Courtesy photos.
LOMPOC — With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast.
Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:
(1) Go to the wildflower fields
Want to watch the sunset behind vibrant wildflower fields? The rural parts of the city are home to both small wildflower fields and commercial growers, each with acres upon acres of colorful flowers.Remember though, the flowers are on private land, so visitors will need to watch from the roadside. Still, they will be able to snap some impressive shots, like this sunset picture posted on Pinterest.
The best time to get a frameable sunset picture is in the spring, more specifically in April. Although, there are fields that bloom three to four times a year. To help you locate a field with flowers in bloom, use the Wildflower Bloom Tracker on the Explore Lompoc website.
(2)Head up to Lookout Point
For those visitors who wish see the sunset over the city, put your hiking shoes on and head for Lookout Point at Beattie Park. The mile-long park trail just off Bodger Road will take them to the top of a hill with a sweeping view of the valley and city below.
You’ll find a small gazebo at the top, which is the perfect spot to watch the sun slowly fade away. The hike takes about 30 minutes, so if visitors wish to be there for sunset, they need to plan accordingly. It’s a good idea to wear sneakers or hiking shoes too since the trail can be a bit steep in places.
(3) Take an oceanside drive to Jalama Beach Park
Want to watch the sunset on a quiet beach? Just outside of Lompoc is Jalama Beach Park. The 14-mile road along the coast is just as relaxing as sitting in the sand. Once you arrive, you’ll find a welcoming, low-key beach that’s ideal for sunset.
For those travelers feeling adventurous, they can make a day out of Jalama Beach Park and stay through sunset. Here they can explore beach caves that are open during low tide or hike to Point Conception Lighthouse; a local favorite. Pack a picnic dinner or grab a bite at Jalama Beach Grill before the sun goes down. If travelers plan to visit the restaurant, they need to bring their appetite and try the Jalama Burger. This infamous burger is made of a lip-smacking beef patty stacked with lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, pickles, and a secret sauce. After dinner, get a spot on the beach for sunset.
(4) Take a sunset walk in Old Town
A sunset stroll through Lompoc’s Old Town is a real treat, with vintage architecture, large murals, and local businesses to check out. Consider heading to Old Town for lunch. Grab a bite to eat at Sissy’s Uptown Café and get ready for a local art tour. The area is home to 40+ murals that cover old buildings and alleyways. Before visitors go, it is suggested they grab a Mural Map so they can find their way around. Travelers find several murals grouped together on Art Alley, which is behind the fire department.
When it’s time for the sun to set, you can watch it from any of the downtown streets and even snap a picture like this one.
All of these sites can provide a great sunset view and a memorable photo. After watching the sun fade away for the night, get some rest in one of Lompoc’s many hotels. From two-room suites to family-friendly amenities, travelers find everything they need for a great stay all within the city limits.
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