Five Top Reasons to Visit Lompoc this Summer

Official News Release

Located where California’s sweeping and beautiful Central Coast meets the Sta. Rita Hills, Lompoc’s laid back vibe, beautiful weather, scenic roads and multitude of attractions, activities and summer events provide great reasons to visit this emerging destination. Here are five top reasons to explore Lompoc this summer:

1. Pristine La Purisima Mission
La Purisima State Historic Park – a top attraction – is an amazing gem for visitors to explore. Situated in the middle of acres of farm land where animals roam, La Purisima offers visitors an authentic feel of what life would have been like here during the 1800’s. It is the most historically resorted of the 21 California missions, and also the only one designated as a state park, with 25 miles of hiking trails that surround the buildings and pastures below. With guided tours daily at 1 pm of the restored buildings, and living history events on select weekends, the mission is a fun destination for families and history buffs alike. Those interested in California history – and specifically the missions – can extend their stay to tour neighboring missions in Solvang and Santa Ynez.

Throughout the summer, La Purisima Mission hosts a variety of free events including El Pastor on June 11, when costumed docents, along with the Padre, also known as ‘El Pastor’ exchange Mission stories and tales. On July 9, Purisima People Days takes place with reenactors who portray the people who once called La Purisima Mission their home. During Children’s Mission Life on July 23 children can relive days gone by and participate in a number of kid friendly activities including dress up. Buckskin clad members of the American Mountain Men share mountain men history during Mountain Men Encampment on August 26 & 27, while displaying their skills through cooking demonstrations, hide preparation and tanning, leather working, rope making and more.

2. Colorful Flowers Fields
During the summer, visitors can see spectacular patches of colors as they drive through Lompoc Valley – Larkspur, Stock, Delphinium, Bells of Ireland Sunflowers, Queen Anne’s Lace, Blue Corn Flowers and Bupleurum are the primary flowers grown here. Many of the Lompoc flower fields are located west of Old Town Lompoc, along Central Avenue and Union Sugar Avenue. A total of about ten fields bloom at various times throughout the season. Lompoc has over 500 acres of flowers throughout the valley with five flower companies producing fresh products. The Lompoc Valley’s unique geological and geographic conditions make it one of the finest flower growing regions in California.

Lompoc Valley’s floral heritage is celebrated each year during the annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival held this year on June 22-26. The festival blooms with family activities, carnival rides & games, commercial vendors, food booths and musical entertainment.

3. Back Road Cycling
Cycling is not only great exercise but a fantastic way to explore Lompoc during the summer season. There are several scenic backs roads to ride, including Jalama Road, a curvy road that meanders past oak trees and grassy hills, eventually leading straight to Jalama Beach Park – a site for camping, fishing, surfing and other beach activities. Riders can reward themselves with a ‘world-famous’ Jalama Burger featured on the menu of the Jalama Beach Store. Some says it’s the secret sauce that tops these mouth-watering burgers, others say it’s the seasoning, but whatever it is, the Jalama burgers receive rave reviews year after year.

Santa Rosa Road is another great ride through gently rolling hills of vineyards, fertile agricultural fields, walnut orchards, and organic farms. Cyclists can stop for wine tasting at Sanford Winery along the way.
For an easier ride, cruise on two wheels along Ocean Avenue and the side streets of Old Town Lompoc, then head west past the agricultural heartland of Lompoc, where leafy lettuce and stunning artichoke grow all summer long. At the end of the road, cyclists can rest and enjoy the view at Ocean Beach Park.

4. Old Town Treasures
Nearly 40 murals – on street corners, in alley ways, and on sides of prominent buildings – have turned Old Town Lompoc into an outdoor art gallery. The Lompoc Murals are one of the city’s top attractions, depicting scenes of Lompoc’s heritage, flower industry, historic sights, ethnic diversity, scenic beauty and more.

Lompoc’s neon signs also draw attention to Old Town and provide a retro vintage feel. A favorite is the Rice Bowl restaurant sign, with three prominent, luminous bowls of chow mein that vie for attention. Vintage treasures and collectibles can be found at T & T Sweet Repeats and A Little Something Special, two popular antique co-ops in Old Town.

Old Town is where the action can be found on Friday nights in July and August, from 5 to 7 pm, with the summer only Old Town Market. Hosted by the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centers, the Old Town Market features a farmers market, live music, local vendors and special activities weekly.

5. Refreshing Coastal Breezes
With ocean breezes to cool the valley, Lompoc’s summer weather is ideal for taking advantage of the many outdoor activities including golf, hiking, biking and even skydiving. Those who want to escape the heat of the inland valleys will surely embrace this opportunity to cool off and refresh. Much cooler than neighboring towns such as Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez in the summer months, Lompoc makes a great home base for exploring the region.

Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, 155 miles northwest from Los Angeles, Lompoc takes on a world of its own. It is the gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills vineyards and the Lompoc Wine Trail, and home to the popular Lompoc Wine Ghetto, a cluster of small production wineries in town.

For more information:
Media Contact: Janis Flippen, Explore Lompoc PR Rep, (805) 389-9495, janis@janisflippenpr.com

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