a church, an old fashioned red school house, some wineries where you can do tasting...and this adorable miniature donkey and mule preserve. I absolutely love farm animals, so I was in heaven here. There were goats, sheep, pigs, geese, chickens, a wild turkey, a huge tortoise, miniature donkeys and miniature mules, babies and adolescents and adults, horses, and even a zonkey (Half zebra-half donkey). You can pet the animals and you can feed the horses and zonkey carrots. The animals are very socialized (except for the wild turkey, who is best avoided), and the family who runs this preserve takes excellent care of their animals. I spent quite a bit of time bonding with the baby miniature donkeys. The goats were also very friendly and affectionate. Tours were very reasonably priced at only $20 per person. Take a trip to Ballard. Escape city life. Go taste some wine and pet some baby miniature donkeys. read more

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Lovely outing for the kids who could get up close and personal with donkeys, goats, a few sheep and chickens. Ducks waddling around, chance to feed the mini cows and zebra-donkey hybrids. Oh and do pet the tortoise - it looks like a stone statue but is very much alive Our kids loved the experience, and to be fair, the adults thought it was pretty fun too. Our boys, 5 and 7, were allowed to brush the animals by themselves, wandering around freely among the animals, and could sit on the biggest donkey (with supervision). Cost 40 for three adults and two kids. Supporting the cause of rescuing the animals. This is not a zoo or an amusement park, it's a farm. It gets dirty, probably quite hot and dusty in the summer, and you have to behave around the animals. Take the time to learn from the gracious hosts. The kids came home with great memories and a closer connection to the animals. Don't forget to buy a pack of farm fresh eggs - chicken, duck or even goose! read more

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We loved the seein spots farm. It isa small farm where you get a tour and can feed some of the donkeys. We learned the names of the animals and all the animals were super friendly. We took our 1.5 year old and she really loved seeing the animals and even got to sit on a friendly donkey for a bit. It was $10 and well worth it for us to hang out with the animals. I would highly recommend. Linda and her husband were also super friendly. read more

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I loved my tour! The donkeys were sweet and friendly. I've been twice now with different friends and everyone enjoyed it very much. You get to go in the corral and pet them and hug them. They also have a Zonkey and a Colossal Donkey. The people and owner are lovely, well informed and will gladly answer all questions. The owners rescue donkeys from kill pens, rehabilitate and care for these wonderful animals. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

This is a genuine space of love to care for animals My friends have bought two mini donkeys from this amazing farm. Linda and her husband have a large property and the experience with animals to provide a great home for many rescued animals. This caring and harmonious farm has made a space where the animals feel safe and loved, The owners have an extremely beautiful farm. THis is a blend of all the talents needed to make this he very best place for you to find the donkey of your dreams! read more

We just had a wonderful time with Linda and her amazing eclectic mix of animals! I particularly loved the goose that only liked me (ok, he only likes men because his old owner was a single man!). But you can brush and pet a bunch of animals and feed others. She also has fresh eggs for sale. One dozen taken, thank you :) just call to make an appointment. It's about half an hour for $40 but you can stay brushing the mini goats etc. for as long as you like. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Brushing a cute baby mini donkey - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

This place is so great! Brought some friends and their young kids (7yrs + 5yrs) and they had a blast. I love that it's so much more than just a petting zoo. You really get to learn about the animals and we spent a long time just hanging out with the donkeys and brushing them. Seeing the "Zonkeys" was really interesting too! I had no idea they even existed. Overall, the owners were very nice and the animals seemed very well cared for. 10/10 would go back again, even without kids! read more

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Hardly a tour and really not worth $40 but it was for a good cause so it's all good. Super cute animals. Favorite were the pigs lol

Very cute...never been around donkeys and didn't realize how peaceful they are. Great afternoon to spend donkeys, fowl of all kinds, sheep, goats and a few mini cows and couple of pigs. Great place for kids to visit and adults too. Good idea to the owners out there to guide visitors. My cousin who I met there said it was almost better than the ostrich farm they visit when in the area..thanks again.. read more

My fiancé and I are huge animal lovers. We travel up to the Santa Ynez area a few times a year, and Seein' Spots Farm is always a must visit place for us. Linda is great! Her and her husband own this wonderful rescue farm, and they live there with their family. They rescue all sorts of animals; miniature donkeys, chickens, geese, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, horses, tortoises, dogs, cats, they even have a Zonkey! You can visit the farm for free, but if you want to go inside and mingle with all of the animals, a donation is required. Seeing all that Linda and her husband do for the animals in need, we never have a problem giving a little extra. My favorite animal is the fainting goat, he's so funny and adorable. My fiancé's favorite is of course, Bill, the gander. Bill lived with his single male owner for 14 years before his owner died and Linda adopted him. Bill only likes males, so ladies, don't try to pet Bill. ;) The farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm, and during the week by appointment only. If you're an animal lover, stop by and check this place out! You'll have so much fun with all of the animals. Also, the farm offers apple picking August-November! read more

