Ostrichland USA in Solvang is one of those places that seems almost too quirky to be real, but there it is on the Central Coast—an actual working ostrich and emu ranch where you can hand-feed these enormous birds. The guided tours take you right out onto the property where you’ll find yourself face-to-face with ostriches that tower over you and emus that will happily eat from your hand if you’ve got the nerve. It’s surreal and genuinely fun, especially if you’ve never been this close to birds this size before.

The best part for dog owners is that dogs are welcome to come along. You can walk the grounds with your dog while you’re exploring, which means your dog gets to experience something unusual too. Fair warning: some dogs find the large birds a bit intense at first, so if your dog is nervous around unfamiliar animals, you might want to keep them close and let them observe from a comfortable distance. Others find it endlessly entertaining to watch the ostriches and emus roam around.

Beyond the interactive bird experience, there’s a gift shop on the property stocked with ostrich-feather dusters, emu-related souvenirs, and other items you wouldn’t find just anywhere. It’s the kind of place that makes for good stories afterward—you know, “So there was this time we went to an ostrich ranch in Solvang with the dog…”

The ranch sits in the heart of Solvang’s Danish-themed village area, so you could easily combine a visit here with exploring the town’s shops, restaurants, and the scenic Santa Ynez Valley beyond. Bring your dog, bring your camera, and be ready for an afternoon that’s definitely different from your typical weekend outing. Check their website for current tour times before you head over.