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You are here: Home / Blog / Things to Do and Eat in Lompoc, California

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Things to Do and Eat in Lompoc, California

Lompoc (California) is a town known for wine, murals and flower fields.

Never heard of it before? Do not worry.  I do not think you are alone.

If you talk to California locals or long-time residents, it is probable they have no idea where this town is located. Yet, that doesn’t erase the fact that this town serves as an excellent vacation spot or weekend getaway.

If you are considering places to stay in or near the California Coast, let me show you the best things to do in Lompoc!

Table of Contents

  • How to Reach Lompoc, California
  • Things to Do in Lompoc, California
    • Indulge at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto
    • Get a Dose of History at La Purisima Mission State Park
    • Go Mural Hunting
    • Walk the Streets of Old Town
    • Stop by the Lompoc Museum
    • Get your Fine Art Fix
    • Enjoy the Blooming Flower Fields
    • Camp at Jalama Beach
    • Enjoy the Views at Surf Beach
    • Visit Ocean Beach Park
    • Enjoy the Amenities of River Park
    • Stop by an Indoor Water Park
    • Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
    • Learn about Wild Horses
  • Lompoc Restaurants
  • Nearby Attractions
  • More of Southern California
    • Related posts:

How to Reach Lompoc, California

Lompoc is located on the westernmost part of the Santa Inez Valley (Santa Barbara County).  The town can be reached in one hour (55 miles) from Santa Barbara, 30 minutes (22 miles) from Solvang and 2.5 hours (150 miles) from Los Angeles.  I encourage you to make Lompoc part of a Santa Ynez Valley weekend trip.

The closest major airport is located in Santa Barbara.  There are ways to reach the town using public transportation but renting a car is recommendable.

An Amtrak station is located across Surf Beach (basically in the middle of nowhere).  If you arrive by train, you will still need transportation to reach the town and move around.

Things to Do in Lompoc, California

There are a lot of things to do in Lompoc.  You will need at least two days to check out all the attractions in town.  In addition, you can extend your stay by visiting other towns in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County.

This article will concentrate on what to do in Lompoc per se.  I consider myself an expert on the area so feel free to check my complete guides to Solvang and Los Olivos.

Indulge at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Lompoc is located in wine country.  To be more specific, the town is within close proximity to the Santa Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). I try to avoid generalizations as much as possible.  However, I have to acknowledge a good share of visitors stops by the town to try the fruits of the vines cultivated in this area.

The distinctively named Wine Ghetto consists of 20 wineries/wine tasting rooms housed in an industrial complex.  You will not find state of the art facilities full of shiny bells and whistles.  But, be prepared to have handcrafted, soulful wines.  I am referring to the stuff that makes you sigh hard.  On top of that, you may be served by the person who created the wine or by somebody who has an intimate knowledge of the operations.

Come here if you want to spend a good chunk of the day tasting.  The ability to walk between tasting rooms is a plus.

Here are some recommendations for starters:

Flying Goat Cellars – A legion of fans adore the pinot noirs, pinot gris and sparkling wines produced by this label

Montemar Wines – Small production winery with a great reputation.  They focus on Rhone and Burgundian varietals

Taste of Santa Rita Hills – This place affords the opportunity to try different wines from the area.  Several of their offerings come from producers without tasting rooms

Piedrasassi Wine & Bread – This place is open to tastings by appointment only.  Mentioning it in here since it also sells fresh bread of Fridays afternoon (wines are for sale at that time too)

Palmina Winery – Specializes in Italian varietals (a nice change of pace in a place where French varietals are the norm)

Important Note: Most of the tasting rooms in the Wine Ghetto open during the weekends.  As popularity grows, some have started to open Thursdays and Mondays.  Confirm opening hours before your visit.

Mural in Lompoc, California

Get a Dose of History at La Purisima Mission State Park

If you didn’t know, the history of modern California has roots on a series of missions (churches), presidios (military posts) and pueblos (villages) founded by Spaniards. Most of these, exist nowadays in some sort of shape or form.

Most of California’s 21 missions are located in urban settings (since major towns developed around them).  Because of this, it is hard to imagine how life was during the late 1700s and early 1800s when there were no other settlers (or structures) around.

La Purisima Mission is located in a lot surrounded by rolling hills, trees and wildlife.  From the site, no signs of civilization are visible.  Therefore, you feel in the same shoes of the original inhabitants.  You are in the wilderness out there. To me, that is reason enough to visit.

La Purisima Mision in Lompoc, California

La Purisima is a State Historic Park operated by the California State Park Systems (it is not under the management of the Catholic Church like most of the Missions). That means there is an entrée fee ($6) but, on the other hand, it means you are going to have access to a visitor center, guided tours, interpretative signs, well-maintained hiking trails and facilities such as restrooms and water fountains.

I highly recommend a visit to this site since there is a lot to see and learn.  Plus, the structure itself is beautiful!

Note: The other mission located in the valley, gives the entire region its name: Santa Ynez (20 miles from Lompoc).

La Purisima Mision in Lompoc, California, Things to do in Lompoc

Go Mural Hunting

You guys know I am a big fan of street art, murals, and graffiti.

