Page 72 - 2022-2023 Travel Guide to California

LOMPOC
Follow the trail of wildflowers along Highway 1 to Lompoc for outstanding wines
and rocket launches, California history and inspiring art
B Y L E N O R E G R E I N E R
TASTE, HIKE,
JUMP, VIEW
A LAUNCH
LOMPOC VISITOR
INFORMATION
ExploreLompoc.com
SANFORD WINERY GROUP Vineyards, above;
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, below.
Along California’s Central Coast, hit the
open road and explore off-the-beaten-
path adventures in Lompoc’s perfect
year-round weather. Experience famous
murals, skydiving, world-acclaimed wine-
ries, a well-preserved Spanish mission,
hiking in the great outdoors, even rocket
launches from nearby Vandenberg Space
Force Base.
Take in the Art
Start in the heart of the historic Old Town,
which offers a cool vintage vibe and retro
neon signs. Wander the streets and alley-
ways to view a vivid open-air gallery of the
famous Lompoc murals. This impressive
collection of more than 30 multi-colored
murals depicts the valley’s rich heritage, its
vibrant flower industry and scenic beauty.
Taste Local Vintages
Discover your next favorite wine while
strolling the nearby Lompoc Wine Ghetto.
Find this unique collection of nearly 20
boutique wineries, tasting rooms, and
production facilities off Pacific Coast
Highway 1 and 12th Street. Or sample the area’s
renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vin-
tages. Follow the Lompoc Wine Trail along
Route 246 for spectacular vineyard vistas and
estate wineries around every bend.
Hike into History
Step back in time at Lompoc’s most visited
attraction, La Purisima Mission State His-
toric Park, home to California’s most fully
restored mission. Surrounded by open
countryside, you can hike the park’s 25
miles of trails connecting to the back-
country, leading through a mix of chaparral
and oak to scenic overlooks along the way.
View a Launch
Among space aficionados, Lompoc is consid-
ered the best vantage point for viewing rocket
launches on the entire West Coast. After
feeling the powerful rumble of rockets
during blast-off at nearby Vandenberg Space
Force Base, you’ll witness a stunning colorful
streak in the sky as the mission punches its
way toward outer space. To coordinate your
visit with upcoming launch events, check
out the visitor’s information link.
Take a Leap
Take to the sky with an exhilarating skydive,
where you’ll experience unparalleled views
of the glorious Pacific Ocean coastline,
Lompoc Valley and the vineyard-covered
hillsides. Boasting the highest tandem
jump in Southern California, Skydive Santa
Barbara offers a first-rate experience.
At the end of your day, head 30 minutes
outside of town to Jalama Beach to catch
the impressive coastal views and a classic
California sunset. With its variety of
accommodations to suit any style and
budget, Lompoc makes the perfect base
camp for Central Coast travelers.
70 2022-23 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
DUSTIN WALLER/EXPLORELOMPOC; JASON REYNOLDS//EXPLORELOMPOC