3 Days in Lompoc on a Budget

Are you in need of an escape from work? A long weekend in Lompoc could be just what you need. A short drive from Los Angeles, this relaxed town offers fun – and affordable – activities.

If you’re ready to take a break, book a room at one of the great Lompoc hotels, and head for the Central Coast of California. When you arrive, you’ll have your choice of activities, but here’s our three-day itinerary that’s easy on your wallet.

1. Day #1: Explore Old Town

   After a few hours in the car, you’ll arrive in town with most of the day to explore. You’ll take it fairly easy on day one, but you’ll get a taste of Lompoc Valley. The heart of the city is Old Town. It’s a modern-day Main Street with local restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

   Head to the town’s iconic Rice Bowl for lunch and then check out some of the nearby shops. A locally-owned co-op, A Little Something Special and More, is a great place to start. Certain Sparks Music is a good stop for music lovers, New Lows is a funky retail shop, and Flower Valley Country Store sells locally-made gifts.

   After some retail therapy, take a self-guided tour of the 30+ murals that sprawl across buildings and alleyways in Old Town. Grab a map and your camera phone to capture some seriously cool art.

   Next, check-in to your hotel room. Whether you’re staying at Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc, Holiday Inn Express Lompoc, O’Cairns Inn, or Motel 6 Lompoc, you’ll find wonderful amenities like free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, free parking, and breakfast service in the morning.

2. Day #2: Take your very own wine tour

   On day two, sleep in, order room service for lunch, and head out for a fun wine tour. (Be sure to tour responsibility).

   The area has a great mix of small, boutique wineries and some large estate vineyards. Start your wine tasting at Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Tucked inside an industrial park, you’ll find a handful of wineries and tasting rooms. Ampelos Cellars, Flying Goat Cellars, and Palmina Winery are just a few of the local favorites you should visit.

   On your way out of town, stop by Midtown Wineries before going to Sta. Rita Hills. You’ll find the estate wineries here like Babcock Winery & Vineyards, with its retro feel, and Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery, with its spacious, 3,500 square-foot tasting room.

   Drive back to one of the Lompoc’s star hotels by way of the Santa Ynez Valley. Consider ordering pizza in for dinner or head to Ocean Ave and try Old Town Kitchen and Bar.

3. Day #3: Explore the outdoors

   On your last day in Lompoc, the day is yours to design. We suggest exploring outdoor activities like La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, Jalama Beach County Park, River Park, or checking out the local flower fields.

   La Purisima takes you back in time when the mission was settled by Chumash people and Spanish settlers. There are several restored buildings to tour and great living-history events to attend.

   Jalama Beach County Park is outside of town, but offers a quiet, windswept beach where you can read, walk, or explore caves. Be sure to get a Jalama Burger at the on-site restaurant before you head back.

   River Park is a great spot for a picnic, and the flower fields offer a simple, fun activity as well. Lompoc has acre upon acre of flower fields, which make for stunning pictures. Check the Bloom Tracker before you go to find vibrant fields of color.

With this three-day itinerary, you won’t break the bank. You’ll spend a few bucks on meals, shopping, wine tasting, and park entrance fees, all of which are fairly modest. For more travel tips, download the Lompoc Visitors Guide.