Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on California’s Central Coast? Head to Lompoc! Discover colorful flower fields, explore historic missions, sip local wines, and stroll vibrant downtown streets. Whether you're seeking outdoor beauty, art, or wine country vibes, Lompoc delivers small-town charm with unforgettable views.
Lompoc, CA Highlights:
- La Purísima Mission State Historic Park: Tour one of California’s best-preserved Spanish missions and walk scenic trails.
- Downtown Lompoc Murals: Admire over 40 vibrant murals depicting local history and culture throughout downtown streets.
- Lompoc Flower Fields: Visit in spring to see dazzling commercial flower fields stretching across the valley.
- Wine Ghetto: Explore a unique cluster of tasting rooms offering boutique wines from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
- Jalama Beach: Relax or surf at this remote beach known for rugged beauty and the legendary Jalama Burger.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lompoc is during the spring and early summer (March–June) to catch the flower fields in full bloom. Fall is also wonderful for wine tasting and cooler beach days.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lompoc is located off Highway 1, about 1 hour north of Santa Barbara and 4 hours south of San Francisco.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops at nearby Surf Station (a few miles west of Lompoc).
- By Air: The nearest airports are Santa Barbara Airport (about 50 minutes away) and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (about 1 hour away).
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc – Modern hotel with a pool, restaurant, and easy access to downtown and wine country.
- Inn at Highway 1 – Comfortable and affordable lodging ideal for exploring the nearby beaches and vineyards.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc Central Coast – Family-friendly suites with free breakfast and a convenient location for sightseeing.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Step back in time at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
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Come and learn all about everyday life in the 1800’s at the beautifully restored La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc.
The mission was founded in 1787 to serve the Chumash people and some Spanish settlers and in its heyday the inhabitants herded many thousands of cattle and sheep.
A visit to the mission will give you the chance to learn all about this part of California’s heritage as you explore the mission on either a guided or self-guided tour.
If you visit during one of the mission’s special Living History events you will see costumed guides demonstrating old skills like candle and soap making, spinning, weaving and leather work. The 2000 acre estate has a modern Visitor’s Center and over 25 miles of hiking trails.
Address: La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, 2295 Purisima Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-733-3713, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Video
⮕ Fish or swim in Jalama Beach County Park
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Conveniently located about 45 minutes from Lompoc and an hour from Santa Barbara, the Jalama Beach County Park is a secluded beach park which offers numerous facilities for day trippers or vacationers. People come to the park to enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, whale-watching and spectacular coastal views. (There are lifeguards on duty in summer but due to the rough surf you swim at your own risk). You can pack a picnic to enjoy at the picnic area or bring your tent or RV and spend a few days soaking up the California sun. The park has a well-stocked convenience store/grill and you can book a campsite or self-catering cabin in advance.
Address: Jalama Beach County Park, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-568-2460
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Have a picnic in Ocean Beach Park
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You will find Ocean Beach Park at the mouth of the Santa Ynez River, where it forms part of the Vandenberg State Marine Preserve. At the river mouth there is an estuary lagoon which attracts many birds and birding enthusiasts, but the bad news is that the entire beach park is closed to the public from March to September to protect Snowy Plover breeding sites. If you do plan a winter visit you will find restrooms, a picnic area with grills and a good beach for walking and beachcombing. Surfers should think twice before venturing into the ocean here - there have been two fatal shark attacks on this beach and all swimming is at your own risk.
Address: Ocean Beach Park, Ocean Park Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436
⮕ Learn about nature at Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve
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Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts can visit one of the last remaining stands of maritime chaparral at the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve located close to Lompoc. The reserve covers over 5,000 acres between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Purisima Hills, where visitors can uncover a large variety of rare and unique coastal scrub species and the wildlife which have made the reserve their home. You are welcome to come and explore the trails on foot (leashed dogs are also welcome) – bring your binoculars and camera to be prepared for some good bird and other wildlife sightings. You may visit the reserve from sunrise to sunset daily.
Address: Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, Burton Mesa Blvd, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 858-467-4201
⮕ Visit the education center at Return to Freedom – American Wild Horse Sanctuary
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Most people have no idea that by the late 1970’s America’s free-ranging herds of wild horses and donkeys had been almost completely wiped out by man. On 1500 acres of land on California’s Central Coast Return to Freedom endeavors to provide a place where 400 wild horses and burros can live out their lives in a free and natural way. Besides providing a sanctuary for the often traumatized horses, Return to Freedom – American Wild Horse Sanctuary operates an education center where the public can learn more about how horses live in the wild and how to become activists on their behalf. You can help by joining a Sanctuary Tour (where you can to meet some of the four-legged ambassadors), offering your time as a volunteer or joining one of their Photographic Safaris.
