Courtesy photo.
LOMPOC — Planning a weekend away that caters to the interests and ages of everyone in your family can be a challenge, but have no fear! Lompoc, situated on California’s Central Coast, offers a wealth of fun experiences that will leave the whole family with smiles. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures or educational explorations, join us as we uncover 7 fun things to do in Lompoc that are perfect for families.
- Explore La Purisima Mission State Historic Park: Step back in time and immerse your family in the rich history of California at La Purisima Mission. This beautifully preserved mission allows visitors to explore the grounds, interact with farm animals, and take part in engaging interactive activities. Kids will love the living history demonstrations and hiking along the park’s scenic trails. Don’t forget to snap a family photo against the backdrop of this architectural marvel.
- Take a Sweet Tooth Tour of Lompoc: Check out our epic list of places to grab your favorite sweets in Lompoc! Whether your favorite sweet is cookies or cupcakes, specialty donuts or Nutella toast, milkshakes, cinnamon rolls, or melt-in-your-mouth soft-serve cones, Lompoc never has any shortage of sweet treats to put a smile on your face!
- Catch a Rocket Launch: Plan your trip around a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base for an unforgettable family experience. Lompoc has several perfect viewing spots, set up your chairs, and gaze up at the vast sky to witness one of these monumental launches. The sheer power of the launches is awe-inspiring, and the plume of smoke and fire paints a mesmerizing picture against the backdrop of the California coastline. Watching a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base is not just witnessing the marvels of technology; it’s a celebration of human achievement and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our atmosphere.
- Visit the Lompoc Museum: Delve into Lompoc’s fascinating past at the Lompoc Museum, where exhibits showcase the area’s cultural heritage and historical significance. The museum offers interactive displays, artifacts, and captivating stories that will captivate young minds and spark their curiosity. From local wildlife exhibits to exhibits about the region’s history, there’s something to engage every family member.
- Dive into Fun at the Cabrillo High School Aquarium: Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world. The aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, providing a captivating glimpse into the diverse ecosystems found in the surrounding waters. Children and adults alike can marvel at the vibrant colors of tropical fish, observe mesmerizing coral reefs, and learn about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. From interactive exhibits to hands-on learning opportunities, the Cabrillo High School Aquarium offers a memorable adventure that nurtures a love for the ocean and its inhabitants.
- Embark on a Lompoc Mural Tour: Lompoc is a canvas of art, thanks to its iconic murals that grace the downtown area. Take your family on a self-guided mural tour, admiring the vibrant artwork that tells the story of Lompoc’s culture and heritage. Pick up a map from the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce or download one online to navigate through the town’s colorful streets and capture memorable family pictures against these impressive murals.
- Enjoy a Day in the sand at Jalama Beach: Just 30 minutes from Lompoc, Jalama Beach offers an idyllic setting for a memorable day trip. Build sandcastles and splash in the refreshing waves, soak up the warm sun, take leisurely walks along the sandy shoreline, collect seashells and explore the captivating tide pools. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, savoring delicious treats like the famous Jalama Burger and sharing joyful moments with your loved ones.
Lompoc truly delivers an unforgettable family vacation with its diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re exploring the historical gems, immersing yourselves in art, or relishing the natural wonders, Lompoc has something to entertain and delight family members of all ages. So pack your bags, gather the kids, and get ready to create lifelong memories in Lompoc—a destination where family fun knows no bounds!
ABOUT LOMPOC
Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest from Los Angeles with close proximity to Santa Barbara and Solvang, Lompoc takes on a world of its own. Its
valley setting, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, creates an invitation for visitors to detour off the main road, and explore what’s around the bend.Lompoc is a destination for
wine tasting, golf, cycling, hiking, skydiving, birding, and surfing at nearby Jalama Beach. It is home to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, the most fully restored and furnished of the 21
California missions, and adjacent to Vandenberg Air Force Base, where rockets are launched throughout the year by such entities as NASA, SpaceX, and ULA, to name a few. Lompoc has 12
hotels to welcome visitors. To discover more about the Lompoc Valley, and other things to see and do, visit: www.explorelompoc.com.