17 Best Things To Do In Lompoc, California

1. Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fancy a glass of wine? One of the most fun things to do in Lompoc involves wine and lots of it! The Lompoc Wine Ghetto is an area in Lompoc that houses almost a dozen different wineries and an array of tasting rooms so you can find the perfect wine for you. Sandhi Cellar is one such tasting room, offering a taste of their current and future vintages. They’ll even discuss their winemaking process. If you like a winery with sustainability in mind, Chanin Wine puts a big emphasis on its organic vineyards and sustainable farming.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Address: Lompoc, CA 93436, United States

Website: Lompoc Wine Ghetto

2. Ryon Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Visiting Ryon Memorial Park is a fun activity in Lompoc for the whole family to enjoy! The community park is expansive with a land area of 22.5 acres (9.11 hectares), all filled with activities. Sports enthusiasts will love the park with courts and fields catering to a variety of sports such as tennis, pickleball, softball, baseball, soccer, and others. The children can play the day away in the playground while the adults prepare food in the group barbecue area. There is also a walking trail for those who like taking calm strolls.

3. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a state park and California mission, famous for being the most extensively restored mission in the state of California. Many visitors come here each year to visit this place and learn about the history at the mission’s visitor center and exhibit hall. This tourist attraction in Lompoc features lots of exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of the mission.

My family and I love visiting the different missions in California and this one is one of the many exciting ones you can explore. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Be sure to stop and see the livestock and hike on the 25-mile (40.2-kilometer) scenic hiking trail, by the mission.

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Address: 2295 Purisima Rd, Lompoc, California

Website: La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

4. Lompoc Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lompoc Museum (@lompocmuseum)

Lompoc Museum is a small, but interesting museum that educates and enlightens visitors about Lompoc’s rich history. It is located in the place where the old Carnegie Library was, as a place to preserve the Ruth Collection of Chumash and other Native American artifacts. On display are various chipped stone tools such as arrowheads, spear points, drills, and knives. Finally, here you will also find numerous stone bowls, shell beads and other shell adornments, bone tools, and pieces of ground stone that highlight history in a wonderful way.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1 pm to 5 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The admission price to get in is only 1 USD, for adults. Members and children get in free of charge.

Lompoc Museum

Address: 200 South H Street, Lompoc, CA 93436

Website: Lompoc Museum

5. Artesia School Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

I love to see old schoolhouses to imagine how kids were educated, back in the day. The Artesia School Museum gives me that opportunity. This school used to be out in the valley so it would be easy for the children of farmers to study. It has since been moved and is now a museum.

It is interesting to note that the Artesia School was the first of twelve early country schools, built in the Lompoc Valley. Since the school was a one-room schoolhouse, students in first through eighth grades all attended together, in the one room. The school closed in 1961 and in 1995, the Artesia School Museum was opened to the public, after restoration work by the Lompoc Valley Historical Society. Thanks to the hard work of the society, this place is a major stop on the History Bus Tour conducted by Lompoc Museum docents. The Artesia Schoolhouse has the honor of being a City and County Landmark, in Lompoc.

The Artesia School Museum is open on the 4th Saturday of every month from 2 pm to 4 pm, except major holidays. There are guided tours and period items here and it is a great educational site, for everyone. .

Artesia School Museum

Address: 115 W Chestnut Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

Website: Artesia School Museum

6. Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you love horses as much as I do and would love to see them out in the wild, up close, this nonprofit sanctuary is the place for you. Here, you can see wild mustangs along with all other kinds of wild horses, that live and enjoy the same style of life they had in the wild. It is a beautiful sight to see them run and be free. You can hike here or even take a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

At this sanctuary, you can sponsor a horse or take part in a photo safari. As for the photo safari, you must schedule an appointment and bring at least 4 guests along. The safari is led by either RTF volunteers and/or professional photographers. Get a memorable photo with these beautiful animals. A donation is suggested.  

Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary

Address: Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436

Website: Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary

7. Lompoc Valley Historical Society

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Be sure to stop here and take a tour to learn about the history of Lompoc. You certainly will not regret it. Here, you will find an 1875 Victorian house, that has been maintained very well and has many displays. There are a lot of artifacts to be seen and you will also find a blacksmith shop, carriage house, museum, as well as a reference room.

