Location: Lompoc
Top Things to do in Lompoc
What to do and see in Lompoc, California (CA): The Best Things to do
Lompoc (/ˈlɒmpoʊk/, LOM-poke) (Purisimeño: Lompo', "Stagnant Water" ) is a city in Santa Barbara County, California, on the west coast of the United States. The city was incorporated on August 13, 1888. The population was 42,434 at the 2010 census, up from 41,103 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Lompoc
1. Montemar Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Montemar is located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto home to over 25 boutique wineries. We handcraft our wines from top vineyards in Santa Barbara with a particular focus on Sta Rita Hills. 8 different Pinot noirs allow for a fun tasting. We also love Rhone varietals. We have artisanal charcuterie and cheeses as well as over 8,000 square feet of fun - mostly our large outdoor patio where we have games, fire pits and a large organic garden. Did I mention the chair.
Reviewed By FastBulbousTapered - Oxnard, United States
We've been members of their wine club for years and Steve's access to some of the Santa Rita Hills AVA vineyards and his skill making excellent wines from those grapes is phenomenal. While he bottles several different Pinots from Bent Rock, Bouna Terra. Zotovitch, La Encantada Vineyards, he also does several Rhone style red wines as well all worth your consideration. The tasting facility includes both indoor and outdoor areas and has a small cooler stocked with crudites to enjoy with your wine. Open weekends from 11 to 5PM.
2. La Purisima State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By chrisk450 - Palm Springs, United States
Unlike many of the restored California Missions which sit in touristy city centers, La Pursima Concepcion is in a lovely, oak-filled rural valley outside Lompoc, reminiscent of the early days of California when the missions were founded. I had fond memories of this place as a kid -- the size of the grounds and the rustic quality of the restoration work made it different from most of the other missions. Happily, it has kept that sense of authenticity. The self-guided mission tour is both substantial and informative; the old mission grounds have animals and fields just like one would have encountered two centuries ago, along with shady courtyards and fountains to sit and relax. There are some lovely trails through the mission's "backlot," and dogs are welcome so long as they are kept on a leash. All in all, one of the most interesting and educational of the Missions, and well worth the $6 for parking.
3. Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By ValD953 - Westlake Village, United States
Wynn greeted us on a quiet Friday morning, before the weekend rush. We sampled many of our favorites. Their Chardonnays have been incredible for years and continue to be, barreled in French oak for 18 months and fruit forward. The Rose of Grenache was a home run, and new to us. The Pinot Noirs are impeccable. This is a must stop in the area.
4. Jalama Beach County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By chrisk450 - Palm Springs, United States
I had heard of this beach for years, and finally found a break in the rain on a recent trip to make the 14-mile drive off Highway 101 to get there. The 14-mile drive through the hills to get there is a trip in itself -- winding past farms and cattle ranches, over creeks and through beautiful groves of oak and sycamore. Once the dramatic, eroded coastline appears, it is only a slight drive down to the well-kept county beach park, with its campground, tiny store and burger stand. The beach itself is strewn with mighty rocks and even a shipwreck -- it hardly seems like the most hospitable swimming place (although it likely looks and feels different in the warmth of summer). The sweeping coastline, however, with its high cliffs and great rocks has a pristine, almost primeval feeling that is hypnotic -- walking along the beach, you can easily imagine yourself back in the days of the Chumash, when only native peoples and sea lions knew this place. A special place.
5. Jalama Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Jmom2many - Lompoc, United States
Jalama is a hidden gem. Well known by surfers near and far. Not too mention the famous Jalama Burgers at the store/restaurant. At low tides the tide pools are amazing and you can walk for a couple of miles either north or south. Camping is awesome when you can get a spot. Reservations are required for most of the camping and you must reserve 6 months in advance.
6. Sanford Winery & Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
We invite you to take a step back in time and experience the place where the Sta. Rita Hills growing region was born. Travel along the beautiful countryside and discover our mission-inspired winery nestled among the vines in the very middle of La Rinconada Vineyard. An off the beaten path gem, Sanford Winery offers a selection of elevated tasting experiences of world-renowned wines sourced from our historic estate. Experience an educational, behind the scenes tour of our sustainable winemaking facility, take a guided walk through the oldest vines in Santa Barbara County, or simply enjoy a picnic lunch alongside estate grown vines while soaking in the spectacular vineyard views. Learn about our wonderful history in the valley we call home.
Reviewed By 519CharlesM - San Diego, United States
Whenever we mention Sanford to people at independent wineries the comment “hope it’s still good” seems to be very common, as though being part of a bigger company is the kiss of death in the wine world. I can say that Sanford continues to offer very high quality Pinot Noir! Bought 6 bottles to take home and our host Hope was terrific, knowledgable, and friendly. Recommend not passing this one if you are in the Santa Rita Hills AVA and looking for elegant Pinot Noir.
7. Melville Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By V2892VPpatricias
Melville winery in the Santa Rita Hills provides beautiful scenery along with excellent wines and the perfect ambiance for a delightful tasting experience. The servers are knowledgeable, friendly, and completely unpretentious. The tour of the vineyard was a highlight.
8. Lompoc Wine Ghetto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
The Lompoc Wine Ghetto (part of the Lompoc Wine Trail) is a unique collection of wineries and tasting rooms in an industrial complex, various nearby locations in town. It's many tasting rooms represent more than 20 local brands. You won't find vast estates or opulent tasting rooms, but you will find world-class wine, presented in a laid back atmosphere. Come spend a weekend with us tasting exceptional wines in this very non-traditional setting. If great wine is what you seek, come pound the pavement for a while and discover the treasures of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. FAQ When are you open? All weekends, with some Mon. & Thurs. Visit our website to see each winery for hours Can I bring my children? By law, no one under the age of 21 is allowed in tasting rooms (please bring valid government issued photo I.D.) What about food? Pack a lunch and find a picnic table Large groups? Many cannot accommodate large groups. Call each winery directly.
Reviewed By 677kristins - Los Angeles, United States
Wine Ghetto is fantastic! You get to sample wonderful wines and meet amazing people with a love of wine. The close proximity of so many different wineries makes it easy to try variety of wines. You park once and walk between all the wineries. Thanks for a wonderful day! Bought many wines and look forward to going back!
9. Babcock Winery & Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By ARLVAGUY - Claremont, United States
So, if you want a non-corporate experience and also the chance to taste wines from an owner who really cares about getting it right, then you’ve come to the eclectic Babcock Winery. Make sure to tour the unusual gift store...you’ll certainly find some things to buy beyond great wine. Babcock’s pinots are among the best I’ve tasted, btw. The winery is constantly trying out new things in their own unique biodynamic way, so who knows what interesting wines will appear on their shelves or particularly in your next shipment (when you join their wine club). On a side note: There’s some serious eye candy working at this place, especially during the harvest season, so be on the lookout.
10. The Murals of Lompoc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
A map showing mural locations is available at most hotels and online
Reviewed By virginiabP2735KE - Oxnard, United States
There are 36 full-size murals covering building walls in the city of Lompoc, CA. All are of extremely high quality (not the work of graffiti artists). While they were painted over the last 30 years (1991 to recent), they of such quality that their age is not recognizable. Some were a 'mural in a day,' produced by a Master Artist with a team of participating artists (I counted as many as 20 names on one). It is well worth a side trip to Lompoc if in the area and I would allow 1/2 a day in order to do justice to these amazing murals.
