Where the Wild Horses Roam
Some places find a way to connect with us on a whole new level. Maybe even awaken emotions we never fully felt before. Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary is one such place. On this soul-soothing 300-acre rehabilitation farm and ranch in Lompoc, 400 wild horses (and 29 burros) are cared for with an uncommon compassion, granted unfettered freedom, and provided generous room to roam. The dozen or so staff who work here are fully and deeply dedicated to preserving the freedom, dignity, and habitat of these beautiful animals—and providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable immersion into the wonderful world of wild horses.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE HERE
Return to Freedom provides wild horses, burros, and human friends and visitors with everything from sanctuary to advocacy. From education to conservation. Even photo safaris, private tours and events, and restorative retreats. All special events are overseen and led by Return to Freedom volunteers and professional photographers who intimately understand the animals, sanctuary, and lighting—and can be scheduled by appointment only. You can even schedule your own personalized event with four or more guests by emailing programs@returntofreedom.org.
Where the Santa Ynez River Kisses the Pacific Ocean
A mere 13 miles west of downtown Lompoc and just off scenic Highway 246, Ocean Beach Park and Estuary warmly welcomes visitors (and offers free parking) from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Nestled in pristine isolation at the base of the Santa Ynez River, just steps from some of the area’s most stunning shoreline, Ocean Beach Park is wildly popular with nature photographers and bird watchers.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE HERE
Both mudflats and beaches providing habitats for shorebirds, gulls and many water birds. Check the estuary for waterfowl, especially in winter. During migration season, the trees around the parking lot often give shelter to migrant songbirds.
You can expect to see Nuttall’s white-crowned sparrows (the only non-migratory sparrow), who breed in the area during summer, along with other subspecies of the bird. In winter, you can see wintering Snowy Plovers, but if you come during nesting season (March 1 – September 30), you’ll be out of luck—the beach is completely closed to protect the birds. Fishing is prohibited at Ocean Beach Park.
Home to Rare Plants and Wild Animals
Bordered by Vandenberg Space Force Base on the west and containing a massive 5,368 acres between Purisima Hills and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve is an ecological treasure. Owned by the State Lands Commission and leased to California Department of Fish and Wildlife for management, operation, and maintenance, the reserve is home to one of the state’s last remaining significant stands of maritime chaparral. Burton Mesa Chaparral only grows in the sandy soils of the Lompoc Valley, where over 300 native plant species flourish.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE HERE
Rare and endangered plants to be found here include Lompoc ceanothus, Vandenberg Monkeyflower, and shagbark and Purisima manzanita. Animals are abundant in the Reserve also, and it’s not uncommon to see coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, snakes, and an abundance of birds during a visit here.
*Please note that motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses are prohibited at all times on the property. For a complete list of permitted activities, please visit the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve Website.
So Much Wildlife to See, You’ll Want to Stay!
Just a scenic 30-minute drive from downtown Lompoc, postcard-perfect Jalama Beach offers its visitors an unforgettable seaside escape, including bird- and whale-watching, fishing, exploring caves and tide pools for wildlife, and much more! Also at Jalama Beach: an eight-mile round-trip hike along the Point Conception: De Anza trail, which peaks at the historic Point Conception Lighthouse.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE HERE
At Jalama Beach, you can fish for perch, cabezon, kelp, bass, and halibut. Keep your eyes (and cameras) peeled for gulls, terns, and pelicans on the beach and creek estuary, and loons, grebes, and cormorants can be spied in the surf. Visit at low tide for access to tide pools in beach caves and see a variety of sea creatures, including sea anemones, rock crabs, mussels, barnacles, and shrimp.
Hit up Jalama Beach in the fall and winter for your chance to catch glimpses of grey whales (and dolphins!) as they migrate to their breeding and feeding grounds.
If you decide you do want to stay at Jalama Beach, camping is available. You also can’t miss the famous Jalama Burger at the Jalama Beach Grill. Plan your trip today!
DAY 1
MORNING
Visit the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary and interact with hundreds of wild horses and 29 burros.
DAY 1
LUNCH
Stop into Floriano’s Mexican Food (or any of the restaurants on the Lompoc Taco Trail) for delicious, fresh Mexican fare. Floriano’s boasts at least 17 varieties of tacos, so you’re sure to find something for everyone!
DAY 1
AFTERNOON
Stop by the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve for a hike. You may come across badgers, bobcats, deer, mountain lions and more! Plus, the Reserve is home to multiple species of rare, threatened, and protected plants, including ceanothus, manzanita, chamise, and California coffeeberry.
DAY 1
EVENING
Evening: Check in at the O’Cairns Inn & Suites in time for their complimentary happy hour, then head out to Old Town Kitchen ‘n Bar for their famous steaks and mac ‘n cheese. On the way back to your hotel, stop into Fosters Freeze for ice cream—they’ve been serving it up since 1946!
DAY 2
MORNING
The early bird catches the worm! Or, the early visitor spots the most bird species. Head over to the Ocean Beach Park and Estuary, which opens at 8 a.m., and walk along the beaches and mudflats to see multiple bird species.
DAY 2
LUNCH
Make your way to Jalama Beach for not just your afternoon activities but to stop into the Jalama Beach Grill, home to the legendary Jalama Burger.
DAY 2
AFTERNOON
Jalama Beach is the place to spot many bird species, including Snowy Plover, Red-winged Blackbird, Sora and Western Gull. If you’re interested in spotting sea life, you can explore the sea caves during low tide, go fishing, or hike the Point Conception: De Anza trail.
DAY 2
EVENING
Have dinner at Alfie’s Fish & Chips. They’ve been serving Lompoc since 1969. Afterward, head into Vandenberg Village to visit Tap and Cork to try local beers and regional wines.
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