Lompoc is Blooming with California Wildflowers

OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE – APRIL 4, 2017

Lompoc is Blooming with Spring Wildflowers

It’s the Perfect Backdrop for a Central Coast Road Trip

Lompoc wildflower season is here, and this Central Coast destination along Highway 1 is starting to bloom with a profusion of wildflowers on hillsides, valleys and hiking trails. Bud break is also in full swing in the Sta. Rita Hills vineyards, and with the emerald green hillsides, there’s no better time of year to take a road trip to Lompoc for nature at its best.

Note: While nature can be a bit unpredictable, here’s what’s blooming and expected to bloom in spring 2017:

Here are the top five local scenic roads and hiking spots in Lompoc, California to view the beautiful blooms:

Highway 1

Travelers heading north on the 101, should veer off onto Highway 1 at the Lompoc exit, just past Gaviota Pass to explore this ‘take-your-breath-away’ scenic route that brings you into the heart of Lompoc Valley.  The view along the way includes emerald green hills, cattle and horse ranches, and wild mustard on the hillside. Large  patches of poppies and lupine are expected soon, but have not yet bloomed as of mid-April.

Jalama Road

Just off Highway 1, south of Lompoc, is Jalama Road, a meandering 14.5 mile drive to the coast and Jalama Beach Park.  In spring, poppies bloom on the hillsides, and mustard fields are abundant.  (Note: as of mid-April poppies have not yet bloomed). Yellow Coreopsis gigantean bloom on the bluff overlooking Jalama Beach below.  At the end of the road, the world-famous Jalama burger awaits, grilled to perfection at the Jalama Beach Store. Afterwards, stroll along the beach or take a short hike to Jalama Bridge, and view coastal wildflowers along the way.

Santa Rosa Road

One of the prettiest country roads in the area, Santa Rosa Road meanders through the stunning Sta. Rita Hills wine appellation, past vineyards, farm fields, ranches and spring wildflowers in bloom.  A great stop along this route is Sanford Winery & Vineyards, open daily from 11 to 4 pm, for wine tasting and picnicking. The first to plant vineyards in Santa Barbara County over 40 years ago, Sanford is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines.  It was also featured in the hit movie, Sideways (2004) that made Pinot the must taste wine.

Drum Canyon Road

East of Lompoc on Route 246, turn north onto Drum Canyon Road.  When the conditions are right, it’s bursting with spring wildflowers with a scenic drive on a meandering country road.  Be sure to stop at Dierberg-Starlane Winery & Vineyards along the way, open seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm. Featured wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.

La Purisima Mission State Park

Twenty-five miles of trails make La Purisima Mission State Historic Park one of the most popular spots for day hikes and wildflower viewing.  The main trail winds up to the cross above the mission and provides incredible views of the surrounding wilderness and the mission below.  The route follows the fence line and circles around to the main loop which connects with the original mission road – El Camino Real.  An easy five-mile hike, and one which welcomes dogs and even horses.  A number of wildflowers were spotted bloom in late March along the trails including Purple Nightshade, Morning Glory, Fiesta Flower, Catepillar Phacelia, Prickly Pholox and many more interesting varieties.

To celebrate spring, La Purisima Mission State Park is hosting a Natural History Day on Saturday, April 8, from 11 am to 2 pm. Visitors are invited to explore the colors and critters of spring with Park Rangers, and enjoy a guided nature hike. The Mission is located at 2295 Purisima Road in Lompoc. Parking is $6.

About Lompoc

The city of Lompoc is filled with natural beauty and small town charm.  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 discover what’s around the bend.

With 11 hotels and motels to welcome visitors, Lompoc is a popular destination for golfing, skydiving, biking (road, trails, BMX Bike Park), hiking and nearby surfing at Jalama Beach.  Lompoc is the also gateway to the acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills wineries, and home the  Lompoc Wine Ghetto, offering a total of 30 wineries and tasting rooms for wine enthusiasts.

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

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