Imagine how pleased I was when I discovered that Lompoc has more than 40 murals clustered around its Old Town.  Walking around is a total feast for the eyes.  The murals are high-quality and provide insight into the town’s founding, prominent citizens, urban legends, main industries, and surrounding natural sights.   The burst of colors is everywhere.

If you are planning to see the murals, head to Downtown Lompoc (H Street between Cypress Avenue and Walnut Avenue).  You can ask for a map at the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce (111 South I Street).

What to do in Lompoc, Mural in Lompoc, California

What to do in Lompoc, Mural in Lompoc, California

Walk the Streets of Old Town

Well, if you decide to take my previous recommendation, you are going to end in Old Town anyway.  While in there, try to unglue your eyes from the murals and pay attention to the architecture.  Notorious buildings include the First Baptist Church, Grace Temple, Lilley Building and Lompoc Theater. If you want to learn more or have more context, you can do the one-mile, self-guided Heritage Walk.  Maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce or online.

Old Town is known for its specialty stores as well. You can find antiques, gifts and local-made products at T & T Sweet Repeats and A Little Something Special and More.

And, if you enjoy spotting local landmarks (I fall in that category), stop by Rice Bowl to check out the neon signs shaped like bowls of chow mein.

Things to do in Lompoc, Church in Old Town in Lompoc, California

Stop by the Lompoc Museum

Located in Old Town as well, the Lompoc Museum has exhibits showcasing Chumash (original inhabitants of the area) artifacts, pioneer’s stories and the town’s relation to space exploration.  Guided tours are available (call or e-mail for additional details).

Other museums in town include the Artesia School (115 W Chestnut Avenue) and Andrew L. Huyck House.

Museum in Lompoc, California

Get your Fine Art Fix

As you may have noticed, Lompoc’s Old Town exudes art and history (literarily) at every corner.  In the art category, let me make another addition. The Cypress Gallery has on display the work of more than 60 local artists.  Come to take a look at paintings, photos, ceramics, jewelry and more.

Do not forget to check the murals painted on the sides and back on the gallery’s building.  Plus, on an alley behind the structure, several murals showcasing flowers can be found.  These are some of my favorites in the town.

Cypress Gallery in Lompoc, California

What to do in Lompoc, Mural in Lompoc, California

Enjoy the Blooming Flower Fields

Lompoc has a long history of commercial flower growing.  Throughout the years, because of many factors, this activity has declined but there are still some businesses planting flowers.

As a consequence, it is possible to see Bells of Ireland, Delphinium, Larkspur, and Stock in full bloom from April to September.  If you are interested in seeing the flowers, you can drive along Central Avenue (between Bailey and Sugar Union Avenues).  Other fields are located along La Purisima Road, close to the Mission.

Keep in mind the flower fields are privately owned.  You can take a look but interacting with the flowers is not permitted.  A flower festival is held late June every year.

Flower fields in Lompoc, California, Things to do in lompoc,

Photo by Harold Litwiler

Camp at Jalama Beach

To be honest, Lompoc is not seen as a beach destination.  However, a short drive will take you to some pretty awesome beaches.

Jalama is one of those beautiful, wild and not-so-known beaches.  What started as a Chumash settlement has turned into a haven for surfing, fishing, hiking, swimming and bird watching.  A lot of people love this place because it feels completely disconnected from civilization.

The adventure starts by taking a windy road (CA-1) along hills and vineyards.  Then, you will turn into Jalama Road to reach your final destination (about 14 miles).

You can visit for the day ($10 fee) or stay (tent or RV).  For reservations, visit Santa Barbara County Parks.  I recommend making reservations far in advance since camping next to the beach is very popular in California.  Dogs are allowed for an additional fee ($3 each).

Jalama is also famous for the burgers prepared and served at the Beach Store and Grill (open 7 days a week).  This unassuming establishment has a legion of fans.  So, try a Jalama Burger and let me know if it is worth the hype.

Jalama Beach in Lompoc, California

Photo by Pierce Martin

Enjoy the Views at Surf Beach

If for one reason or another, you cannot make it to Jalama, a visit to Surf Beach (at the end of Ocean Avenue) will give you a good feeling of how remote beaches look.

This beach is closer to Downtown Lompoc but it feels worlds apart from a city.  It is a long stretch of white, fine sand extending as long as your eye can see.  The wind has created “small dunes” in some parts.  Therefore, a ripple effect is seen when you stand in a high position.

Now, as mentioned this is a rough beach.  You will not feel like testing the waters once you see the violent surf.  On top of that, white great shark attacks have been registered there.  I am not kidding! There is a sign warning visitors.

Note: Some parts of this beach are closed March to September to protect the nests of the Snowy Plover, an endangered species.

Surf Beach in Lompoc, California

Surf Beach in Lompoc, California

Visit Ocean Beach Park

Next, to Surf Beach, you are going to find the Ocean Beach Park.  This is a good option if you find Surf Beach too undeveloped for your liking.

The Beach Park is good for beach walks, hiking (next to the estuary), biking and picnicking.