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A great rescue group and a must visit place at Solvang! I felt very fortunate to have an opportunity to visit Seein Spot last weekend. This rescue is run by a very caring family, and houses many abandoned farm animals like geese, chicken, pigs, donkeys and goats in a beautiful huge yard. We arrived at the farm in the afternoon and was greeted by the owner's daughter Hannah. She gave us a personal tour of the facility and told us stories of the animals who were rescued to the farm. The most touching stories were Bill the geese, whose owner passed away after being raised by his owner for 14 years and is now enjoying beautiful sunshine in the new farm. We are also very touched to hear the story of Zeor, who is a zebra donkey mix used as attraction in a petting zoo but his previous owner wanted to get rid of him when grew into an adult and deemed unsuitable in a petting zoo. From touring the facility and hearing Hannah's stories, you can really tell the this family are really compassionate people and believe in their causes. We gave them a generous donation as we think very often livestock animals were overlooked in their welfare. I am so happy to see these animals are well cared and loved by people. In addition, the facility is very safe and well kept. The one on one tour from the family that runs the farm really gives you an educational and unique perspective on these beautiful animals. Highly recommend and a must see in Solvang for all animal lovers! read more

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While the animals are cute, the owners should take a course in manners and public relations. She overcharged our group and then didn't give us change! She just pocketed the money. The blonde lady is rude and standoffish, her husband just as unwelcoming. After multiple rebukes to our group about touching the animals at this so called hands on place, we just decided to leave. I do not recommend this place for ANYONE let alone children. My son, who is a special needs child with Autism, was very well behaved. After being told not to run, he didn't. Maybe these angry people don't like children, the special needs population, or just humans in general. AVOID THIS PLACE! read more

What a fun little place to visit for a very different experience and to support people doing good. I personally didn't find the $40 a high cost of admission for the two of us, after all we did our research ahead of time so knew it was there. All about being educated in your expectations. Cute donkeys, sheep, and goats love to come get rubbings and scratches. read more

Visited this farm this past weekend and it was a super fun experience! They had so many cute animals especially the donkeys which were all so friendly and soft. The thing that makes this farm even more special is the fact that's it's a rescue farm. The owner of the farm was friendly and informative of the animals. In order to go into the farm and actually touch the animals, you must pay a donation fee. However if you just want to look and take pictures outside, it is free. I loved meeting the zonkey (zebra and donkey hybrid) he was the sweetest thing and loves to be petted. He would even turn his body to the other side so we could pet both sides of his body. Overall a lovely Saturday afternoon spent at the farm. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Sweetest donkey! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

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We were excited to visit here with my three year old son after reading the reviews. The farm is kept clean and the animals are friendly but my big problem was how rushed it was. They were clearly trying to get to the next people waiting for their tour. We only got 20 minutes total with the animals. About 10 minutes in with the goats sheep and donkeys petting them and another 10 feeding the zonkey a couple slivers of carrots. They have a 40 minimum so it was 2 dollars per minute. Not worth it. read more

20 minute tour for 2 people for $40. If you're looking to support rescue animals , this is it. If you're looking for an educational tour with some history behind it you'll be sorely disappointed. read more

The Adventure Buddies had a great time at Seein' Spots Farm visiting goats, pigs, mini donkeys, tortoise, goose, ducks, roosters, rabbits, turkey, Zonkey.. We even got to hold a mini donkey it was incredible! If you are going to Solvang we recommend you stopping by the Farm read more

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Seein' Spots Farm is a unique and totally awesome place to visit if you live farm animals and animal rescue. Situated on a quiet road on the south side of Los Olivos, just north of Solvang, this farm is literally a haven of cuteness. With our out-of-town guests, who are animal rescuers and animal lovers (obviously), we made a spur-of-the-moment call to Seein' Spots Farm, while we were at Ostrichland. Good luck was with us, and we were invited to come by right away. 15 minutes later, we're there! The place is run entirely by a woman and her husband, and appears to be a few acres of large pens and enclosures, with several kinds of hoofstock and poultry, including a rare Mammoth Donkey" (yep, thats a thing) and, surprisingly, a "Zonkey", which is a hybrid Donkey/Zebra (see my attached pix! There were several different kinds of goats and sheep, some exotic pigs and several miniature horses and donkeys. The cutest was a baby donkey foal only a week or 2 old (pix attached), that Colleen (our friend) AND my wife, fell in love with. This is definitely a must-stop for adults and well-behaved children. The owner and her husband are very friendly, and when done visiting, a donation is greatly appreciated by them, as they do a lot of animal rescue, specializing in farm animals. Visitors are by appointment, and this place is very easy to find. There is a small parking lot that they direct you to, when you arrive. read more

