Fall is an ideal time to tour Southern California. The temperatures drop a bit and the humidity backs off, making outdoor adventures more enjoyable. If you’re looking for fun weekend activities, look no further than Lompoc.
Whether you spend the day in historic Old Town or venture just outside the city borders into the sprawling hills of wine country, you have a variety of activities to choose from.
Consider these fall activities:
- Take a self-guided mural tour
Head to Old Town, the historic heart of the city, to see 30+ murals that dot the roadsides. Some larger-than-life murals stretch across buildings while others liven up narrow alleyways.
Download the mural map before you go and park at the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce to kick off your tour. You’ll find about 20 murals near Art Alley, which is right near the parking lot.
Explore the murals, snap some photos, and then grab a drink and a quick bite at South Side Coffee Co. before you go.
- Explore La Purisima Mission
An estimated 200,000 visitors tour La Purisima Mission each year and with good reason. It is the most extensively restored mission in the state of California! With restored buildings, picnic facilities, visitor center, and acres of trails to explore, the mission is an educational and popular stop in Lompoc.
You can take a guided tour of the property, stop in for live events, or wander the park’s 25 miles of trails.
- Tour local wineries
Lompoc has become a Central Coast hotspot for wine lovers exploring the Sta. Rita Hills.
If you simply want to sip wine with a few friends, head to the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Don’t the let name fool you. This industrial-looking area is home to a handful of trendy tasting rooms. Most are open on the weekend and offer samples of homegrown wine alongside a few munchies.
If you’re up for a little more of an adventure, head out to the Sta. Rita Hills region where you’ll find estate wineries with lush vineyards that wrap around the hillsides. For instance, Babcock Winery and Vineyards has a retro rock-and-roll tasting room to explore, while Sanford Winery & Vineyards offers ATV tours of the fields.
If you’d rather skip the driving, take a wine tour instead. There are a handful of tours that stop at vineyards, giving you the chance to explore, sip, and relax.
- Discover Southern California’s farms and ranches
Lompoc is home to several one-of-a-kind ranches, including a 300-acre horse sanctuary, a lavender farm, and a ranch that offers farm-to-table meals served in the countryside.
Return to Freedom operates a sanctuary for 400 wild horses, which you can tour by appointment or check out the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm. It’s a sight to see with fields of vibrant lavender in bloom, DIY workshops, and a unique gift shop. If you’re in the mood for a unique dining experience, explore Dare 2 Dream Farms, where you can enjoy a farm-raised meal in a rustic, outdoor setting.
If you’re itching to get out and enjoy some of SoCal’s most unique fall spots, Lompoc is the place to visit. With great accommodations, food aplenty, and must-see attractions, you’ll be glad you came.
