Lompoc, California

1. Step back in time at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

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

2. Fish or swim in Jalama Beach County Park

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

3. Have a picnic in Ocean Beach Park

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

4. Learn about nature at Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve

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

5. Visit the education center at Return to Freedom – American Wild Horse Sanctuary

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

6. Go wine tasting at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto

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

7. Take a tour of the 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

8. Go wine tasting at 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

9. Immerse yourself in history at 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