What is impressive is that the Lompoc Valley Historical Society does not have paid staff, nor does it depend on support from any governmental agency. The Society’s income depends on memberships, as well as regular and memorial donations, Trash & Treasure sales, fees for their research material and sales of books and miscellaneous items. The Society’s daily business is handled by dedicated volunteers who work hard to preserve the history of the town of Lompoc.

Just a fun fact: There is an exhibit downstairs in the Lompoc Museum that is maintained by the Lompoc Valley Historical Society. Be sure not to miss this when you are there.

The hours of this historic place are as follows: 4th Saturday of the month 10 am to 1 pm. There are special hours on Thanksgiving and in December for holiday decorations, so the regular hours are suspended.

It is a place that deserves a stop when you are in Lompoc for a visit.

Lompoc Valley Historical Society

Address: 207 N L St, Lompoc, California

Website: Lompoc Valley Historical Society

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Anne

8. Palmina Wines Tasting Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Palmina Wines (@palminawines)

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lompoc with friends, check out Palmina Wines Tasting Room. Started in 1995, this winery produces a full range of wines from Italian varietals that are grown in Santa Barbara County, California. The winery isn’t trying to copy Italian wines but is rather translating the grapes to the county’s local growing conditions. Italian by inspiration, the wines are produced to be a delicious accompaniment to any meal. Palmina Wines are sold at bottle shops and restaurants throughout the country, as well as exported to Japan and Canada. However, they can also be tasted and purchased locally in the Lompoc Wine. A number of enjoyable events are held at the winery, so do check their website for details.

Palmina Wines Tasting Room

Address: 1520 E Chestnut Ct, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: Palmina Wines Tasting Room

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Wed)

9. Longoria Winery & Tasting Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LONGORIA WINES (@longoriawines)

Longoria Wines was established in 1982. The small, family-owned winery produces artisanal wines with grapes from the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Owner Rick Longoria is a pioneer winemaker who has been in the local wine industry since 1976. The distinctive wines are produced for their purity and compatibility with food. The wines are said to be closer to European wines in style than the normal California wines. Wine tastings can be enjoyed here daily, and patrons can then purchase the wines of their choice. Visitors can also join the winery’s wine club to receive regular deliveries of the latest wines.

Longoria Winery & Tasting Room

Address: 415 E Chestnut Ave, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: Longoria Winery & Tasting Room

Opening hours: 11am - 4:30pm (daily)

10. Old Town Lompoc

Nestled in the heart of Lompoc Valley, Old Town Lompoc offers a small-town vibe, where vintage architecture, colorful murals, and historic treasures are to be seen. Visitors can explore a variety of antique shops, eateries, historic sites, Lompoc Museum, and Cypress Gallery, as well as Lompoc Certified Farmers’ Market. The alleyways and street corners of Old Lompoc have been turned into an outdoor art gallery, with brightly painted murals. These depict the top attractions of the city, including the flower industry, the city’s heritage, scenic beauty, and historic sights. Art Alley is another spot where murals can be seen, and visitors can collect a mural map at Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to set them on their way. Visitors can also enjoy Old Town Heritage Walk, which is a self-guided tour of many of the historic attractions.

Old Town Lompoc

Address: S H St, Lompoc, California, USA

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

11. Lompoc Flower Fields

Lompoc Flower Fields are located in what is dubbed the “Valley of Arts and Flowers”. In this Lompoc attraction, visitors can enjoy scenes of colorful flowers between spring and fall. Among the varieties to be seen are larkspur, sweet pea, and delphinium, among others, all grown by the local commercial flower growers. The flower fields rotate each year and are located throughout the Lompoc Valley, including west of Old Town Lompoc, from Floradale Avenue to Union Sugar Avenue and along Central Avenue. The best time to visit is between April and September each year. Visitors must note that the flower fields are privately owned and cannot be entered, but make a spectacular scene for those keen on photography.

Lompoc Flower Fields

Address: 3314-3568 W Central Ave, Lompoc, California, USA

12. Ocean Beach Park

Visiting Ocean Beach Park is one of the best things to do in Lompoc this weekend. It is located at the mouth of the Santa Ynez Rive and surrounded by Vandenberg Air Force Base. Ocean Beach is backed by dunes, while the river runs to a wide lagoon, which is ideal for birding fans since there are a number of species that come here. Surf Beach is south of Ocean Beach. Please note that due to the snowy plover nesting season, Ocean Beach Park is closed to the public between March 1 and September 30. Other beaches in the area occasionally have seasonal restrictions due to nesting birds. Facilities in Ocean Beach Park include restrooms, picnic tables, and barbeque facilities. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash. A visit here is definitely one of the best things to do around Lompoc.