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After our stop at the Ballard Church, we continued down the road in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley to the miniature donkey farm. Once there, it was a short drive up a dirt road as we passed the donkeys hanging out together in a fenced corral. I will admit, I was excited as a kid to see them. Linda Marchi, who owns and oversees the farm with her husband Brett, breed and sell the donkeys. They also take in rescued and abandon donkeys as well as other farm animals. The mini donkeys are the sweetest, most affectionate animal that will steal your heart away. They love to be petted and want to be by your side. Horses, they can take you or leave you, but donkeys just crave attention. There's even a trained therapy donkey who visits area retirement homes. The farm also have turkey, geese, rabbits, ducks, inquisitive goats, a tortoise, and a potbellied pig named Princess. That's not all, in a nearby field is a zonkey (zebra/donkey breed) named Zeyore and a blind former Grand Canyon pack mule. Entering the donkey field requires a donation, which is greatly appreciated. Open from 10 AM. to 3 PM. Wednesday thru Sunday. My wife wanted to take a donkey home, but remembered she has a "Big Ass One" (Me) already!....just kidding, she says I'm really quite lovable. read more

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Linda was very nice and informative about all her animals. She opened up for us on a non-operating day. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

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This place is fantastic! A great break to the day between wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. Know there is a "mandatory donation" of $5, but it is worth it and goes to a good cause because the animals are rescued. Also, bring some quarters for feed for the animals. It's self-paced, so you pet animals at your own leisure. This includes ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, and even turtles. Your feed will go fast so offer it sparingly. But the animals will eat right out of your hand!! How cool is that? And they are gentle, so don't be afraid. A word of caution: the goat took a bite out of my girlfriend's dress, so be aware of your surroundings. It wasn't dangerous, just hungry and attracted to her billowy dress. Make sure you stop here. I mean, look at me holding a goose. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

How is this place considered a 'rescue'??? They breed and sell donkeys, that is NOT a rescue. These animals live 30+ years and to breed them when so many are in need of homes and sold for slaughter at auction is beyond sad. Please stop masquerading as a rescue and taking people's money based on that charade. read more

This farm is so cool! Must do in Solvang! So many beautiful & friendly rescued animals. This is a lovingly run family farm that sits in their front yard. This is a very special place. They graciously accept $3/person donations (feel free to provide more supports for this beautiful sanctuary if you feel like it & are capable to do so). From Mis Piggy & Princess (the sweetest pot bellied pigs), to Nacho & Cleopatra (the softest mini-donkeys around), to Mr. Bill (the proud, affectionate & protective Toulouse Goose & my new BFF:) & all the animals in between, this visit was magical. Our girls had a blast! Our friends from Solvang were excited to learn of this hidden gem in their town (& will now take all visiting friends). My wife fell in love with a donkey. & I want Mr. Bill (I'm comin to get you my friend;) SLOW DOWN & ENJOY! read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Who's happier? Princess or me? ME! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

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I love love love this little farm!! the animals are just adorable, especially the miniature donkeys. it's a must see if you have kids and visit the Santa Ynez region!! the pigs are just so sweet and darn cute too, they sound like singing!! It's free to visit but donations are appreciated and suggested, I'd say $2 per person is good. read more

Saw this place on our way driving into Solvang. Wife said we had to go there and glad we did. It is a animal rescue and is donations only. All of the animals were so friendly. Even the darn goose that kept following me hahha. One of the little pigs broke into the hen house and wouldn't come out! These animals love the attention not to mention belly rubs lol. Great spot to stop and play with some animals when in town. read more

Okay, well Im pretty sure I WILL BE a fan, once I can get inside = ) I had planned a stop here while in the area wine tasting and sight seeings, however once we arrived the posted hours were different than those on this page, not sure if it was just for the weekend? Anyways, we missed open hours by about 5 mins and so all we could do was look over the fence from the road. However just THAT experience was enough for me to know I am a fan = ) Hoping to be back soon during open hours! I would def recommend calling the morning of just to double check the hours and not to rely on yelp. I believe the message also said that if you plan to visit during the week, you would need to call ahead to make reservations. read more

