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7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

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LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central 

Coast itinerary.  Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.

One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.

Photo Credit: Explore Lompoc.

1. Spend the Day at La Purísima Mission

A visit to La Purísima Mission State Historic Park feels like stepping back in time. Founded in 1787, it is one of California’s most fully restored missions and offers a glimpse into early mission life.

You can easily spend a full day exploring the grounds, including:

  • Restored adobe buildings and living quarters
  • Historic gardens and courtyards
  • Walking and hiking trails throughout the property
  • Picnic areas surrounded by rolling hills

It’s a peaceful setting that works well for families, couples, and anyone interested in California history.

Bring comfortable shoes, pack a lunch, and take your time exploring one of the Central Coast’s most distinctive historic sites.

2. Go Skydiving Above the Central Coast

Looking for an unforgettable summer story? Head to Skydive Santa Barbara for a bucket-list experience.

Boasting the highest drop zone in the U.S. with a 18,000 foot tandem jump, Skydive Santa Barbara make it easy for first-timers or hard core enthisiasts to enjoy the thrill, and the views are hard to beat. As you descend, you’ll see a patchwork of vineyards, coastline, farmland, and rolling hills stretching across the region.

Summer is one of the most popular times to jump, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance.

3. Plan a Beach Day at Jalama Beach

Jalama Beach is the kind of place that makes you slow down and stay awhile. The drive alone is part of the experience, winding through open ranchland and coastal hills before you reach the ocean.

Once you arrive, you’ll find wide, windswept beaches that feel far removed from more crowded Southern California spots. Visitors come here to fish, explore tidepools, picnic near the water, or simply walk the shoreline.

Summer sunsets are especially memorable, and it’s easy to spend the entire day without rushing.

Before you leave, make sure to try the famous Jalama Burger, a local favorite that has become a true Central Coast staple.

4. Go Wine Tasting in Lompoc Wine Country

Lompoc sits at the heart of one of California’s most exciting wine regions. Whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun afternoon activity, there are plenty of ways to explore local wine country.

Explore In-Town Wineries

One of the most unique parts of Lompoc wine tasting is the collection of tasting rooms located right in town, especially in the area known as the Wine Ghetto.

After you’ve tasted your through the Wine Ghetto, try these local wineries:

The in-town tasting scene makes it easy to visit multiple wineries without spending the day driving between vineyards.

Explore the Sta. Rita Hills

Just outside town, the Sta. Rita Hills wine region offers beautiful vineyard landscapes and cool coastal temperatures that help produce exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s a scenic drive with wide-open views and a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Notable wineries include:

  • Melville Winery, known for elegant estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a modern, minimalist tasting experience
  • Sanford Winery, one of the pioneering estates in the region, offering a historic vineyard setting and classic Sta. Rita Hills expressions
  • The Hilt Estate, a striking hillside property focused on small-lot, site-driven wines with a refined, elevated tasting experience

The scenic backroads and rolling vineyards make wine tasting here especially enjoyable during the summer months, especially if you want to slow down and soak in the scenery between stops.

Book a Wine Tour

If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, guided wine tours are a great option. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a carefree day sipping your way through vineyards, a tour is an ideal.

Check out these fun wine tours.

5. Plot a DIY Mural Tour

Lompoc’s murals turn the city into an open-air art gallery. Scattered throughout Old Town, they highlight local history, agriculture, culture, and the region’s connection to space exploration.

As you explore downtown, you’ll spot murals like “Last of the Titans: Missile Magic,” which reflects the city’s aerospace history. Other highlights include “Chumash Indians,” which honors Indigenous heritage, and “Lompoc’s Flower Industry,” which celebrates the valley’s agricultural roots.

One of the best ways to experience them is by downloading the mural guide and planning a walking route through town.

Along the way, you can stop into coffee shops, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and antique stores for an easy, relaxed afternoon.

Get the Lompoc Murals Guide.

6. Add a Rocket Launch to Your Itinerary

Few vacation experiences are as memorable as watching a rocket launch light up the California coast.

Launches happen regularly, sometimes weekly, from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Depending on timing, you may be able to catch one during your visit.

Popular viewing areas include:

  • Surf Beach
  • Ocean Avenue
  • Riverbend Park

Watching a rocket rise into the sky, followed by the distant rumble of sonic booms, is something you won’t soon forget. It’s one of the experiences that truly sets Lompoc apart from other California destinations.

7. Plan a Spa Day

After wine tasting, beach hopping, and sightseeing, a spa day can be the perfect addition to your summer getaway.

Lompoc offers several relaxing wellness options where you can recharge and slow down for the afternoon.

Popular treatments include:

Where to Stay in Lompoc

Lompoc makes a convenient home base for exploring California’s Central Coast, with lodging options close to wineries, beaches, historic sites, and launch viewing areas.

Popular hotel options include:

Summer weekends can fill up quickly, especially during wine events and rocket launch schedules, so booking early is always a good idea.

Discover Lompoc This Summer

From beach days and wine tasting to murals, rocket launches, and historic landmarks, Lompoc offers a relaxed getaway with plenty to explore. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, stay a little longer, and discover something unexpected along the way.

Before you go, be sure to download the Lompoc Visitor Guide to help plan your trip and discover local favorites.

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 Space 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