Where the Heck is Lompoc?

Lompoc (lom-poke) is a small city that is hidden in a peaceful valley and removed from the main highways in California.  While it is not large (42,000+), Lompoc has many attractions that draw in senior visitors from all across the country. It’s called a “city of arts and flowers” and is very famous for the wide variety of flowers that are grown in and around Lompoc.

The city is 50 miles NW of Santa Barbara and 60 miles south of San Luis Obispo. Originally settled by the Chumash Indians, they recognized the majesty of this region, made it the heart of their society and gave the city its name. Known today as the Valley of Flowers, this rich valley is the nation’s most prolific flower seed producing region. Cool ocean breezes give Lompoc a wonderful year-round climate, producing a lush environment for the production of vegetables as well as flowers.

It’s in Lompoc that senior visitors will experience a “step back in time” as you visit La Purisima Mission dating back to the 1880s. The Mission is a California State Historic Park with highly accurate restored grounds.  The Old Town Heritage Walk is enjoyable. The local historical society is a must for senior history aficionados. If you enjoy visiting older homes, the Fabing-McKay-Spanne House is a beauty. Lompoc has over 40 murals painted on building exteriors by several of the nation’s most famous muralists.

Lompoc Flower Festival and Vandenberg Invite Senior Travelers

Each last full weekend in June features a carnival, arts and crafts fair, food booths and family entertainment. The local chamber  invites tourists to take a self-guided tour through “Valley of Flowers” where senior visitors will see many patches and long rows of colors, varieties of cut flowers and those grown for seed. Also notice the vegetable farms and the famous Central Coast Pinquito Bean. Located just seven miles west of Lompoc is Vandenberg Air Force Base that is among the nation’s most important military and aerospace installation.

Lompoc’s Wine Ghetto is an assemblage of small wine production and tasting facilities. At first glance, you might miss it, as it is simply a collection of steel industrial buildings – nothing fancy. Once you enter however, over one dozen tasting rooms are at your disposal, offering some of the finest wines the California Central Coast has to offer.

Don’t miss those wineries and the host of other attractions offered in Lompoc. TripAdvisor lists the major attractions, activities not to be missed.  Enjoy your visit to Lompoc. jeb