When I told people I was going to Lompoc, I kept being asked, What’s in Lompoc? For Lompoc, that question is all wrong – because it is exactly the lack of any sightseeing agenda that makes Lompoc such a great weekend getaway a comfortable 2 1/2 hrs from LA.
Wthout any must-see must-do lists to check off, you can just luxuriate in its simple charms. Meander through its winding back roads that cut through open farms which fade into rolling hills. Hang out with the locals and get a sense of their rootedness in the land and the community as they recall childhoods bicycling through the fields knowing everyone.
Here are more ways to fall into the town’s gentle pursuits and low key pace.
Heritage Walk. Stroll through Old Town Lompoc on a one-mile, self-guided tour. Eighteen stops along the way include the Andrew L. Huyck House (1890), Artesia School House (1876), Lompoc Museum (1911), and the Italian Stone Pines (planted 1940).
Murals. The 40 murals on street corners, and on sides of prominent buildings on street corners, and alleyways have turned Old Town Lompoc into an outdoor art gallery. Besides their artistic merit, the themes present a fascinating look into Lompoc’s heritage, flower industry, historic sights, ethnic diversity, and scenic beauty. There are few better alternatives to spending a gorgeous spring day soaking in the warm sun, the beauty of the surroundings and the art.
Mission. Originally built in 1797, the La Purisima Mission State Park is the most extensively restored mission in California. The historic buildings and the livestock bring alive mission life in the early 19th century, offering a great opportunity to step back in time and explore California’s heritage. The park frequently povides a re-creation of life here during the 1820s, with weaving, pottery making, candle making, blacksmithing, and leatherwork demonstrations. In addition to the restored structures, the nearly 2,000 acre park offers about 25 miles of hiking trails.
Lompoc Museum. Lompoc Museum features exhibits of Chumash Indians, a recreation of old Lompoc storefronts, and the pioneer history of Lompoc Valley. The museum also features art, photography, and traveling exhibits.
Lompoc Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art aquatics facility and one of the largest indoor water parks in California. It features a competition pool, water slides, lap pool, a play structure and therapy pool, and is a favorite venue for swim competitions, swim team trainings, water polo tournaments, and private rentals.
Wineries. The Santa Rita Hills is a major wine producing region home to some great wineries. Venture out on its wine trail to nearby wineries such as Mellville for wine tasting in tranquil surroundings.
The Lompoc Wine Ghetto is a collection of about 20 boutique tasting rooms and production facilities including Artisan Uprising, Pali Wine Company, Fiddlehead Cellars, La Montagne Wines, Flying Goat Cellars, Tyler Winery, Black Sheep Finds, Palmina Winery.
Flower Fields. Lompoc is one of the great flower production centers of the country, so from April through October you can find spectacular patches of colors as you drive by the flower fields of Lompoc Valley – Stock, Larkspur, Delphinium and Bells of Ireland along with other cut flower varieties grown by local growers like Ocean View Flowers. You can also find an abundance of wildflowers like poppies, lupine, mustard in bloom on local country roads and hiking trails.
There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the outdoors. Great for hiking are La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Trails and the Nojoqui Falls Park Trail with its a 100-foot waterfall that tumbles down from high cliffs into a natural pool. Popular Roads for scenic cycling include Jalama Road to Jalama Beach & the Pacific Coast, Santa Rosa Road Loop, Drum Canyon to Harris Grade, Ocean Ave from Old Town to Ocean Beach Park.
For golfers, there is The La Purisima Golf Course and The Mission Club with spectacular natural setting of stately oaks and mature pine trees and undulating and terraced greens.
For the super adventurous Skydive Santa Barbara offers 3 tandem jump options – 8,000 ft, 13,000 ft, and 18,000 foot – the highest tandem jump in the US with views of the Pacific ocean, hillsides, and vineyards.
Hotel options in Lompoc include the newly renovated Embassy Suites which offers spacious two-room suites with complimentary cooked to order breakfasts and Evening Receptions in the Garden Room. Amenities include a Business Center, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
The town also offers a large range of dining options. Family owned and operated for 35 years, La Botte Italian Restaurant is a local fixture offering traditional Italian fare fresh – pastas, seafood and house-made desserts. When regulars don’t show up, ‘Mama’ Agate might check up to see if they are OK, and has been known to send over chicken soup!
Scratch Kitchen in Lompoc features locally sourced farm fresh cuisine, seasonal specials, craft beers, and local small production wines. The Solvang Brewing Company’s new Lompoc location features a state-of-the-art brewing facility plus an on-site taproom with an impressive selection of craft beers. Its Hoptions Taproom & Eatery features on-tap options include Lagers, Ales, Pilsners and Stouts. Menu items include specialty starters, fresh salads, artisan pizzas, gourmet Angus burgers, and signature entrees.
And when you do find yourself in Lompoc, please do better than I did: it is correctly pronunced ending in `poke’, not ‘pock’ as many Angelenos tend to do.
For more information, please visit https://explorelompoc.com.