Summer Bucket List in Lompoc: Your Guide to Sunshine-Fueled Fun

Ready to make this summer unforgettable? Lompoc is calling! From flower fields to fine wine, skydives to sunsets, this Central Coast gem is full of sunny adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a season-long staycation, this Summer Bucket List will help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your Lompoc days.

Let’s dive in!

Wander the Flower Fields

Nothing says summer in Lompoc like a sea of color stretching to the horizon. Early in the season, take a scenic drive or walk along the Lompoc Flower Fields, where commercial flower fields bloom in bursts of vibrant pinks, purples, and yellows. They’re a photographer’s dream—and a perfect spot to kick off your summer adventure.

Pro tip: Catch golden hour here for a truly magical view.

Celebrate at the Lompoc Flower Festival (June 26–29)

Mark your calendar for Lompoc’s most iconic summer celebration! The Lompoc Flower Festival returns to Ryon Park from June 26 to 29, bringing carnival rides, craft vendors, live music, and plenty of floral flair.

Don’t miss the parade, where colorful floats decked out in fresh blooms roll through town, celebrating Lompoc’s flower-growing legacy. It’s a true community event—and a must-do for summer visitors and locals alike.

Hike at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park

History meets the great outdoors at La Purísima Mission. With over 25 miles of trails winding through oak-studded hills, this park is perfect for hikers, families, or anyone craving fresh air and a little California history.

While you’re there, explore the fully restored mission buildings. Kids love the livestock pens and open fields. Adults love the peaceful vibe and photo ops.

Take the Leap with Skydive Santa Barbara

Why not add “jump out of a plane” to your bucket list this summer?

Skydive Santa Barbara offers one of the most scenic jumps in California. You’ll see the coastline, vineyards, and ocean all in one breathtaking rush. First-timer? No worries—they’ve got experienced instructors ready to guide you from takeoff to touchdown.

It’s extreme. It’s exhilarating. And it’s 100% unforgettable.

Soak Up the Sun at Jalama Beach

Craving sand between your toes and salty air in your lungs? Head out to Jalama Beach, just a scenic 45-minute drive from town. The rolling hills and ocean views make the drive a destination in itself.

Once you’re there, surf the waves, collect seashells, or relax with a good book. Don’t forget to try the legendary Jalama Burger at the beach store—it’s a local rite of passage.

Sip Through the Sta. Rita Hills

Wine lovers, rejoice! Lompoc sits at the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, one of California’s premier wine regions. Known for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this area is dotted with tasting rooms and vineyard views.

Spend a lazy summer afternoon sipping at favorites like Babcock Winery, Foley Estates, or Sanford Winery. Want a more laid-back vibe? Visit the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, where boutique winemakers pour in cozy, no-frills tasting rooms.

Taste the Flavors of Lompoc

Summer = fresh eats. And Lompoc’s food scene is bursting with flavor.

Grab a hearty breakfast or a killer sandwich at Capulin Eats and Provisions or treat yourself to seasonal farm-to-table fare at Eye on I. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you.

Discover Lompoc’s Murals

No bucket list is complete without a little culture. Luckily, Lompoc has it all over its walls—literally.

The Lompoc Mural Society has turned the downtown area into a colorful outdoor gallery. With over 30 murals scattered around town, you’ll find everything from historic scenes to abstract art. Take a self-guided walking tour and snap some Instagram-worthy shots along the way.

Enjoy More Summer Events

Beyond the Flower Festival, Lompoc hosts all kinds of seasonal celebrations. Check out the Old Town Market on Friday nights in summer for food, music, and fun vibes. It’s a great way to connect with local makers and enjoy some small-town charm.

For the Fourth of July, head back to Ryon Park for fireworks, live entertainment, and good old-fashioned family fun.

Family Fun at Riverbend Park

Planning a summer day with the kids? Riverbend Park is your go-to spot. It’s got open fields, picnic tables, a pump track for bikes, and a skate park for teens and tweens.

Bring a frisbee, a cooler, and some sunscreen. This is where summer memories are made.

Stargaze (and Watch a Rocket Launch!) Under Lompoc’s Night Sky

After the sun sets, don’t pack it in just yet. Lompoc’s clear summer skies make it a stargazer’s dream. Drive up Harris Grade Road or find a quiet spot in the hills for a blanket-and-binoculars evening. On especially clear nights, you might catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.

Even better? Time your visit with a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. These launches light up the night sky with a fiery trail that’s visible for miles. Whether it’s a SpaceX Falcon rocket or a government satellite mission, the rumble and glow of a launch is pure goosebumps. Locals and visitors alike gather at popular vantage points to witness the spectacle.

It’s an unforgettable slice of Lompoc that blends science, wonder, and the thrill of space exploration.

Ready to Check Off Your Summer Bucket List?

There’s no wrong way to do summer in Lompoc. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, relaxing with a glass of wine, or just soaking in the sights, this town has everything you need to make your summer one for the books.

Ready to start checking things off? Use our interactive map to plan your ultimate summer in Lompoc—complete with flower fields, beaches, wineries, and rocket launch viewing spots! Snap photos. Tag us @ExploreLompoc. And let your summer bucket list run wild!