Good place to see! All the animals are friendly. Make sure you scratch the pigs' bellies as they love it so much! read more

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We loved visiting the farm! This is definitely something you want to do if you have kids. It was a highlight of our trip to Solvang, CA. read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

Seein spots is such a fun and wonderful experience in the region. Linda was so sweet and showed us around and also made it a comfortable and unique, educational time that was intimate and enjoyable. Loved meeting all the amazing animals! read more

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So much fun! When we came today they had a four day old donkey that you could pet and play with! They are also an animal rescue operation which I love. Definitely recommend! read more

This place is fantastic! The animals are all super friendly. I never knew geese were so much fun! read more

Seein' Spots Farm - Animal Shelters Near Me - Solvang, California

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This was one of our favorite spots in Solvang. We have a 15 month daughter who is just learning to walk and she loves animals. She had a blast at the farm. It's donation based so I gave $20 for my daughter, wife, and I and honestly it would be worth it if they charged and you had to pay that. Linda, the owner of the farm was so helpful and wonderful. Our daughter had fun rubbing a pigs belly, and brushing a goat. Linda even let her sit on a donkey and showed her first what it would be like so she wouldn't be scared. But the best part of the trip was that my wife was able to hold a chicken. She loves chickens and has been trying to convince me to let her have a coop in our yard (I'll never give in to this request.) But she was the happiest girl in the world when she got to hold one. If you have kids or you just love animals, this is a must see! We'll certainly be back. Bonus? The farm wore our daughter out so much she knocked out in the stroller so we could go wine tasting after! PS- they also have a Zonkey on the farm: a cross between a zebra and a donkey. Coolest looking thing. Thanks for your hospitality, Linda. We'll be back to see you and your farm friends again soon! read more

Rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, geese, turtles, fainting goats, miniature goats, Sicilian miniature donkeys. Awesome! Donations accepted read more

This place is lots of fun and way more hands on than I expected. For a donation (which I'm sure goes right back into feeding the menagerie) you can hang out wih a crazy assortment of cool animals. Some of the animals that you don't normally associate with being friendly and pettable, such as wild turkeys and chickens, will let you pet them. The mini-donkeys are so dang cute, but the goats, baby turkeys and other creatures were fun too. I really liked the Zonkey, which had the most amazing markings. If you are looking for something to do between wineries in order to keep you BAC in the happy range I reccomend stopping in here. We also bought some fresh goose egges, which I am excited to try. The family who runs this place is really friendly too and do a great job making everyone feel welcome (even if you don't have a kid). I say add the Quicksilver mini horses and Ostrichland to make it an animal themed, wine tasting extravaganza! read more

Really nice, loved the pig, wonderful that they rescue these darling souls. It is donation based to go into the petting area. The animals all looked well taken care of. The woman who runs it told us the history of many of the animals that reside there. It is a great place for people of all ages who love animals. read more

The people running this petting zoo are the coolest. Miniature donkeys are the attraction but honestly there's so much more to see. There's a GIANT tortoise, turkeys, a giant donkey some tiny cows, geese, pig and some beautiful roosters along with very friendly chickens wit fantastic names. The tour was great and we met both the husband and wife running the place who could not have been more gracious. I recommend this place. read more

I came here with my family about two years ago and it was extremely memorable. Unfortunately this time everything changed. After giving a nice donation, we were followed around by the owners and scalded numerous times about not having our kids run or make loud noises. Kids, petting zoo, and quiet do not mix very well. We were working full time trying to keep the kids calm but were still made very clear we were not welcome here. I assume they were having a bad day and probably over the last three years have had to deal with a bunch of rude people that don't watch their kids - be we are not one of them. Regardless I would NOT recommend and will not be back. As ironic as this sounds, do not go with kids! If you only have a group of adults then this would be acceptable. But not for kids anymore. read more

Heaven on earth for animal lovers. Skip the ponies at Quicksilver ranch and come here instead. Seein Spots rescues animals and gives them a wonderful place to live their lives, get loved on, and play! Pigs, geese, chickens, donkeys, goats, sheep, etc. All love to be loved! Maybe not a great place for little, little kids, (like under 5) since they need to understand how to respect the space of animals. Common sense, parents! Yes, there is a minor donation for entry. This helps to pay for the animals' care, so don't be cheap. Kudos to the owners and volunteers! My only suggestion is to please build a handwashing station outside the petting area. I had to use the hose! read more