Address: Return to Freedom, 4115 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-737-9246
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Go wine tasting at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto
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The Lompoc area has dozens of wineries to explore and in the case of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto you don’t even need to leave town to find a tasting room. If you can imagine a collection of small-batch wineries and tasting rooms located in the middle of an urban industrial complex, you will have a fair idea of what to expect at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. The artisan vintners who have set up shop in the ghetto are producing some sensational award-winning wines which you can taste at a few of the 20 boutique tasting rooms. Most are open from Thursdays to Sundays.
Address: Lompoc Wine Ghetto, 200 North 9th Street, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-735-8937
⮕ Take a tour of the Melville Winery
© Melville Winery
Celebrated for its organic farming and stupendous bottles of wine made exclusively from their self-grown vines, the Melville Winery is an undeniable treat for wine enthusiasts and aficionados who want to sample Lompoc’s best offerings. The Melville Winery is nestled within the breathtaking Sta. Rita Hills promises a great tasting experience with spacious and breezy outdoor seating being the winery’s recommended space to enjoy a tasting flight. Sample your choice of the vineyard's wide range of bottles while enjoying Lompoc’s fresh air and glorious vineyard views. Guests can also learn more about the Melville Winery, their farming practices, and more through Melville’s estate and winery tours.
Address: 5185 East Highway 246, Lompoc, California 93436, Phone: 805-735-7030
⮕ Go wine tasting at Babcock Winery and Vineyards
© Babcock Winery and Vineyards
Babcock Winery and Vineyards invite you to come and experience a wine-tasting with a difference in their eclectic Vineyard Tasting Room where you will be surrounded by an interesting mix of mid-century props and 70’s music. The winery produces a fine range of wines with an emphasis on micro-vineyard Pinot Noirs which showcase the remarkable Terrior of the Estate. Other varietals which you can try include some complex barrel-fermented Chardonnays as well as all the popular classics like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris. Winemaker Bryan Babcock is not shy to experiment and also produces his Identity Crisis wine, which is a white wine made from Syrah grapes.
Address: Babcock Winery and Vineyards, 5175 E. Highway 246, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-736-1455
⮕ Immerse yourself in history at The Lompoc Valley Historical Society
© The Lompoc Valley Historical Society
You will find The Lompoc Valley Historical Society headquarters in the first two-story home built in Lompoc back in 1875. The historic home has been fully renovated and restored and is now home to furnishings and décor in keeping with its Victorian heritage. You can tour the home at your own pace before moving on to visit the Carriage House where buggies, saddles and everything required for a horse and carriage is displayed. The Blacksmith Shop includes displays of all the tools and equipment needed for a blacksmith to ply his trade. Last but not least you can visit the Museum Room which displays all the “modern” kitchen equipment used back in the day. Entry to the museum is free (but donations are gratefully accepted).
Address: The Lompoc Valley Historical Society, 207 N. L Street, Lompoc, CA 93436, Phone: 805-735-4626
Where to Eat
- Scratch Kitchen – Farm-to-table eatery featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and craft cocktails.
- Floriano’s Mexican Food and Fresh Cuts – Tasty Mexican dishes and premium carne asada tacos.
- South Side Coffee Co. – Cozy spot for specialty coffees, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods.
- Jalama Beach Grill – Famous for its iconic Jalama Burger—worth the drive to the beach!
If you are interested in local events:
- Flower Festival (June) – Celebrate Lompoc’s flower heritage with parades, carnival rides, live music, and a street fair.
- Lompoc Chalks Art Festival (October) – Watch incredible street art unfold in real-time with vibrant chalk masterpieces.
- Old Town Market (Summer Fridays) – Seasonal street market featuring food vendors, local artisans, and live entertainment.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Lompoc, California:
- Solvang (25–30 min) – Stroll a charming Danish-style village, indulge in pastries, and visit wineries.
- Buellton (25 min) – Sip wine, visit the famous Pea Soup Andersen’s, or explore nearby trails.
- Santa Ynez (30 min) – Discover historic Old West vibes, upscale wineries, and art galleries.
- Vandenberg Space Force Base (10–20 min) – Spot rocket launches or visit local exhibits (some areas may require access passes).
- Surf Beach (15–20 min) – A quieter coastal escape perfect for sunset views and beach walks.
- Gaviota State Park (30 min) – Hike rugged cliffs or relax on a scenic, often secluded beach.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Lompoc located?
- Lompoc is a popular getaway destination in Santa Barbara County.
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What types of travelers enjoy visiting Lompoc?
- Lompoc attracts wine lovers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts.
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What wine experiences are available in Lompoc?
- Visitors can enjoy wine tasting by:
- Driving along the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Trail to discover some of the best locally made wines.
- Joining a 246 Wine Tour and leaving the driving to an expert guide.
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What other attractions can visitors explore in Lompoc?
- Lompoc offers a variety of attractions, including:
- Historic sites
- The Lompoc Murals
- A wild horse sanctuary
- A missile and satellite launch facility
Map:
Plan Your Trip