Ocean Beach Park

Address: 6851 Ocean Park Rd, Lompoc, California, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

13. Skydive Santa Barbara

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skydive Santa Barbara (@skydivesantabarbara)

For those who haven’t tried skydiving yet, Skydive Santa Barbara is the ideal place to learn all about skydiving. It is also great for experienced skydivers. Newbies can experience tandem skydiving from varying heights. While at first, you go tandem, here you can also learn how to become a solo and licensed skydiver. For those daredevils, Skydive Santa Barbara also offers the world’s highest tandem skydive from 18,000 ft (5,486 m), complete with wonderful views of the coastline and the ocean. Besides the fun of skydiving, patrons can also celebrate special events at Skydive Santa Barbara, including birthdays and anniversaries.

Skydive Santa Barbara

Address: 1801 N H St g, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: Skydive Santa Barbara

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

14. River Bend Bike Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

River Bend Bike Park was built by volunteers and families in the Lompoc community. The idea was to have a place where BMX and dirt bike enthusiasts of any skill level can have fun and enjoy themselves. The park offers jumps and off-road trails for all skill levels. River Bend Bike Park is open every day of the week, weather permitting. All trails and jumps are regularly repaired to keep them top-notch. Facilities available on-site include picnic tables and restrooms. Parents of younger biking fans should note that the bike park is unsupervised and can be found at the end of McLaughlin Road.

River Bend Bike Park

Address: 1702 N A St, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: River Bend Bike Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

15. Lompoc Aquatic Center

Lompoc Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art water park in the heart of Lompoc. The park offers a large, competitive swimming pool plus two 125-ft (38-m) water slides, an interactive AquaPlay Center, and a shallow lap pool in the activity center. AquaPlay Center offers fun water cannons, twin waterslides, the popular water bucket, and cargo nets. A 90-degree therapy pool is available for educational purposes and includes a ramp to allow wheelchair access. Besides the fun facilities, the swimming pool is also perfect for water polo events and swim meets and comes equipped with a timing system and sound system.

Lompoc Aquatic Center

Address: 207 W College Ave, Lompoc, California, USA

Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 5:45am - 7:30am, 9:30am - 1pm, 5pm - 7:30pm; Tue: 8am - 1pm, 5pm - 7:30pm; Thu: 9:30am - 1pm, 5pm - 7:30 pm; Sun: 1pm - 3pm

16. Jalama Beach County Park

Jalama Beach County Park is located a 30-minute drive from Lompoc on Jalama Road and is open all year round. The beach is ideal for kite surfing, board surfing, nature photography, birding, hiking, fishing, and camping. For those interested in nature, protected native plants of California can be seen here, including saltbush, sea rocket, and sand verbena. Dogs are allowed on the beach at an additional charge of 3 USD per dog, per day. Dining is available at Beach Grill, an establishment that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choices include the popular Jalama Burger. Camping is available in the area for around 30 USD per night.

Jalama Beach County Park

Address: 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: Jalama Beach County Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6:30pm (daily)

17. Sissy's Uptown Cafe

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Sissy’s Uptown Café is a family-owned business in the heart of Lompoc offering tasty food and fine wines. The award-winning restaurant serves meals created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Lunch is served every day except Sunday. Dinner can be enjoyed here on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The restaurant’s wine cellar offers 300 local wines, and the wine store offers the opportunity to purchase wines, wine bags, hand-made gifts, and gift baskets. The wine store and tasting bar is open every day of the week except Sunday. Wine events are often held here, where winemakers introduce and share their new wines.

Sissy's Uptown Cafe

Address: 112 S I St, Lompoc, California, USA

Website: Sissy’s Uptown Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 2:30pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:15pm; Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)

Lompoc is all about preservation

Lompoc is a town in the south of California that is committed to preserving its rich history, through its museums and parks. This truly shows, when you visit the town. Whether you are visiting or passing through the area in your RV rental in Santa Maria, be sure to make a stop in this lovely town and enjoy these best things to do in Lompoc.