Ocean Beach Park in Lompoc, California

Enjoy the Amenities of River Park

I am mentioning River Park since it is a great place to visit with the entire family.  The place counts with trails, restrooms, group barbeque areas, volleyball courts, and playgrounds.  In addition, it has 35 campsites.  So, if you cannot find a camping spot in Jalama, try this place.  You will be close to all the main attractions while having your “wilderness” experience.

Other parks with trails and different services include:

  • Beattie Park
  • Miguelito Park
  • River Bend Park

Stop by an Indoor Water Park

I wasn’t expecting this but the Lompoc Aquatic Center has water slides, a lap pool, a play structure, and a therapy pool.  The best part is that admission is only $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids.  Imagine all the fun you can have!

This is a superb option for families with kids.  Plus, you do not have to worry about getting sunburned! The center is opened to the public Saturdays and Sundays.

Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Every Friday, vendors meet in Old Lompoc from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can find things such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked good, honey, nuts and much more.

In addition, you may notice small stands, next to the roads, selling all sorts of goodies and local products.  I recommend stopping and checking the selection.  I have bought so much good stuff in these places!

Wine crosswalk in Lompoc, California

Learn about Wild Horses

The Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary is located along Jalama Road (the same road that takes you to the beach).  This is not necessarily a place suitable for the masses but I am sure animal and conservation lovers would be delighted to learn about it.

The sanctuary provides a safe home to 400 wild horses and burros.  These fabulous animals are allowed to roam around 1,500 acres of land.  In addition, the organization running the sanctuary is dedicated to educating the public and advocate for the well-being of wild horses.

You can visit the sanctuary on guided tours (last Saturday of the month, $50), photo safari ($200) or private tours.    Volunteering opportunities are available.  Visit this page for more details.

Lompoc Restaurants

Well, while in town, you will need to eat.  I am going to be completely transparent about this, I do not find Lompoc’s gastronomic scene that exciting. But things are improving, and the future is promising.

Here are some of the best Lompoc restaurants to try:

Scratch Kitchen – one of the newest additions to the town’s roster of restaurants.  Specialize in serving dishes with the freshest ingredients from the area.  The menu includes fish tacos, sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads (all are modern interpretations of classics)

Valle Eatery – expect tons of local, seasonal ingredients.  Be ready to try battered Brussel sprouts, roasted squash, brick oven pizzas, and tri-tip tacos.

Floriano’s – this place will satisfy all your Mexican Food cravings.  The ample menu features tortas, tacos, seafood, and even a hot Cheetos burrito

Chow Ya – the concept of this restaurant is considered Asian-Fusion.  Poke, salmon, bulgogi and veggie bowls are served

Alfie’s – a local favorite to get fish and chips. They serve clam strips, scallops, catfish, and hushpuppies too

Mansion in Old Town in Lompoc, California

Nearby Attractions

The Santa Ynez Valley is full of beautiful towns and fun attractions.  There is plenty to do in the area.  Below are some ideas on how to extend your stay in Lompoc and the surrounding areas.

Solvang – this is California’s Little Denmark.  Visit to discover all sort of Danish treats (architecture, food, sweets).  Solvang is located about 6 miles from Los Olivos and has a considerably larger selection of services (restaurants, hotels, etc.)

If you are spending some time in Solvang or visiting for a day, I recommend you take a look at my detailed article on Things to Do in Solvang.

Keep exploring by checking out the following posts:

Solvang Pictures: The Danish Village of my Dreams

Solvang Images: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home

Solvang Bakeries and Sweet Treats

Solvang Wineries and Tasting Rooms

Los Olivos (27 miles) – this is the main wine tasting town of the Valley.  Visit if you are interested in trying the fruits of the vines. I have a complete guide on Things to Do in Los Olivos

Ostrichland USA (19 miles) – a fun spot where you can feed ostriches and emus

Quicksilver Ranch (24 miles) – ranch breeding miniature horses.  The public is welcome to stop by to take a look at the horses for free

Chumash Casino Resort (25 miles) – this is a spot for those who enjoy gambling and buffets

Santa Ynez (25 miles)– this is the cowboy town of the valley

Buellton (18 miles) – another small town with good restaurants and several tasting rooms

More of Southern California

Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles

Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

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Things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley, #SantaBarbara – Travel tips and ideas - Lompoc is a town known for wine, murals and flower fields. In addition, it has beaches, parks and an aquatic center. If you are considering places to stay in or near the #California Coast, let me show you the best things to do in #Lompoc!

Things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley, #SantaBarbara – Travel tips and ideas - Lompoc is a town known for wine, murals and flower fields. In addition, it has beaches, parks and an aquatic center. If you are considering places to stay in or near the #California Coast, let me show you the best things to do in #Lompoc!

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Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Motel sign, Buellton, Things to do in BuelltonThings to Do in Buellton, California Colorful building, trees and flowers in Downtown Santa BarbaraDowntown Santa Barbara: Things to Do, See and Eat


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  1. Jill says

    December 29, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Lompoc looks like a fun town to visit. I know I’ve heard of it before primarily for it’s murals. I’ve been in that area before but not visited. Maybe next time.

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