Lompoc Love Letter

Last month, I spent some time in a place like no other. I have been many times before, and it never disappoints. This small beach town has pockets of culture, art and wine. It’s a place where the locals are warm and friendly. A place called Lompoc.

Start your mornings off by getting a coffee or matcha at South Side Coffee Co. They have a section of cool items for sale by local artists. You can take a stroll around Old Town Lompoc and enjoy all the beautiful murals that are on the buildings. Or head over to Jupiter’s Spark Collection and get lost in all the vintage clothing, records, home decor and niknaks. If you're like me and enjoy a midday taco, Carniceria La Mexicanais is a must. It is a little butcher shop/food market that just so happens to sell some of the best tacos and tamales in the area. Enjoy tasting high quality wines from down to earth producers. Or have a beach day at Lompoc Surf, or Ocean Park. If you don’t mind a little drive, I highly recommend Jalama Beach and get the famous burger while you're there. If you have a dog, Barkin Park dog park is phenomenal. There is enough room for dogs of all sizes to run around, play with toys and there are little kiddy pools for them to cool off on hot days. It’s hands down the cleanest dog park I have ever been to in California thanks to everyone in the community.

Lompoc is also home to historical places like La Purisima Mission State Park, which is the most fully restored mission in California. Here, you can see how the Chumash people who had been removed from their land were living on the Mission. You can hike on the trails that span over 20 miles, and say hello to the local farm animals that live on the grounds. 

You’re a short drive away from small towns like Los Alamos that have some of the best antique stores and a phenomenal bakery that is dog friendly called Bob’s Well Bread Bakery. Los Olivos, which is a wine and food enthusiast wet dream. And Solvang where you will be engulfed by Danish culture, and eat more pastries than you thought was humanly possible.

No matter if you're looking for an adventure or just a relaxing get away, Lompoc is the place to go. And if you're lucky, a place to call home.